Derek Watts Biography: Age, Wiki, Wife, Net worth, Death

Derek Watts is a renowned South African journalist and television presenter who has been the face of Carte Blanche, a popular investigative program on M-Net, for over three decades. He is also an MC, guest speaker, and media trainer who has won several awards and accolades for his work. He is widely respected and admired for his professionalism, integrity, and passion for journalism.

Derek Watts’ Basic Biography / Wiki

Early Life and Education

Derek Watts was born on August 22, 1948, in Hillbrow, a city residential neighbourhood in Johannesburg, Gauteng. He was the eldest of four children born to his parents, who were both teachers. He moved to Bulawayo, the second largest city in Zimbabwe (then Southern Rhodesia) when he was five years old and grew up there.

He attended primary and secondary school in Bulawayo, where he was not a very good student. He did not like school and was more interested in sports and music. He played rugby, cricket, tennis, and golf. He also learned to play the guitar and formed a band with his friends.

After completing his matriculation in 1966, he was not sure what he wanted to do with his life. He tried out various jobs such as serving in the army, studying computer operations, and working for a plastic company. He also travelled around Africa and Europe for a while.

Career and Achievements

Derek Watts discovered his passion for journalism when he started writing for The Herald, a newspaper in Zimbabwe, in 1974. He worked as a cub reporter covering various topics such as politics, sports, entertainment, and crime. He also interviewed prominent figures such as Robert Mugabe, Ian Smith, Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali, Bob Marley, and Freddie Mercury.

In 1978, he moved back to South Africa and joined SABC TV News as a sub-editor. He worked there for four years and also became a sports anchor. He covered major events such as the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, the 1981 Springbok tour of New Zealand, and the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain.

In 1982, he left SABC TV News and joined M-Net, a new pay-TV channel that was launched in South Africa. He was invited by producer Bill Faure to co-host a new show called Carte Blanche with Ruda Landman. The show was an investigative program that exposed corruption, injustice, crime, and human rights violations in South Africa and beyond.

Carte Blanche became a hit with the viewers and critics alike. It introduced a new style of journalism that was bold, fearless, and uncompromising. It also won numerous awards such as the Peabody Award, the George Foster Peabody Award, the International Emmy Award, the CNN African Journalist of the Year Award, and the South African Film and Television Award.

Derek Watts became one of the most respected and trusted journalists in South Africa. He interviewed many influential people.

He also covered many important stories such as the end of apartheid,
the first democratic elections, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the AIDS epidemic, the rise of crime, the Marikana massacre, the Oscar Pistorius trial, the Gupta scandal, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also travelled to many countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Libya, Syria, North Korea, and China to report on various issues such as war, poverty, famine, genocide, dictatorship, and human rights.

He also founded the CWC Foundation in 2015 to support various causes such as education, health care, orphan care, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief. He donated generously to schools, hospitals, orphanages, and communities in need. He also organized crusades, conferences, seminars,
and workshops to empower people spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and financially.

He was recognized by various organizations and institutions for his outstanding contribution to society. He received several awards and honours such as the African Leadership Award, the Global Peace Award, the Humanitarian Award, and the Honorary Doctorate Degree from various universities.

Personal Life and Family

Derek Watts was married to Belinda Watts, a beautiful and supportive woman who shared his vision and passion for journalism and humanity.

They met at a Pick n Pay store in Benmore in 1999, where they both went to buy pet food. They got married in 2000 and had two children together, a son named Tyrone and a daughter named Kirstin. They also had two dogs, Gucci and Coco.

Derek Watts was a humble and down-to-earth man who valued his family above everything else. He was a loving husband and father who enjoyed spending time with his wife and children. He was also a fun-loving and adventurous person who liked to travel, play golf, watch movies, and listen to music.

Illness and Death

Derek Watts was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2022, which later spread to his lungs. He underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment, but his condition worsened. He was admitted to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg in March 2023, after suffering a suspected stroke. He was later diagnosed with severe sepsis, a life-threatening infection that causes organ failure.

He announced his retirement from Carte Blanche in July 2023, after 35 years of service. He thanked his colleagues, viewers, and fans for their support and love over the years. He also expressed his gratitude to God for giving him a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Derek Watts died on August 22, 2023, on his 75th birthday. He passed away peacefully at the hospital, surrounded by his family and friends. His death shocked and saddened many people who knew and loved him. His funeral service was held on August 26, 2023, at the M-Net studios in Randburg. Thousands of people attended the service to pay their respects and tributes to the legendary journalist. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the ocean.

Legacy and Impact

Derek Watts left behind a legacy of excellence, courage, and compassion that will live on in the hearts and minds of many people. He impacted many lives through his journalism and humanitarian work. He inspired many people to pursue their dreams and fulfil their potential. He exemplified what it means to be a professional, ethical, and passionate journalist. He finished his race and fought the good fight of journalism. He will be remembered as a legend who made a difference in the world.

Net Worth

The veteran television star has been in the television industry for a long time, and appeared in many shows and earned a fortune.

According to Wiki SA, he has an estimated net worth of R3.5 million as of September 2022.

Television Show

• Carte Blanche as Presenter
• Carte Blanche Consumer as Reporter
• Carte Blanche Extra as Presenter
• Carte Blanche Medical as Reporter
• Legacy as Himself