‘Hambe kahle, my friend’ – Devi Sankaree Govender to Derek Watts

by Staff Bona

Many are mourning the death of veteran journalist Derek Watts, including his former Carte Blanche colleague and friend Devi Sankaree Govender.

Derek sadly passed away on Tuesday, 22 August at the age of 75 after battling skin cancer which later spread to his lungs.

Having been on the iconic show for 35 years, Derek announced in July that he would not be returning to Carte Blanche as he would be focusing on his health. Earlier this year, Derek was rushed to the ICU after a suspected stroke.

Taking to Instagram, Devi, who joined Carte Blanche in 2002, shared the following:

“Gutted that my long-time partner in crime @derekwatts1 passed away yesterday. I had the privilege of working alongside him for 18 years on #@carteblanchetv @mnettv. I watched the very 1st episode of CB as a wide-eyed teenager and felt an absolute resonance with investigative television journalism. I found my way there and loved working with this absolute #OG who loved his country deeply. Thank you Belinda, Tyrone and Kirsty for sharing him with us. Hambe kahle, my friend.”

 

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A post shared by Devi Sankaree Govender (@devi_hq)

Carte Blanche also issued a statement on social media regarding the journalist’s passing.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Carte Blanche anchor and icon, Derek Watts. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning surrounded by loved ones. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and children in this time of loss. He will forever hold a special place in the hearts and minds of his #CarteBlanche family.”

Also see: Veteran journalist Derek Watts has died