Derek Neil Watts is a well-known South African investigative journalist and television presenter.
He devoted 35 years of his life to the popular TV show Carte Blanche, which aired on M-Net.
Sadly, he passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional reporting and storytelling.
His work will always be remembered and appreciated by South African audiences.
File
- Full Name: Derek Neil Watts
- Stage Name: Derek Watts
- Date of birth: November 24, 1948
- Date of death: August 22, 2023 (age 74)
- Place of birth: Hillbrow, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Nationality: South African
- Occupation: South African investigative journalist and television presenter.
- Height: 5’8
- Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Watts
- Siblings: unknown
- Spouse: Belinda Watts
- Children: 2
- Relationship: married
- Net Worth: $100,000 to $1 million
Childhood life and education.
Derek Neil Watts was born on 24 November 1948 in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, South Africa. He was raised by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Watts, and has siblings whose names are not known to the media.
He is of African descent and is a Christian. When he was five years old, he moved to Bulawayo (then Southern Rhodesia), the second largest city in Zimbabwe, and grew up there.
Career
Derek Watts is a renowned South African investigative journalist and television presenter, known for his influential work on the popular television show Carte Blanche.
He was a key figure on the show for more than three decades, from 1988 to 2023, and was widely recognised for his engaging on-screen presence and investigative reporting skills.
Watts’ work on Carte Blanche often shed light on corruption, human rights abuses, and other sensitive topics, playing a key role in bringing these issues to the public eye and holding those responsible accountable.
His contributions to South African journalism have been recognised with numerous awards and honours, including the prestigious South African Television Personality of the Year award.
Awards and nominations
Posthumous Awards:
- Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs)
Other notable awards and nominations:
- Numerous awards for his work on the investigative journalism program “Carte Blanche”.
- Nominated for his work on TV shows and other projects
Social media.
Derek Watts’ social media accounts have yet to be discovered by the media.
Personal life
Derek Watts is a respected and beloved journalist and television personality in South Africa. He is married to Belinda Watts and they have two sons together.
Watts is best known for his work on the popular M-Net investigative journalism show “Carte Blanche,” where he has been lending his talents for over 35 years. Tragically, in 2022, Watts was diagnosed with skin cancer, which later spread to his lungs.
Despite his poor health, Watts remained dedicated to his work and was known for his unwavering professionalism. However, in March 2023, he suffered a suspected stroke and was later diagnosed with severe sepsis.
Sadly, Watts announced his retirement from “Carte Blanche” in July of that year. He passed away on August 22, 2023 at the age of 74, leaving behind a legacy of journalistic excellence and integrity. He will be missed and greatly missed by his colleagues, friends and fans.
Net worth
Derek Neil Watts is a highly respected journalist and television personality in South Africa.
Despite his success and fame, his estimated net worth is between $100,000 and $1 million, which underscores the importance of using one’s platform for meaningful work rather than just personal financial gain.
