South African TV Personality Derek Watts Steps Back from Work to Focus on Health

by
1 min read
health south africa

South African television personality and Carte Blanche anchor Derek Watts is taking time off from work to prioritize his health, according to a statement released on Sunday. The statement revealed that Derek was diagnosed with skin cancer that had spread to his lungs last year. This comes just weeks after he collapsed while on vacation with his family due to a suspected stroke, leading to a severe sepsis diagnosis and a challenging rehabilitation process.

Dedication to Carte Blanche

Despite his diagnosis, Derek remained devoted to his role on Carte Blanche, South Africa’s longest-running investigative journalism TV program. The statement highlighted Derek’s positive outlook and unwavering support from his family and medical team.

Message of Gratitude

In a recorded video message from his hospital bed, Derek expressed his gratitude to his Carte Blanche colleagues and viewers for their support. He praised his colleagues’ work on the show and stated his intention to return once he has fully recovered.

Support from Executive Producer and MultiChoice Group CEO

Carte Blanche Executive Producer John Webb acknowledged the outpouring of love and encouragement from the public and described Derek as a “patriarch, mentor, colleague, and friend.” MultiChoice Group CEO of General Entertainment Nomsa Philiso also conveyed her well-wishes and admiration for Derek’s commitment to the channel.

A Respected Journalist

Derek Watts has been an integral part of Carte Blanche since its inception in 1988 and has received numerous awards for his exceptional work. With over thirty years of experience, he is one of South Africa’s most respected journalists and a symbol of truth and justice.

The statement assured that updates on Derek’s progress would be provided while also requesting privacy for him and his family during his recovery. Derek’s resilience and determination serve as a testament to the power of hope in the face of adversity.

Tags:

You might be interested in

View all

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

bayer south africa
Previous Story

Bayer Secures Patent Victory: A Look at the Impact on South African Consumers

mexican cuisine mezcal market
Next Story

A Culinary Adventure in Mexico at Una Más – Mezcaleria in Sea Point

Latest from Blog

baboon conservation human-wildlife conflict

Unsettled Dispute Over the Cape Peninsula Baboons: A Ten-Year-Old Quandary

For over ten years, there have been ongoing conflicts between humans and baboons in South Africa over sharing habitats. Baboon conservation organization Baboon Matters has taken legal action against various authorities due to their failure to implement strategies to resolve the conflict, putting both humans and baboons at risk. Specific demands include baboonproof fences, bins, traffic calming measures, and insulation of electric power lines. The lack of collaboration among authorities has put the wellbeing of Cape Peninsula baboons at risk, causing suffering for both locals and baboons.

public housing south africa

A New Era of Public Housing in South Africa

South Africa is focused on improving public housing conditions and recognizing its elderly tenants for their contributions. The city is committed to investing in safety measures and higher rental payments, with the revenue gained essential for better living environments. Residents are urged to fulfill their role by paying rent, which supports a wellmaintained public housing system and contributes to a safer and more dignified community.

caster semenya athletics

Mokgadi Semenya: An Emblem of Bravery and Perseverance Despite Unfair Obstacles in Athletics

Caster Mokgadi Semenya is an Olympic champion who has faced unfair restrictions related to testosterone levels in sports, sparking conversations on equality and fairness in sports and drawing attention from the European Court of Human Rights. Despite this, Semenya has received unwavering support from her home country, South Africa, as they strive for justice and equality. The ECHR’s Grand Chamber is due to review the issue raised by the Swiss government regarding the ECHR’s 2023 decision in a hearing scheduled for Wednesday, 15 May 2024, and Semenya’s hardships serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle for equality in sports and society at large.

south african satanic church markus jooste

Decoding the Enigma: The South African Satanic Church’s Covert Influences

The covert influences of the South African Satanic Church have been revealed by Riaan Swiegelaar, cofounder of the controversial church. He disclosed that Markus Jooste, former CEO of Steinhoff, was a significant contributor to the establishment of the SASC, and that prominent South Africans, including CEOs and figures in the media and music industries, were involved in satanism behind a veil of secrecy. Swiegelaar’s aim is not to expose names but to shed light on the reasons behind the impediments to deregister the SASC. His revelations uncover a darker facet of South African society, involving religion, power, and secrecy.

cape town winelands airport sustainable development

Transforming The Cape Town Winelands Airport: A New Era of Economic Growth and Sustainability

The Cape Town Winelands Airport is undergoing an extensive expansion plan that aims to create a new era of economic growth and sustainability. The project includes the development of a Code F runway and additional facilities such as a plaza, hotel, conference center, and winetasting facilities. The expansion prioritizes environmental considerations, aiming to be completely offgrid for water and electricity by employing solar and biogas power derived from chicken manure. The project is expected to create 60,000 jobs during construction and capture onefourth of the local market share by 2050 while balancing growth and sustainability.