On Tuesday 22 August this week, South Africans across the country were left reeling by the passing of Carte Blanche presenter Derek Watts. The seasoned journalist and TV presenter died after a short battle with lung cancer. Just a few weeks earlier, Derek announced that he would not be returning to our screens after 35 years of riveting documentaries.

 

 

Thousands of tributes — including one from his Carte Blanche co-host Masa Kekana — have been shared in honour of Derek whose daughter Kirsty Watts confirmed the news of his passing on social media.South Africans are currently mourning the loss of Carte Blanche host Derek Watts.

The journalist died earlier this week at the age of 74 following a short battle with cancer. In 2022, Derek revealed that he was starting chemotherapy after discovering a lump under his arm which spread to his lungs.

He later announced that he would not be returning to the Carte Blanche set after 35 years on air.

Derek watts carte blanche masa Kekana
Derek Watts died on Tuesday this week. Photos: Twitter/@DerekWatts
ALSO READ: Prayers pour in for Carte Blanche’s Derek Watts

Leaving behind his wife Belinda and their two children, he will be sorely missed by thousands of fans who have shared touching tributes online.

His former colleague and Carte Blanche co-host Masa Kekana also headed online to share her condolences.

“Shattered 💔this is really painful,” she captioned photos of herself and Derek on set. Take a look below:In the comment section, many people shared comforting words with Masa who worked with with him for years before his passing.

“So sorry for your loss. He was an incredible man,” one person wrote while another added:

“Oh man Ausi Masa. When the news broke you and the team are the first people I thought of. How you loved that man and how well you all worked with him. I’m so so sorry for your loss. Askies Ausi”