o many, the late Derek Watts was often recognised as one half of the famous Carte Blanche duo, the other half being his co-presenter Ruda Landman. However, the investigative journalist was a happily married man, who had been with his wife Belinda for over three decades.

Derek was also a doting dad to his children Kirsty and Tyrone.

The veteran TV star was remembered in an intimate memorial service on Thursday, 31 August.

DEREK WATTS: HOW HE MET HIS WIFE
While Derek was a recognisable face to many South Africans, he was just “dad” to his two children Tyrone and Kirsty. He was also a loving husband to his wife Belinda.

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Derek Watts wife and children. Images via Instagram: @belinda_watts/ kirstywattsfoundation
In an interview with Sunday Times, Derek shared how he had met Belinda in the pet food aisle of a local Pick n Pay store in Benmore. Belinda was picking up supplies for her cat, while Derek was tending to a stray dog he had taken in.

 

 

 

The couple wed in 1989 and had been married for close to 35 years.

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A post shared by Belinda Watts (@belinda_watts)

‘I WILL LOVE YOU FOR ETERNITY’
In a speech read out by a family friend during Derek Watts’s memorial service, Belinda spoke out for the first time since his death.

The speech read: “My darling babe. I cannot eloquently put in words just how much you enriched my life with your unconditional love.

“You and our beautiful children are my everything. You gave me all the love and the security I always needed, and I will love you till eternity.”

derek watts
Derek and Belinda on their wedding day. Image via YouTube screenshot: Mnet/Carte Blanche
Belinda dedicated the couple’s favourite song – Lauren Jones’s Compare To You – to her late husband, which was played alongside a video montage of images from their relationship.