Derek Watts

Derek Watts has been a household name in South Africa since 1988, when he, together with Ruda Landman, became the first anchor of the MNET news and actuality show Carte Blanche. Derek, who started his television career as an SABC sports reporter in 1985, has been with Carte Blanche ever since, embarking on numerous exciting projects and winning dozens of awards.

Derek is in high demand for corporate MC work, presentations and guest speaking; his most popular presentation being titled “You have the Right to know it all", in which he explores South African journalism over the past 25 years.

Derek also talks about the Carte Blanche phenomenon, the program and the people - stories from behind and in front of the lens. It's a saga that goes back to the very first days of TV news at SABC when film cameras ruled to the mini "hidden" video cameras that help to uncover corruption and fraud. It's a journey that has got some sad moments, like when producer Rick Lomba was killed by a tiger in Luanda, but seeks the positive and uplifting with a strong dose of humour thrown in.