by Thinus Ferreira
Derek Watts, the iconic South African TV anchor of Carte Blanche on M-Net (DStv 101) on Sunday nights, and considered the weekly current affairs show's "patriarch", has revealed his cancer fight amidst an ongoing health battle, saying he's determined to return to the show he's anchored for 35 years when he's better.
The highly-respected journalist and TV presenter standing 1.9 metres tall who has been with Carte Blanche for 35 years, suffered a big health scare in late March which landed him in hospital, and on Sunday night revealed that he's privately been battling cancer as well.
The veteran Carte Blanche anchor was diagnosed with severe sepsis after he collapsed in Hoedspruit during a family trip and said that he had to learn to walk again with the help of a physiotherapist.
On Sunday night, a frail-looking Derek Watts in a taped recording made on Saturday from a Netcare hospital bed, revealed his cancer battle to Carte Blanche viewers but noted that he planned to return to the show when he's better.
Last year Derek Watts was diagnosed with skin cancer that had spread to his lungs. With the support of his family and specialists, he was able to continue presenting Carte Blanche, but the sepsis infection in March complicated his cancer treatment.
"Another short hospital stay, but I'm fine - I'll be out of here soon," Derek Watts said.
"Really just wanted to say to our viewers - thank you for all the love, the messages, the prayers that give us all hope. and thanks of course for continuing to watch Carte Blanche. I'll be back soon, have a magic week and cheers for now."
The Hillbrow-born TV presenter who grew up in Bulawayo joined the South African public broadcaster's SABC News division in 1985 and later co-anchored its Top Sport sports magazine show.
He jumped to M-Net when the pay-TV channel decided to start Carte Blanche in 1988 as a new South African current affairs magazine TV show two years after M-Net had launched.
Derek Watts was the original co-host of Carte Blanche alongside Ruda Landman and has been with the Combined Artistic Productions produced show for the past 35 years - door-stopping various criminals caught in the act and doing interviews around the world, taking him from Mount Everest to the nuclear aircraft carrier George Washington during the Gulf War.
MultiChoice in a statement on Sunday night after the episode confirmed that "Derek Watts will be
stepping back from his work to focus on his health" for the time being.
"While this news is undoubtedly disheartening, we remain
hopeful and optimistic about Derek's journey toward recovery. We have complete
confidence in the expertise and dedication of his medical team, who will
provide the best possible care and support throughout this process."
John Webb, Carte Blanche executive producer, in the statement, says "Derek has touched the lives of many throughout his
remarkable career, and his unwavering spirit has been a source of inspiration
for all. This was especially clear when, earlier this year, he was hospitalised
with severe sepsis".
"Derek took enormous comfort from the thousands of messages
he received during his recovery from sepsis. Following his cancer diagnosis, I know his resolve will be
strengthened by the continued love and support of the people to whom he
dedicated his working life. We join all of you in wishing strength and recovery
to our patriarch, mentor, colleague, and friend."
Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice Group CEO of general entertainment, says "M-Net would like to send
a message of support and well-wishes to veteran investigative journalist and
long-time Carte Blanche presenter Derek Watts".
"We hold him, his family and
friends in our thoughts and prayers and wish him strength and courage as he
fights this illness."
"The team at M-Net has the utmost respect and admiration
for Derek and his commitment to the channel for the last 36 years. Derek's
immense contribution to Carte Blanche forms the tapestry and legacy of the
M-Net brand. We will continue to support him during this challenging time."
"During this challenging time, we
kindly request that his privacy and that of his loved ones be respected, allowing
him the space needed to focus on his recovery."
