Carte Blanche’s Derek Watts ‘learning to walk again’ after sepsis

Renowned South African journalist and Carte Blanche host Derek Watts is recovering and learning to walk again after collapsing in Hoedspruit last month.

Watts who has been with Carte Blanche since its inception in 1988 is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most respected journalists with over thirty years of experience.  

The TV personality and gentle giant who has become a household name on the investigative journalism show has won numerous awards for his work.

Derek Watts recovering

Watts took to Twitter on Sunday morning, informing his followers that he is recovering at Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg after an incident initially suspected to be a stroke.

Learning to walk

“Morning! Looks scary but collapsed with suspected stroke in Hoedspruit 14 days ago and despatched to super pro Mill Park Hospital ICU. Diagnosed severe Sepsis which destroyed the bod in an hour!” tweeted Watts.

“So learning to walk again. But back on your #CarteBlanche screen asap!”

Morning! Looks scary but collapsed with suspected stroke in Hoedspruit 14 days ago and despatched to super pro Mill Park Hospital ICU. Diagnosed severe Sepsis which destroyed the bod in an hour! So learning to walk again. But back on your #carteblanche screen asap! @MNet @DStv pic.twitter.com/EuwubujWIU

— Derek Watts (@DerekWatts) April 2, 2023

‘Carte Blanche’

Carte Blanche wished Watts a speedy recovery and looked forward to having him back on the show.

“We look forward to having you back in the #CarteBlanche studio soon!” reads the tweet.

“But for now, focus on healing both body and mind. You have the entire team behind you.”

We look forward to having you back in the #CarteBlanche studio soon! But for now, focus on healing both body and mind. You have the entire team behind you 💙💙💙 https://t.co/h9DYJVlm1a

— Carte Blanche (@carteblanchetv) April 2, 2023

With his tenacious work ethic, Watts missed being on the show – a sentiment of someone who is a true professional.

“Huge thanks to the incredible #CarteBlanche team for filling in for this ‘small’ fellow recovering from Sepsis.”

“Back home four days and now walking unsupported for short distances. Really appreciated all the messages from viewers. You are the stars of the show!”

Wishing you a speedy recovery Derek. Really miss you on my screen and the cutting edge reporting. You are a legend. Get well and hope to see you back soon doing what you love. @carteblanchetv

— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 (@FaizelPatel143) April 3, 2023

Well wishes to Derek Watts

Well wishes also poured in for Watts from the media fraternity.

Robert Marwa tweeted: “Get back on your feet legend!! Speedy recovery!! Really sorry about what happened.”

Get back on ur feet LEGEND!!

Speedy recovery!! Really sorry about what happened.🙏🏾💝🙏🏾

— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) April 2, 2023

Carte Blanche journalist and presenter Masa Kekana also missed having Watts on the show.

“We miss and love you so much D, looking forward to [having] you back, CB Avenger.”

Devi Sankaree Govender, Katy Katopodis, Leanne Manas and Erin Bates amongst many others also wished Watts well on his road to recovery

After such a heavy show Sim Tshabalala's story has lightened up my mood #CarteBlanche

— Karabo GP (@karabo_dire) April 2, 2023

ALSO READ: Thabo Bester: Private security firm offers R100 000 reward for information