Claire Mawisa Pays Touching Tribute to Late Colleague Derek Watts
Claire Mawisa Pays Touching Tribute to Late Colleague Derek Watts. On Tuesday, the media fraternity was hit with the sad news of Derek Watts’ passing. The esteemed Carte Blanche anchor, passed away peacefully on Tuesday morning surrounded by loved ones. Watts is said to have been battling lung cancer for some time.
With shock, many of Watts’ colleagues joined the growing number of social media users sharing heartfelt tributes. The likes of Bongani Bingwa, Karyn Maughan, Thomas Mlambo and so many others, reacted to the news of his passing.
Claire Mawisa, one of Watts’ colleagues has also paid her tribute. The media personality has shared how losing Watts has affected them at work.
“Losing Derek has hit us like an earthquake. it has shaken us to our core. Left me feeling destabilized and unsteady. friends, please know that we are deeply wounded. Sunday nights may never be the same, but we too as the @carteblanchetv team, will never be the same. he was, and forever will be, the benchmark. our man of the match. our MVP, my heart is absolutely broken,” she said.
“After 35 years on the show, being 74 years young, hundreds of stories shared, thousands of interviews done and countless hearts touched – it STILL would never have been enough. thank you for everything Derek. what a legacy you have left,” she continued.
Claire also credited the late Watts for leading by example, showing them to engage meaningfully, intentionally and patiently. She also spoke about his funny side, including dad jokes.
“Belinda, Tyrone and Kirsten… thank you for sharing him with us. may the nation’s deep love for your personal person comfort you now and always, and remind you that he lives forever in all of us.
a giant tree has fallen,” she added.
Claire also shared a throwback of the team with Watts, and captioned it , “as’phelelanga.“
