South African TV icon Derek Watts passed away on Tuesday morning, after a battle with cancer. The long time Carte Blanche anchor was surrounded by loved ones.

Carte Blanche has extended its heartfelt condolences to his wife and children in this time of loss, saying he will forever hold a special place in the hearts and minds of his Carte Blanche family.

Watts announced in June this year that he would focus on his health and would no longer appear as presenter on Carte Blanche. He was diagnosed with skin cancer that had spread to his lungs last year.

RELATED: Derek Watts takes break from Carte Blanche to focus on health

Watts had been a member of the team since Carte Blanche’s inception in 1988, and over the years has become one of the country’s most respected and recognized investigative journalists.

Tributes have been pouring in for the giant of South African broadcasting.

M-Net paid tribute to Watts saying the TV channel will remember him for his unwavering commitment to his work and his determination in the face of challenges.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. May they find solace in the cherished memories they shared and may Derek’s legacy continue to inspire us all.

Fellow broadcasters, political parties, industry leaders and ordinary South Africans expressed their sadness at the news:

So sad to hear my old mate Derek Watts has passed. An extremely nice guy with a wonderful family. I visited him a few weeks ago and we shot the breeze about old times. A thoroughly decent man. pic.twitter.com/ZbktMtbFSE

— John Robbie (@John_C_Robbie) August 22, 2023

The DA wishes to express its condolences to the family of pioneering TV journalist Derek Watts, who dominated the Carte Blanche screens for decades.

We will remember Derek for his authentic journalism. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/ZcnzRBoeZj

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) August 22, 2023

RISE Mzansi is saddened to hear about the passing of veteran journalist and household name, Derek Watts. We express our sincere condolences and thank Mr. Watts for his years of service as an investigative reporter in our young democracy.#DerekWatts #RestInPeace #2024IsOur1999 pic.twitter.com/XwI8UjjJS6

— RISE Mzansi (@Rise_Mzansi) August 22, 2023

Extremely sad news Derek Watts has passed. A man who truly graced our living rooms with dignity, insight, consideration and truth, for decades.

A legend and giant in so many ways. A man who made a difference and had significant impact on making South Africa a better and more… pic.twitter.com/KN6d8MvYpv

— Mike Abel (@abelmike) August 22, 2023

Derek Watts has passed away.

Heartbreaking news. I will forever be grateful that I shared a moment with you when you interviewed me on Carte Blanche. You were larger than life, kind and one of the best interviews I’ve ever had.

Sending love and light to all who knew you.

— Brent Lindeque (@BrentLindeque) August 22, 2023

I'm devastated to hear of the passing of Derek Watts. He was wonderful. My life was so much better for knowing him. pic.twitter.com/iAPf7Ry8me

— KimS (@urbaneerist) August 22, 2023

From trekking alongside primate hunters in Cameroon, reporting on the land grabs and subsequent clashes in Zimbabwe, and finding gorillas in Rwanda – Derek’s Carte Blanche journey is an illustrious one.

An official profile that still appeared on the DSTV website today read:

His work enables him to connect with ordinary people whose life stories grip everyone while still infusing each story with sincerity, kindness and – at times – humour which has made him such a fan favourite.

On Watt’s website he details some of his most memorable moments on the show:

• MOST MEMORABLE: Standing at Mt Everest with Kathy O’Dowd. Wearing just a thin track suit. Cold, stark, beautiful and once in a lifetime feeling of exhilaration.
• MOST NERVE-WRACKING: Taking a hired car into Bosnia during the war and walking down Sniper’s Alley. Then being arrested and sent across the bridge. Never seen destruction on that scale and didn’t want to become part of it.
• MOST EXCITING: Boarding the aircraft carrier George Washington during the Gulf War. Scream of jet fighters taking off, thump as they landed back on deck after missions. Bombs and missiles being wheeled around. The American war machine on the move.
• FAVOURITE DESTINATION: America where we have done stories as diverse as a street sweeper from Cape Town becoming an opera star to NASA’s bid to put man on Mars.
• WORST MOMENT: Rick Lomba being killed by a tiger while we were doing a story on the removal of animals from the Luanda Zoo.
• MOST EMBARRASSING: Following the trail of the primate hunters in Cameroon and, when the driver couldn’t get us back to the Hilton Hotel in Yaunde, eating the evidence!
• MOST IMPACT: Deep diving with Trevor Hutton in Namibia and trying to get down to 15 metres. He’d just broken the world record at 66 m! OR Tuli Elephants…the country was enraged. Thousands of calls, faxes and e- mails. Newspapers and radio stations around the country. How we broke story with Daphne Shelldrake.
• MOST INTERESTING PERSON: Deepak Chopra – His ideas seem radical and esoteric but are based on medical and scientific research…right down to the last atom!

Watts died on his birthday. He was 74. RIP Legend.