Sunday nights in South Africa won’t be the same. After 18 years of bringing us hard-hitting investigative journalism, Devi Sankaree Govender is leaving Carte Blanche to pursue new career opportunities.
The esteemed investigative journalist from Umzinto in KwaZulu-Natal dreamed of being on Carte Blanche since watching the very first episode in 1988 at the tender age of 15. Her dreams came true and she made her first appearance on Carte Blanche back in January 2002.
“Working on Carte Blanche has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” says Devi, who nabbed several prestigious awards throughout her career. “It led me into the hearts, minds and homes of our people. It allowed me to ask tough questions in my own, straightforward style and I worked with the best in the business – individuals who are passionate about the show and our country and who often put their lives on the line to give our viewers the right to see it all. My fondest memories of the show will always be tied to pinning down the bad guys. That’s what I do best. But I also loved the celebrity interviews. Lionel Richie brought out the 80s schoolgirl in me when I got to show off my toneless singing voice.”
The Carte Blanche team wishes Devi all the best in her future endeavours.
“As this chapter in Devi’s life journey closes, we would like to express our gratitude for the zest and passion she brought to Carte Blanche, our channel and the M-Net family,” says Jan du Plessis, Director of M-Net Channels. “With her trademark dynamite Carte Blanche probes, Devi has made an immeasurable impact on our society as a whole. We will miss her presence on our iconic Sunday night line-up, but wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”
Carte Blanche Executive Producer Wynand Grobler adds, “Devi is a brave heart in a petite package with the unique ability to make complete sense of complicated issues of an investigative nature, whether these be financial, consumer or legislative. We have the utmost respect for the way she carried out Carte Blanche’s principle of ‘truth brings change’ and never backed down to get difficult questions answered. Devi’s legacy will remain.”
Her final appearance will be on Sunday, January 26. A new journalist that will be announced in due course will take her place.
Picture: Instagram / Carte Blanche