(Devi
Sankaree Govender)
After 18 years of chasing crooks, delving
deep into current affairs and unearthing the truth about the world we live in
with vigour and determination, esteemed investigative journalist Devi Sankaree
Govender has decided to explore new career opportunities.
Devi will make her final appearance on
M-Net’s multiple award-winning and longest-running show Carte Blanche on Sunday, January 26, 2020. In addition to its usual
news and human interest stories, Carte
Blanche will also celebrate her immense contribution to the show during
this broadcast.
“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: 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.”
Adds Carte Blanche Executive Producer
Wynand Grobler: “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.”
Carte
Blanche has been engrained in Devi’s DNA since she
watched its very first episode in 1988. Growing up in the small town of Umzinto
in KZN, the show resonated so strongly with the 15-year-old Devi that she
proudly pronounced to her family that she would one day be part of the Carte Blanche team.
Her dream became a reality in January 2002
with a baptism of fire. Her first assignment was to cover a story of absolute
brutality – the horrific rape of nine-month-old Baby Tsepang.
With an inherent need for justice running
through her veins, Devi never shied away from turning on the heat during interviews,
whether they involved dodgy pool guys, CEOs of JSE listed companies or
government ministers.
One of the many Carte Blanche exposés illustrating Devi’s tenacity to unravel the
truth was the Gupta-affiliated Tegeta pre-payment deal from Eskom, which she
undertook with producer Joy Summers in June, 2016. They proved that Eskom had
given Tegata a massive monetary advance for coal, at a time when the Guptas
didn’t even own the mine. Devi’s interview with the Head of Generation went
viral and was referred to by The Public Protector in her State of Capture
Report.
“Working on Carte Blanche has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,”
says Devi, who nabbed several prestigious awards. “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.”
During her 18 year stint on Carte Blanche, Devi raised two children,
joined boards like Business and Arts South Africa, and completed an MBA degree.
“When my daughter finished matric last year
and received a golf scholarship to the US, I instinctively knew that it was
time to tick off more items on my bucket list. It was an incredibly difficult
decision to move on, but I will always remember what Trevor Noah told me during
our interview in New York: ‘Once you think you are at the top, then you should
be finding the place where you are at the bottom.’ I look forward to the future
but will never forget my past."
Carte
Blanche will appoint a new talented investigative
journalist to take over the baton from Devi.
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