Devi Sankaree Govender

Last updated

Devi Sankaree Govender
Born (1972-09-05) September 5, 1972 (age 53) [1]
Alma mater
Occupations
Years active1996–present
Notable work

Devi Sankaree Govender (born 5 September 1972) is a South African investigative journalist, television personality, and media professional. She is best known for her long-standing role as a journalist and presenter on Carte Blanche, M-Net's flagship investigative programme, as well as hosting her own talk show, The Devi Show. [4] [5] [6]

Contents

Early life and education

Govender was born in Umzinto, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She began her journalism career at age 21 as a freelance presenter at SABC Radio while completing a BA at the University of Natal. [1]

She went on to earn an Honours in Drama and Performance Studies, a Higher Diploma in Education, a postgraduate diploma in Business Management, and an MBA from the University of Natal. [7]

Career

Govender started in radio, hosting chat and music shows on Lotus FM before entering print media. In 1998 she became a weekly columnist, later Durban features editor, for the Sunday Times. Her television breakout came in 1996 as a continuity presenter on SABC 1's Eastern Mosaic. [8]

She joined Carte Blanche in 2002, where her investigative work included coverage of corruption at medical institutions, the Arms Deal, health crises, and scandals like Nkandla. [9]

In 2020 she launched The Devi Show on e.tv and eNCA. The series won the South African Film and Television Award for Best Factual Programme in 2021, [10] and she was also awarded Presenter of the Year award in 2024. [11] [12]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Some Background on Devi". DSTV. 19 June 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  2. Engelbrecht, Renate (23 June 2025). "Devi Sankaree Govender: Dad's cheers, incredible career & (almost) no fear". Hello Lifestyle Magazine. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  3. 1 2 "Devi Sankaree Govender -" . Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  4. Ferreira, Thinus (10 June 2020). "Devi Sankaree Govender is back with a brand new show on e.tv". News24. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  5. "Devi Sankaree Govender - Current Affairs | #1 Speakers Inc" . Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  6. "Devi Sankaree Govender | TVSA". www.tvsa.co.za. Retrieved 27 August 2025.
  7. "Devi Sankaree Govender". DSTV. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  8. Breitenbach, Danette (28 August 2023). "#WomensMonth: Devi Sankaree Govender - Women have to take their own place in the sun". Bizcommunity. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  9. Thangevelo, Debashine (2020). "Full disclosure on Devi Sankaree Govender's exit from 'Carte Blanche'". IOL. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  10. "Devi Govender". Social Alchemists. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  11. Ontong, Joel (12 November 2024). "Trevor Noah, Katlego Lebogang and more celebrated at star-studded National Film & TV Awards SA 2024". News24. Retrieved 18 August 2025.
  12. Tiwane, Bonginkosi (11 November 2024). "Leading actors from canned Mzansi Magic shows win big at National Film & TV Awards". The Citizen. Retrieved 18 August 2025.