The Untouchable Debora Patta
November 30, 2009 by Phathu
You either love her or hate her, you can never be neutral.
Debora Patta is a fascinating woman, she manages to ruffle feathers whenever she opens her mouth on 3rd Degree. Everyone seems to have an opinion about her style of TV anchoring, you either love her or hate her, you can never be neutral. The cherry on top is that she does not seem to care what you think of her, she is untouchable – very much like Capone in the 1987 crime-drama The Untouchables.
When news filtered in that she has been forced to step down from her position as E-NEWS’s editor-in-chief, after pissing off the powers that be at the station, I thought the sky was falling, the impossible had happened. I was even shocked when the legitimate press bought the story that she chose 3rd Degree over a job that gave her more power than the President.
I am an avid viewer of her show, it is addictive – not very good though, she treats the show like her own American daytime soap opera, where she is the “starring”. My gripe with the show is not its content but Debra’s combating and aggressive attitude towards her guests and her lack of objectivity when it comes to tackling the subject matter.
Hey – I am not whining about something new here, there has been a gazillion other articles written about Ms Patta’s work ethics, by better-qualified journalists. What gets to me is that Ms Patta is a fine journalist, with a great presence on screen and I feel that she can do much better with that show. She can give it credibility, make it what Timeline and 20/20 are to their international broadcasters, a show with substance – if only she can shut the hell up and remain objective.
She spends the better part of the show shoving her views about the subject matter down our throats until we gag, and the last part of the shows attacking her guests. Debra fails to understand that as much as she is the face of 3rd degree, we do not tune in to watch her trying to outdo Ntsiki Lukhele’s bitching. We tune in because we want to see the injustice and corruption that her show serves to expose, that is what we want to watch, not her new highlights swinging back and forth as she attacks guests. The woman seems to be on a high dose of steroids and what is sad is that every young female reporter on that channel has adopted her style of reporting! They sensationalise everything and anything, even a burning building’s sound-bite ends up being reported as if it’s the dethroning of a Zulu king.
I believe Debra can do better than the sensationalism she dishes week after week; she can be our Barbara Walters or Christiane Amanpour. As much as the show has done some great work over the years, Debra’s King Kong interviewing skills must be tamed. Those in the news media will tell you that it is still not yet uhuru for women; most of them are pigeon holed into editing glossy female magazines. I have great admiration for Ferial Haffajee (right), the former editor of M&G, who has now been tasked with reviving the circulation challenged City Press, which for me belongs to the era before democracy and should have joined Pace Magazine in the cemetery years ago.
What I admire about Ferial is her nerves of steel. Under her tenure, M&G published stories that toppled government officials, dissolved Scorpions! She did all that without being aggressive or bitchy. Debra can learn a lot from her.
I would like to see 3rd Degree grow into an hour of great intense investigative journalism, which is not marred by Debra’s bulldozing tactics. However, like I said, the woman does not really care what I think, she is Capone after all. I can imagine her sending me a hot sms: if you do not like my show, do not watch! Then I shake my head and go; what a wasted potential.
By Phathu Makwarela ©
carino on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 8:09 am
….she treats the show like her own American daytime soap opera, were she is the “starring’
lol
Mntungwa on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 8:32 am
LOL!!! I dont like that woman, hence i dont watch 3rd degree, its like she has an anger in her, something eating her up, and the only way she manages to deal with this (for that period at least) is to harass other people, not saying these people are innocent really, mafackas, but jah, she needs to find herself, know herself, appreciate herself, and know that being an insane biatch doesnt solve your problems.
Which job is higher thn a presidents job bandla, educate me?
Jodge on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 9:01 am
I like her so called bulldozing style of interview; I love to see some of those jackasses stutter on the show.
Rego on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 9:49 am
I would have loved to hear her opinion, let her be grilled for a change (any chance of getting an interview?), otherwise great article.
Madala on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 10:09 am
Very true Phathu… her lack of objectiveness is a major turn-off for a journalist of her status….! Her agression is another thing… I don’t belive in violance but I do subscribe in a coporal punishment ‘to an extent…just for ukoluleka…’, and I belive that a good shapa-mpama can do much good to Patta…..! In fact I was praying that one of them Pastors who stole money of worshipers could clap her… or one of them taxi drivers could shambok her a lil bit during some of those sensitive stories
kwa kwa kwa @ Ntsiki Lukhele charms…LOL
She also has a style broadcasting an “edited show” if she has failed 4 demonise the guest during the interview… then she will show what she asked, how the guest replied… and then she will add inflamatory statements that the guest can no longer respond to… nxa!
Ha ha ha… but wahlangana “nentanga yakhe” when she met that ANCYL Lady Secretory……. !
Brown Shuga on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 12:01 pm
Tjo, just spoke to her on the phone, she grilled me like I was on 3rd Degree! Rego you’ll be happy to know we’re getting the interview
Emmanuel Tjiya on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 12:40 pm
I totally disagree,she’s not just raving,she substantiate her argument!not always objective,but what’s an objective point of view?!
Lahvee on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 12:42 pm
heheh bout damn time. Umbuze ukuthi why angathandi iPresident yethu!? Abantu abamaziyo bathi what you see is what you get, bathi uyabanda, so it would be nice if sibona another side yakhe. Good Luck!! uzoy’dinga!!
Ty-e on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 12:47 pm
I like her….she once exposed the not so intelligent Minister of Basic Education….and she could give straight answers…e a aza
Kiki on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 1:20 pm
What i like about this woman is that she has zero tolerance,it dont matter if you are black or white….as long as you are on the wrong side she will kung fu your behind!!!!
Vhafuwi on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 1:55 pm
Hate her or love her…
Mina I just love her…And she’s da reason why I’m watching 3rd¤
Mmapula on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 2:57 pm
well i cant wait for the interview. she is a bitter woman shem.
or btw well done the just curious team for the site, i absolutely love.
Dibaba on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 3:00 pm
ok we need to be mature about this guys. @ Madala >>>shapa mpama?? you dont mean in the literal sense right?? While i may not agree with the methods Debora sometimes uses when conducting her interviews, we need to give her a LOT of credit. She’s exposed MANY, and got results, good results.
Her approach may come across as cold, and as a result guests become defensive, and end up running away from the subject matter – and THEN the unnecessary arguments. Overall, we need to give constructive criticism , and applaud good work when warranted.
p.s. She’s NOT racist. Im sure you know she was married to a black man – and for years (apartheid years) she used to fight for the cause of black people. Im not a fan – but i like i said – lets give credit where its due – and not focus on the negative.
Shuga – we await that interview now! good luck!
Mntungwa on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 3:12 pm
lol. goodluck sisi, i still maintain, ikhona into emdlayo ngaphakathi.
hotmo on Mon, 30th Nov 2009 4:02 pm
Haai, noh. The reasons outlined by Phathu are exactly why I don’t watch 3rd Degree or E news. So sansationalised. Actually, I don’t watch e-tv much. All the local programmes, e.g. soaps, look the same, very poor quality tv. Looking forward to reading the interview!
Xman! on Tue, 1st Dec 2009 3:19 am
Debra is a misunderstood genius who has passion for what she does. But perhaps passion without diplomacy will soon turn her into a sensationalist journalist without tact and impartiality. Only time will tell.
Lela on Tue, 1st Dec 2009 3:48 am
I loved seein her n Gwede n i knw it was gona b fire works. “Debra Debra Debra”, “u can say Debra all u want Mr Mantashe im waitin 4 an answer”, “how r u goin 2 get d answer whn u dnt listen?” i love Debra n i love u 2 Phathu!
Madala on Tue, 1st Dec 2009 3:50 am
Yho Dibada…. of cause I don’t mean in the literal sense… the point I am making is that although she has a rt to extract information that she deemd neccessary 4 the nation from a supposingly culprit, the person has a right to refuse the interview and Ms Patta simply fails 2 respect that personal space & need to b forcefuly pushed away…..
She once staged a ‘sit-in’ in one of the Police station demanding that somebody should come & speak to her… now, if u understand any cooporate communication policies you wud understand that she put that station comander/ station communications officer in a very difficult posistion as individuals coz there r rules & proccedures for press statemnets, especialy in police work…I belive she shud hav gone to ICD if she was not satisfied with Police work at that station instead of putting an individual police woman at a spot…. this is the arrogance we r talking about…..!
blu on Tue, 1st Dec 2009 10:37 am
i love her and i cant wait for Juju’s show tonight
carino on Tue, 1st Dec 2009 11:57 am
On 3rd Degree this Tuesday (1 December, 2009):
Episode Title: Julius Malema
Broadcast date: 1 December 2009
Teaser …
Julius Malema grabs more media attention than just about any other local politician. He has a sound bite for every occasion and pulls the race card regularly and fearlessly.
Some call him a fool, yet as head of the ANCYL he clearly knows what young people think – and what they want to hear.
It would seem he also has a hotline to the top. When he said the charges against Jacob Zuma would be dropped – they were. When he said that the then president Thabo Mbeki would be recalled – he was.
He’s the politician that many people love to laugh at. But as his influence grows, 3rd Degree asks: who is the joke really on?
Malibongwe on Tue, 1st Dec 2009 12:54 pm
LOL!! I couldn’t help but lol when I was reading… My dad thought I was k-ray-ze! The “starring” part had me in stiches, not forgetting the “Ntsiki Lukhele bitching” bit. This was a fun read with very valid points.
Brown Shuga, we can’t wait for the interview, best believe it!
Nokubonga on Tue, 1st Dec 2009 4:47 pm
I like this lady alot…she is someone who doesn’t pull punches…I also like Tumi Makgabo…what happened to her..Lol at you Shugs..cannot wait for the Interview though!!
Phathu Makwarela on Tue, 1st Dec 2009 6:49 pm
Thank you for the feedback guys…lets keep having this debate…Peace.
I Was Phoxa’d By Ms Patta | Just Curious on Wed, 2nd Dec 2009 12:01 am
[...] thing happened to me the other day and I so have to share it! After Just Curious published the article by Phathu Makwarela on Debora Patta’s 3rd Degree, I decided to give the lady a call and request for an interview. One of our readers, Rego, also [...]
Momo on Wed, 2nd Dec 2009 8:58 am
Gosh How sickening was Debra last nignt??? granted Juju is not the smartest dude out there but you would expect Debra to know better as a journalist with many years of experinece and as a televison hot. She was so condescending…i developed some love for Juju right there and there.
Debra is such an a claasic case of when bad things happen to people with good intention. Its official, the woman has lost it.
mama ka Gundi on Wed, 2nd Dec 2009 9:46 am
After last nite ….she was facile…lol
Mudalo on Wed, 2nd Dec 2009 9:47 am
How can u put Christi Amanpour in the same basket as Barbara/ Deborah, No no no, but i fotgive you,
Christi Amanpor is …. the Oxford dictionary does not have the word to decribe her, next time compare her to Wolf Blitzer please.
Christi has entered the extrimist of the Arab world from the intelligent beauty Queen of Jordan Ms Rania to Turkey to the hard deserts of Iran with content that is so vast…. She is the media from religion to politics in a scale that no Ms Patta will ever dream of,
Honey, she knows Mongolia is a desert in China, Ms Patta thinks China is all wet. Ms Christi knows that America does not have oil, the one in Texas belongs to the Mexicans/South Americans, Ms Patta well….
X-man on Wed, 2nd Dec 2009 11:18 am
Guys do any of you have the link to last night’s interview text with Julius … pls pls pls ( I missed it guys )
Thanduxolo Mantakana on Sun, 21st Mar 2010 5:53 pm
Its clearly evident that you’ve followed her show for many years and your views are 100% on point. I remember her interviewing Dr Pallo Jordaan regarding our government’s stance regarding the Daila Lama issue, she was not giving him a chance to explain at all and everyone wondered as to why she invited him to her show in the first place.
cocoa on Thu, 13th May 2010 5:00 pm
Firstly let me just say that this is a great site.. On the topic of Deb, I think that she has the courage and the balls to confront and pose questions to people that are con-artists, corrupt, and who are basically getting away with murder. Given she has alot of haters, however know that there are thousands of south africans (including myself) who love her for giving a voice to the people who refuse to live in ignorance and who refuse to just stand by and allow corruption to take place. She is a force to be reckoned with…shame on you for pulling the race card when people are caught red handed or injustice is unveiled…I think we are all getting a little tired of it…get over it!..And guys..for such criticism…its funny how many awards she has received for her work…she must be doing something right hey. Peace n love
BMS on Thu, 13th May 2010 5:11 pm
Cocoa get over it… last year’s stuff already… Let it go
Matric on Thu, 13th May 2010 5:45 pm
kwakwakwkaaaaaaaa BMS.
cocoa on Mon, 17th May 2010 9:08 am
BMS…I stumbled upon this site this year…people are still making comments (this year) and why are you commenting if its last years ‘stuff’..maybe you should let it go… FYI i have a right to an opinion…deal with it
Renier on Wed, 26th May 2010 4:52 pm
She is one biased, scrawny b*tch they should have taken off the slot for credible news programs and given her a Jerry Springer style show for late night TV rather. Deborah Patta isn’t worth a real journalist’s smelly arse. And no amount of bronzer or bleach can ever give the cow a face for TV. I bet she is so f*cked off because she got teased at school for redefining ugliness.
Martin on Wed, 2nd Jun 2010 2:37 pm
This woman does not convey an ounce of objective journalistic professionalism whatsoever. Because of her, I do not watch ETV at all , and I really mean it (it’s been over four years now). I don’t like the movie-breaks during the Infomercials much either. But now I have to see her annoying face in the paper as well (not last year, but today!). This squealing skinny sow should not be allowed any position of authority or even perceived authority in her case. She suffers from a form of stature deficit syndrome, and desperately tries to compensate with undue aggressive behavior toward unsuspecting victims. If there are people who actually love her, I suggest they get help. I also cannot believe victims willingly walk into her studio! If you really just have to be on TV, just run naked onto the field at a televised rugby match. It’s much more dignifying!