Debora Patta Biography And Wiki

Debora Patta, a well-known South African investigative journalist and TV producer, was born on September 1, 1964, in what is now Zimbabwe. With Italian roots from Calabria, she moved to South Africa in 1976 with her mother and sister after her parents’ divorce. She studied at Rustenburg School for Girls in Cape Town and earned a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Cape Town in 1984. She started as a political activist, teaching literacy in Cape Town’s squatter camps, before shifting to journalism. Patta joined Radio 702 in Johannesburg in 1990, rising to news editor and special assignments editor. She later became a major television figure on e.tv, hosting the investigative show 3rd Degree with Debora Patta. In 2013, she joined CBS News as the Africa correspondent for The CBS Evening News.

Age And Birthday

Debora Patta, born on September 1, 1964, is 60 years old.

Height And Weight

Debora Patta is about 5 feet 7 inches (171 cm) tall and weighs approximately 132 pounds (62 kg).

Education Background

Debora Patta completed her schooling at Rustenburg School for Girls in Cape Town, graduating in 1981. She then attended the University of Cape Town, where she earned a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in 1984. While studying, she also worked briefly as an aerobics instructor.

Nationality And Ethnicity

Debora Patta is a South African citizen, born in what is now Zimbabwe, with Italian ancestry from Calabria.

Milestones, Significant Contributions, And Notable Works

Debora Patta has built an impressive career marked by key milestones, major contributions, and notable works. Here are some highlights:

Milestones

Early Career: Patta started as a political activist, teaching literacy in Cape Town’s squatter camps before shifting to journalism in 1990.

Radio 702: She joined Radio 702 in Johannesburg as a reporter in 1990, advanced to news editor in 1994, and became special assignments editor in 1997.

Television Career: She gained prominence on South African television by working for e.tv and hosting the investigative show 3rd Degree with Debora Patta.

CBS News: In 2013, she became the Africa correspondent for The CBS Evening News.

Significant Contributions

Investigative Reporting: Patta has fearlessly covered major events, including the 1986 plane crash that killed Mozambican President Samora Machel and the 1987 Helderberg plane crash.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission: In June 1998, she actively participated in a post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission special hearing, providing expert insights and assisting with questioning related to the plane crashes.

Notable Works

3rd Degree with Debora Patta: This investigative and current affairs show on e.tv earned her widespread recognition.

CBS News: As the Africa correspondent, she has reported on numerous critical events and issues across the continent.

Husband and Children

Debora Patta is married to her third husband, Andy Levy, a photographer and professional surfer. They had a private wedding in 2012.

She has two daughters from her previous marriages. In 1996, she married South African filmmaker Mweli Mzizi, and they have a daughter, Chiara Mzizi. In 2003, she wed businessman Lance Levitas, and they share a daughter, Isabella Levitas.

Career

After graduating from the University of Cape Town, Debora Patta dedicated herself to political activism, teaching literacy in Cape Town’s squatter camps until 1990. She then transitioned into journalism, starting as a freelance reporter for the BBC, where she gained experience in news reporting.

In 1990, Patta joined Radio 702 in Johannesburg as a reporter and quickly climbed the ranks. By 1994, she became the news editor, and in 1997, she advanced to special assignments editor. She covered major events, including the return of ANC leader Oliver Tambo from exile and the 1986 plane crash that killed Mozambican President Samora Machel. In June 1998, she contributed to a post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission special hearing, offering expert insights and assisting with questioning related to the 1987 Helderberg plane crash.

Patta made her mark on South African television when she joined e.tv at its launch in 1998. She gained widespread recognition as the host of 3rd Degree with Debora Patta, an investigative show that tackled critical social and political issues. Her fearless reporting and in-depth investigations solidified her reputation as one of South Africa’s leading journalists.

In 2013, Patta expanded her career internationally by joining CBS News as the Africa correspondent for The CBS Evening News. Since then, she has reported on major events and pressing issues across the continent, bringing global attention to key stories from Africa.

Hobbies And Personal Challenges

Hobbies

Debora Patta loves traveling and visits Italy often, considering it her second home. During university, she briefly worked as an aerobics instructor.

Personal Challenges

Patta has faced threats due to her bold investigative reporting, including intimidating phone calls during her investigation of the 1986 plane crash that killed Mozambican President Samora Machel. Her direct and fearless interview style has also made her a subject of public criticism.

Salary and Net Worth

As a television producer, investigative reporter, news anchor, and CBS News correspondent, Debora Patta earns an estimated yearly salary between $125,000 and $250,000. Her net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $7 million.

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