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Former South African news presenter Riaan Cruywagen
As we celebrate 75 years of news on the SABC’s platforms, we revisit one of the most hilarious moments in South African television news history.
Riaan Cruywagen is synonymous with professionalism and perfectionism – the ultimate South African news presenter.
Cruywagen perfectly presented the Afrikaans television news for 37 years.
One night, however, he showed his “human” side, after an on-air incident which is still being remembered by millions of South Africans.
He’s been called a legend, an icon, Mr News. Cruywagen was one of the longest-serving news presenters on SABC television. The epitome of respectability, professionalism and dedication.
But one evening, in the early 90s, he displayed his very human side. It was a bulletin that millions of South Africans still remember.
Former Afrikaans TV News Executive Producer, Peet van Staden, explains why this was so memorable.
“Perhaps he was, above all, an icon of maintaining his composure at all times, under the severest stress, and that is the one time he lost it. And that very fact appealed to people and made them laugh.”
The insert proved to be very popular amongst viewers.
Van Staden says it was decided to air it again the following evening. “The morning show repeated the whole incident, including the laughter. They were inundated with reactions. Eventually, people kept phoning and we decided to repeat it again the following evening, which again, had a huge appreciation.”
One of those responsible for putting together the funny montage is SABC News Sports Editor, Anton Snyman.
On a slow news day, he was waiting for a friend, video Editor, Cedric Muller, to finish his shift.
SABC News Sports Editor Anton Snyman explains that the Afrikaans news bulletin was about to go on air when a writer rushed to them, saying the bulletin was about two minutes under, and needed a filler to make up time. “They quickly put together the package from America’s Funniest Home Videos and rushed it to the studio, unaware of what was about to happen.”
Cruywagen read his final bulletin on SABC 2 on the 26th of November 2012.
Although not on the small screen anymore, his impact, example, and influence have created a legacy that will be remembered for many more years to come.
