When Riaan Cruywagen Lost It on Air and Made South Africa Love Him More

Even the most composed face on television couldn’t keep it together, and we’re still talking about it 30 years later.

South Africans love a good laugh, especially when it comes from the most unexpected place. And few things have brought more joy to local television than the moment Riaan Cruywagen, our famously straight-faced newsreader, broke into a fit of laughter on live TV.

Now, as the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) celebrates its 75th anniversary, this beloved blooper is back in the spotlight, reminding us just how much heart the nation has for unscripted, authentic moments.

The face of Afrikaans news for 37 years

Riaan Cruywagen wasn’t just a news anchor; he was the news anchor. With perfect pronunciation, signature hair, and unwavering calm, he read the Afrikaans TV news on SABC for 37 years. He became a symbol of professionalism, precision, and dependability; some even joked he was more consistent than the weather.

Which is why the night he lost composure remains one of the most unexpected and hilarious moments in South African broadcasting history.

The blooper that broke the mould

The incident happened in the early 1990s during what was meant to be a standard bulletin. As the team behind the scenes scrambled to fill an unexpected two-minute gap, a last-minute insert from America’s Funniest Home Videos was added to fill airtime.

What happened next has become legend.

Mid-broadcast, Riaan Cruywagen watched the clip roll and burst into laughter, a rare and genuine break from his famously calm demeanour. For a man who had been known to stay cool even during technical meltdowns, this was unforgettable.

Peet van Staden, then Executive Producer of Afrikaans TV News, later said:

“He was the ultimate symbol of composure, and that one moment he lost it, South Africans loved him even more for it.”

Image 1: Facebook/SAVF Môreglans Ouetehuis 010-635 NPO

The public couldn’t get enough

Viewer reaction was instant. The very next day, the SABC replayed the now-famous bulletin during the morning show, including the laughter. Then the calls started. Phones rang nonstop. People couldn’t get enough of seeing a legend let his guard down.

Eventually, due to overwhelming demand, the clip was broadcast again the following night. And it just kept growing in popularity from there. It became a cherished part of local TV history, one of those rare moments where news and humour collided in the most human way.

Anton Snyman, now SABC News Sports Editor, was one of the producers behind the clip. He explained how it all came together on a “slow news day,” with help from editor Cedric Muller and a bit of luck. The news team had no idea that a quick fix for a timing issue would become one of the most replayed bloopers in SABC history.

Cruywagen’s legacy still stands tall

Although Riaan Cruywagen read his final bulletin on SABC 2 on 26 November 2012, his impact continues to echo through South African media. His commitment to quality journalism and dignified delivery set a benchmark that’s hard to match.

But perhaps his most beloved moment wasn’t a headline; it was a laugh.

In a world of polished broadcasts and media training, Cruywagen’s spontaneous burst of joy remains a perfect reminder: even legends have moments where the script goes out the window. And when it does, it just might make you love them more.

Also read: ANC’s Mafia Moment: Why South Africans Are Losing Faith in Ramaphosa’s Renewal

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Source: SABC News

Featured Image: YouTube/SABC News