The man, the legend... Riaan Cruywagen!

Johannesburg - He is an iconic newsreader and according to a poll, one of the people South Africans trust most - and soon Riaan Cruywagen's autobiography will be available for all to read.

After 37 years as an Afrikaans newsreader and altogether 47 years in broadcasting, Cruywagen decided to publish his life story.

"When my 4-year-old grandson heard I am writing a book, he asked very innocently: 'Grandpa, why do you write a book? Why don't you go and buy one?'"said Cruywagen.

The idea for the book partly came from questions that people asked him. "Over the years, as one socialises around the fire or a dinner table, you start telling stories about broadcasting's old days, things that are not as widely known. Then people ask 'Why isn't it written in a book?'"

'Nostalgic journey'

Over two years four publishers approached him, until Johnny le Roux of Naledi persuaded him to write Wat's Nuus.

The autobiography, which will be launched at the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival and available in stores from April 2, is about the "golden days of broadcasting" as well as his own history, explains Cruywagen. "It was such a wonderful, nostalgic journey."

Le Roux said in a statement that Cruywagen reveals what is actually happening behind the scenes at the national broadcaster. "Among other things, Riaan tells why he laughed so hysterically during a broadcast in the eighties, why he appears in music videos these days and sits in a jacuzzi with beautiful, half-naked girls."



Source: Channel24.co.za