Rian van Heerden surprises viewers by taking a seat in the guest chair on Laataand by Rian

Rian van Heerden turned the tables in the season finale of Laataand by Rian, surprising viewers by stepping into the guest chair instead of welcoming another well-known personality. After spending the season drawing out candid conversations with guests from different walks of life, Rian handed the interviewer’s role to veteran journalist Ruda Landman, giving audiences a rare glimpse into his own life and career.

Before switching roles, Rian and Ruda reflected on her distinguished career in journalism. She spoke about the trust she had built with interviewees over the years and discussed the Not In My Name campaign, which she and her husband, JP, supported. Asked how she handled criticism surrounding the initiative, Ruda explained that she simply avoided engaging with online commentary.

“I have a peculiar relationship with social media, namely I have no relationship with social media. I don’t read it. You do you and I’ll do me,” she said.

Their discussion also touched on South Africa’s future and the influence of American politics before the spotlight shifted to Rian.

As the evening’s surprise guest, Rian reflected on his years in radio, describing it as a platform he still misses.

“That’s what I miss about that platform. What we were able to achieve with that platform. Radio is a powerful medium,” he said.

He illustrated that influence by recalling the 2015 #SaveSylvester campaign. After the escaped Karoo National Park lion faced being euthanised, Rian and his listeners rallied public support, helping to save the animal’s life.

Ruda also questioned Rian about his reputation for pushing boundaries on air. He admitted that controversy had initially been deliberate, driven by curiosity and a desire to challenge accepted norms.

“There was a time when you had to be controversial as a DJ. It was like a drug,” he said, adding that he often questioned why certain topics or language were considered off-limits.

The interview became more personal when the conversation turned to his documentary series Beloofde Land, which explores South Africans relocating to the United States following Donald Trump’s executive order. Rian admitted he had been unsettled by his own instinctive reaction.

“It bothered me. Why was my first thought: ‘Where do I apply?’”

By the end of filming, however, he reached a different conclusion.

“It became relatively clear to me that there was no other choice but to stay here. My roots are too deep here.”

The full season of Laataand by Rian is available on DStv Stream and Catch Up.