It seems former SABC2 news reader Riaan Cruywagen is enjoying being back in the spotlight.

The 67-year-old media personality, who retired after 37 years of reading the Afrikaans news bulletin on SABC2, is fresh on our daily screens as the latest anchor to join the kykNET morning breakfast show, Dagbreek.

What made him return to TV a mere three months after retiring from the news spotlight? How is he enjoying Dagbreek so far? ZAlebs managed to chat to Cruywagen to find out more . . .

Why the decision to be back on TV so soon after retiring from SABC as a newsreader?

Why not? I never said I was retiring completely – only from evening and weekend news presentation. I made no secret of the fact that I would consider options in the TV industry to keep me busy. So, when kykNET approached me with an invitation to join the Dagbreek team after I had left the SABC, I thought it would be great to explore the genre of breakfast television, of which I’d had very little experience before. It was an exciting prospect which appealed to me very much, and I accepted. And I don’t regret my decision.

What’s it like being back on TV?

It doesn’t feel as if I ever left the medium. It’s just a refreshingly new environment with different working hours and new people, and I quite enjoy that.

How is Dagbreek different for you?

In the past I ended my day on TV, now I start my day on TV. It’s nice to get home from work not in time for dinner, but for breakfast! And of course it’s a liberating feeling not to have to wear a suit or a tie. I enjoy the casually elegant attire and the less formal nature of the programme.

Did you miss the adrenaline rush of being on of TV?

No, not really. Having been on TV for so many years, my adrenalin flow stabilized long ago.

How have your family adjusted to you being back on TV?

Without any problems. My wife loves the fact that I’m free during the day, in the evenings and over weekends, and she appreciates the fact that I keep myself busy with something I thoroughly enjoy.

What’s it like working with a team of fellow morning TV presenters? 

I’m a good team player and it’s delightful to interact with fellow-presenters as well as interesting interviewees. I am endlessly impressed by the cohesion of the entire Dagbreek team – producers, presenters, crew, the lot. The vast majority are young people; they’re energetic, innovative, intelligent, creative, passionate, focused and committed to the programme, and that makes it a sheer joy and a huge privilege to be part of the team. I’m very grateful that they immediately and unconditionally accepted me as one of them.

How are you adjusting to the early call times of the show?

I have always been an early riser and I have no difficulty jumping out of bed at 3am, which is only two hours earlier than usual. I can do with only five to six hours of sleep a night.

What’s been your favourite stories to do so far?

It’s a bit too soon to tell, but I must admit that the part of the programme I enjoy to present most thus far, is the news. Perhaps it’s because it’s been my forte for so many years!

Who do you think has been a top news maker so far in 2013?

Well, Patrice Motsepe and Mamphela Ramphele are two strong contenders for the title, I’d say!

Watch Dagbreek on kykNet (Dstv channel 144) Monday – Friday from 05:30 – 07:30.

By Clayton Morar