Ruda quits Carte Blanche

2007-03-28 21:14

Johannesburg - Ruda Landman has decided to leave Carte Blanche after nearly 19 years at the M-Net actuality programme, the TV station said on Wednesday.

"Landman decided not to renew her contract with M-Net and she will leave at the end of June," said M-Net spokesperson Lani Lombard.

Landman, who joined the show in August 1988 said it was time "to leave the comfort zone and see what's out there".

"Carte Blanche has given me opportunities I could not have found in any other job.

"I will miss the programme and the people intensely."

Lombard could not elaborate on what Landman would be doing when she left the programme at the end of June.

"She wants to explore other possibilities, but I don't know what she'll be doing," she said.

M-Net's head of original programmes, Carl Fischer, said Landman's departure would leave a "significant gap in the local television industry."

"We're sad to see her go. Ruda has become one of South Africa's best-known and respected television personalities.

'Unique talents'

"Her forthright and insightful reportage earned her and Carte Blanche numerous top awards."

Carte Blanche's executive producer, George Mazarakis, said Landman's "presence and unique talents were vital to the success of the programme".

"She leaves behind a vibrant legacy of exceptional journalism... she honed the skills of many of the journalists and presenters who will continue to work on the show."

Landman will not be replaced by a new anchor and the programme is expected to dedicate a programme to her at the end of June.

"This special Carte Blanche edition will revisit the most dramatic, life-changing and humorous stories on which she has worked," said Lombard.

- SAPA