Rian van Heerden bids farewell to Jacaranda FM

Jacaranda FM's Complimentary Breakfast Show host Rian van Heerden has announced that he will be bidding farewell to the station at the end of the year.

Rian confirmed that he will be hanging up his headphones through a press statement released by the station on Tuesday.

The radio host says that the year ahead will be his "finest year of radio," as he plans to get through a radio bucket list.

• Simphiwe Dana to Lerato Tshabalala: I won't buy your bookMusician and social activist Simphiwe Dana has added her voice to the widespread debate, which was sparked by a controversial extract from editor Lerato Tshabalala's book.  

"I apologise in advance for the tears, laughter and for pushing your buttons as I share with Jacaranda FM's beloved listeners everything I have dreamed of doing. Radio is about a deep connection and I have always used my platform on Jacaranda FM to create the most meaningful content. In the months to come I plan as a start to have a marathon party weekend, to broadcast from exotic locations around Africa and to provide complimentary breakfast experiences in traffic," he said.

Jacaranda FM's general manager Kevin Fine said that Rian will no doubt leave a legacy to be proud of.

• Black people have assimilated to white people, says Lerato TshabalalaWriter and editor Lerato Tshabalala has come out strongly against the backlash she received after a controversial excerpt from her book went viral, sparking widespread debate and outrage.  

"Rian is an incredible talent, someone who can tell a story and inspire all sorts of emotions. Over the next months, Rian will be sure to leave a legacy he will be proud of. Our listeners are in for an amazing treat and this will be the best listening experience."

The radio station is yet to make a decision about Rian's replacement.