On My Radar

Five minutes with 'Sex in Afrikaans' presenter Rian van Heerden

We find out what the radio and television personality is doing to keep himself busy, what books and art he enjoys and what his dream holiday destination is

10 April 2022 - 00:00
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'Sex in Afrikaans' presenter Rian van Heerden.
'Sex in Afrikaans' presenter Rian van Heerden.
Image: Kevin Mark Pass

Rian van Heerden is no stranger to the local entertainment scene. On weekday afternoons he entertains his loyal following as the host of Jacaranda’s “Scenic Drive with Rian”. He has also  become a regular presenter on TV and his  Showmax series Sex in Afrikaans, which he produced, is now streaming. In the controversial show, four Afrikaans couples and two singles engage in shameless discussions about their sex lives. The six episodes focus on sex workers, sex toys, porn, swinging, BDSM and fetishes. We spoke to the radio and TV personality to find out what’s  on his cultural radar.

What are you watching?

Obviously Sex in Afrikaans is on my radar. I love the debates and discussions the series has initiated. It launched on February 14 and seems to resonate with all South Africans, not only the Afrikaans-speaking community. I find that very rewarding.

Have any artists caught your eye recently?

I've become a huge fan of painter and sculptor Joyce Carreira. She specialises in the human anatomy and is brilliant at it. I recently missed out on purchasing one of her works that had “Lord of The Flies” as the focus point. But apparently a stunning new work will be available soon — I can't wait to see it.

Where would you like to travel to?

I find myself constantly looking at pictures of Norway. I find the mountains, glaciers and coastal fiords captivating. I can also see myself travelling to experience the northern lights, and then maybe just disappearing for a little while...

The Lofoten Islands, Norway.
The Lofoten Islands, Norway.
Image: rudi1976 / 123rf.com

What about the restaurant scene?

This is another of my projects and it's been quite the journey. I recently bought a restaurant — in Covid-19 times. Madness! But I thrive on challenges. I'd like to prove that with the right recipe (excuse the pun), which should include excellent service and food, success in this industry is still possible. My restaurant is called Delizioso and is in Centurion’s Doringkloof Mall. 

As a tribute to my dad,  I added his famous chicken recipe to the menu. This was a hit when we were growing up. He passed away in 2000, and that was also the last year we had the privilege of enjoying his chicken. As a family we tried to recreate the recipe he transcribed for the first time in 1986, but we weren't successful. I tried it again with the cooks and chefs we have in the Delizioso kitchen and, believe it or not, we eventually got it right. It was quite the moment when I bit into the chicken and was transported back to his braai. I could literally see him standing in front of me holding his tongs. I hope everyone will enjoy “Esli’s Chicken” as much as we have over the years.

What books are you reading?

Max Du Preez.
Max Du Preez.
Image: File photo

I enjoy the writing of legendary investigative journalist Max du Preez. One of his first books was the autobiographical Pale Native (2003). I hadn't read it, but found it recently at a little bookshop in Rivonia. It covers a lot SA’s history during the years of transition, an era I’m fascinated with.

Du Preez has launched a new show on kykNET called Waarheid met Max — a six-episode series in which he interviews six investigative journalists about some of the most controversial news stories in SA.


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