Ruda Landman

Ruda Landman (née Wahl; born 18 November 1953) is a South African television presenter and investigative journalist. She is best known for her long tenure as co-anchor of Carte Blanche.

Early life and education

Landman was born on 18 November 1953 in Hartswater, Northern Cape, South Africa.^[1] She grew up in Hartswater and Keimoes. She studied languages at the University of Stellenbosch.

Career

Journalism and early media work

Landman began her career in journalism at the newspaper Die Burger. She later worked in radio and for magazines, including Sarie.

Carte Blanche

In August 1988, Landman became one of the original co-anchors of Carte Blanche, the South African investigative journalism and current affairs programme on M-Net. She co-hosted alongside Derek Watts. She remained with the programme until mid-2007, when she stepped down after nearly 19 years.^[2] In 2018, she returned as a guest presenter for the show's 30th anniversary.^[3]

Other media and writing

Landman has published books including Off Camera – The stories behind Carte Blanche (2003) and Weerskante van die lens. After leaving Carte Blanche, she continued to work as an author, presenter, journalism lecturer, and public speaker. She has hosted podcasts such as Change Matters with Ruda Landman and When Change Happens, co-hosted with Frank Magwegwe.

Awards and recognition

In 2011, Stellenbosch University awarded Landman an honorary doctorate for her contribution to journalism.

Personal life

Landman married political and economic analyst J. P. Landman in 1977. They have one son, Johannes. She lives in Johannesburg.

Legacy

Landman is regarded as one of South Africa’s leading investigative journalists due to her long association with Carte Blanche.^[4]

References

1. OFM. "Ruda Landman op The Joyride: 'Ek het van my beste werk by Carte Blanche gedoen'". OFM. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
2. "Ruda Landman quits Carte Blanche". IOL. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
3. Ferreira, Thinus. "Ruda Landman back on M-Net's Carte Blanche for landmark 30th anniversary". News24. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
4. Roets, Adriaan (2018-06-16). "Ruda Landman and the power of storytelling". The Citizen. Retrieved 2025-09-30.