I heard it more than a month ago, couldn't get it absolutely confirmed and now it is happening: The Expresso morning presenter Liezel van der Westhuizen is the next presenter leaving the SABC3 weekday morning show, following Kia Johnson's contract which was changed to a freelance contract and who now does traffic reports for the competitor morning show Dagbreek on kykNET (DStv 144).
Two months ago the industry was abuzz about various Expresso presenters getting the axe - I couldn't get it confirmed. Just over a month ago, I heard rumours again that Liezel van der Westhuizen was going to resign. I couldn't get it confirmed.
Expresso, produced by Tswelopele Productions just celebrated its 500th episode at the end of September during which Liezel van der Westhuizen was in London covering the London Fashion Week but called live into the studio during the broadcast.
That's when viewers and industry insiders first started noticing and buzzing about her lesser appearances on the show. Of course the bubbly blond and a viewer favourite, has been travelling extensively for the five days a week programme, but now it seems discussions have been taking place behind the scenes regarding the future of various Expresso presenters.
While Katlego Maboe, Ewan Strydom, Leigh-Ann Williams and Graeme Richards remain as Expresso presenters for now, Liezel van der Westhuizen will no longer feature on the show regularly. The production says there will be "numerous changes" coming for Expresso.
"I'm sad to not be live on the show each morning and seeing my Expresso family daily, it's been an amazing journey and I've grown in many aspects, not only as a presenter but as a person as well. It's wonderful to be part of such a successful breakfast show. I look forward to waking up and watching the show from home," says Liezel van der Westhuizen. She will now be focusing on her studies.
Expresso says the Tswelope Production wishes Liezel van der Westhuizen and Kia Johnson ''best of luck in their future endeavours". According to the show Liezel van der Westhuizen will only be appearing on an ad hoc capacity in the future on the show in recorded inserts.
Expresso will be adding Johannesburg-based presenters in order to increase the Johannesburg regional content to the show which has been successfully produced from its Cape Town penthouse high rise in Sea Point.
