Gareth Cliff on Everything

by Gareth Cliff (Jonathan Ball) ISBN: 978-1-86842-455-9

Better known for his Deejaying slot on 5fm in the mornings, and for being one of the judges in the South African idols competition, Gareth Cliff’s book is quite an entertaining read. Yes he can be an old man at times – even at the tender age of 35. And more often than not he’s a callous bastard, but he does seem to hold a rational view of things as they stand politically and socially.
He’s extremely knowledgeable and doesn’t suffer fools. He tells things as they are, and wouldn’t get away with half of it, if he didn’t relay it in such a witty and always pedantic manner. Like any South African though, he’s not short on opinions and the lighter moments that make us truly one of a kind.
Laugh your way through stories of those pesky caravans you find on the roads during the holiday season, or the men who delight in wearing those two-toned Veldfokus shirts even when they aren’t bundu bashing.  You’ll more than likely mirror a lot of his sentiments, or possibly dislike him even more.  Whatever the case, this is an easy read which will fire up those neurons in terms of figuring out where you stand on these issues. 
Cliff’s enthusiasm for speaking his mind is infectious. Before you know it, you may be sending off emails to the government bemoaning the current Information Bill that’s being passed, nationalisation of the mines, service delivery and all those other nagging issues.
It’s original, and gives you more insight into this controversial figure who has seen his head on the chopping block more than a few times.

Ashleigh Seton-Rogers
4/5