Share

5 controversial Gareth Cliff moments that had us on the edge of our seats

Johannesburg – Gareth Cliff has never been one to mince his words. The shock jock usually says exactly what’s on his mind, and many times, gets in trouble for it. 

He’s started twars, written an open letter, been suspended, fired, and re-hired. Take a look at some of our top Gareth Cliff moments that had us on the edge of our seats. 

1. Gareth leaves 5FM 

After 10 years with the SABC, Gareth made the announcement in early 2014 that he would be leaving 5FM. Not only did the presenter leave the station, he took his whole team along with him! 

“After two suspensions and several close-shaves, dozens of BCCSA complaints and almost as many management changes at the SABC, it’s time to get unhinged,” Gareth said in a press statement released by his manager.  

2. Cliff Central is born 

Not long after leaving 5FM Gareth made our jaws drop once again when he announced that he would be starting his own online radio station.

Two years down the line and Cliff Central is doing great. So well, in fact, that Gareth decided to join forces with Tbo Touch who resigned from Metro FM to start Touch Central

HISTORY!!!!!

A photo posted by Tbo Touch (@iamtbotouch) on

3. That Fikile twar 

Gareth’s #NoFilter approach to things can often end up being very controversial, and some time quite hilarious too. Take the twar he had with Minister Fikile Mbalula for example. 

After sending this tweet in reference to the FIFA scandal... 

Fikile came back fighting, throwing a number of insults Gareth’s way.  


4. Gareth goes after Zuma 

But it turns out Fikile is not the only politician Gareth is not afraid to take aim at. The star has, on more than one occasion, come out guns blazing against president Jacob Zuma. Besides the open letter he wrote to the president, the presenter also got people talking when he went on a rant aimed at Zuma and the Guptas on Cliff Central. 

5. Fired, re-hired, and then resigned 

Another moment that had South African’s gasping was when the news broke that M-Net had taken the decision to fire Gareth from Idols SA after he was embroiled in controversy regarding a race debate around estate agent, Penny Sparrow. 

But of course, Gareth didn’t take this lying down. The shock jock took the case to court and won

Happy ending, right? Well… after fulfilling his duties on the judging panel of the 12th season of Idols SA, Gareth made the decision to call it quits, resigning from the show. 

 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE