Share

Gareth Cliff responds to backlash over open letter to President Ramaphosa: ‘I’m absolutely unafraid of the virus’

accreditation
Gareth Cliff. (Photo: Getty/Gallo Images)
Gareth Cliff. (Photo: Getty/Gallo Images)

PLEASE NOTE: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Covid-19 a pandemic. Precautions to prevent the spread of the virus include good hygiene practices and social distancing. For more advice on how to stay safe and healthy you can visit the WHO's website.


Gareth Cliff still stands firm behind the bold statements he made in his open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, 30 April.

Speaking about his concerns for the economy during the lockdown period, Gareth probed the president to lift the lockdown saying that the novel virus will be the least of the country’s worries.

"Many of us aren’t afraid of the virus anymore. It’s our health and we’ll take our chances, thank you," Gareth said in his controversial open letter.

"We’re afraid of the havoc your lockdown is wreaking on the economy, on people’s lives and livelihoods. I see fewer and fewer explanations from ministers and more and more capricious, some would say spiteful, regulation."

The 42-year-old controversial radio personality says that he doesn’t share his opinions for people’s attention but rather tells stories to "share insights, spark debate and have discussions".

This has been one of the three blog posts that he’s shared since the lockdown started that gained traction. And although, according to him, thousands of people agree with him he’s merely speaking for himself.

"I’m absolutely unafraid of the virus, 100%," Gareth tells YOU. "If you are, you’ve been taken in by the alarmist media, and you’re not reading any of the information that’s coming out every day."

Amongst the many voices that opposed his opinion, media personality Sizwe Dhlomo said: "It’s not us against the government, it’s you against the government and if I feel like you’re a hazard to those I love, then it’s you against me."


This open letter might have gone viral and caught the attention of many people clapping back at his stance, but President Cyril Ramaphosa hasn’t directly responded to Gareth's letter.

"The President released a statement in the form of his own open letter on Monday, acknowledging opposition to the lockdown regulations and urging unity and asking the public to abide by the rules. [I] wasn’t expecting a hand-delivered letter," the shock jock said.

For more information on Covid-19 visit Health24. 

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 ()