Gareth Cliff's Controversial Remarks: A Continuing Debate - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Gareth Cliff’s Controversial Remarks: A Continuing Debate

4 mins read
gareth cliff south africa

Gareth Cliff, a well-known radio presenter in South Africa, sparked outrage and a social media storm after comparing a photograph of the Minister of International Relations, Naledi Pandor, wearing a headscarf to a “turd”. His comments were denounced as disrespectful and offensive by many, particularly the Muslim community. The incident highlights the broader issue of how public personalities balance freedom of speech and respect for cultural and religious diversity in public arenas, and has sparked a wider conversation about these issues.

What were Gareth Cliff’s controversial remarks?

Gareth Cliff, a well-known radio presenter, compared a photograph of Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations, wearing a headscarf, to a “turd.” This comment sparked immediate outrage, particularly from the Muslim community, and ignited a broader conversation about respect for cultural and religious diversity in public arenas. Cliff defended his remarks, but his critics denounced them as disrespectful and offensive.

Unleashing a Social Media Storm

In today’s digital era, the impact of words has reached unprecedented heights. This is exemplified by the recent controversy stirred in South Africa by the comments of well-known radio presenter, Gareth Cliff, which particularly incited the Muslim community’s ire.

Known for his blunt and frequently contentious observations, Cliff found himself in the eye of a social media cyclone. He had compared a photograph of Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations, wearing a headscarf, to a “turd”. This comparison, made in jest, led to serious implications.

The reaction to Cliff’s remarks was immediate and intense. Vimlesh Rajbansi, daughter of the late politician Amichand Rajbansi and an activist in her own right, was one of the vocal objectors. She saw Cliff’s remarks as an insult to “all women who wear hijabs,” elaborating on why his comments were disrespectful.

The Underlying Issue of Respect and Cultural Sensitivity

Rajbansi’s denunciation of Cliff’s comments emphasizes the deep-seated issues of respect and cultural sensitivity. From her perspective, equating Pandor’s decision to wear a hijab with wearing a “turd for Halloween” is not only offensive to Pandor, who seldom wears a hijab, but also suggests that all hijab-wearing women are similarly “dressed up as turds”. Furthermore, Rajbansi highlighted that Pandor’s advocacy for the Palestinian cause, involving a significant number of hijab-clad women, should have dissuaded Cliff from making such an indelicate comment.

In reaction to the widespread outrage, Cliff responded with defiance. Taking to Instagram, he defended his remarks, accusing his critics of double standards. He showed disregard for those who were offended or upset, attributing their reactions to ’emotional fragility’. Cliff stressed that he was under no obligation to be courteous or mindful of their sensitivities, and expressed indifference towards being branded a racist or Islamophobe.

Interestingly, amidst the brouhaha, Pandor, the subject of Cliff’s comments herself, has remained quiet about the incident. Earlier in the week, she had made headlines for South Africa’s decision to recall its diplomats from Israel amidst the ongoing conflict in Palestine.

A Broader Conversation on Freedom of Speech and Respect for Diversity

The incident highlights the broader issue of how public personalities tread the fine line between exercising freedom of speech and the potential to offend. As the saga continues to unfold, it’s evident that this fracas has sparked a wider discussion about respect for cultural and religious diversity in public arenas.

Clayson Monyela, another critic, encapsulated the sentiment aptly when he tweeted, “If you meant this as an attack on Dr Naledi Pandor, you missed. It tells us more about you. What a miserable soul you are!” His statement serves as a potent reminder that the influence of words goes way beyond their immediate impact. They mirror the speaker’s character and attitude.

The controversy around Gareth Cliff’s remarks is certain to keep fuelling discourses about respect for diversity, freedom of speech, and the responsibility of public figures. As the nation continues to confront these intricate issues, one thing is clear: the potency of words should never be undervalued.

1. What were Gareth Cliff’s controversial remarks?

Gareth Cliff, a well-known radio presenter, compared a photograph of Naledi Pandor, the Minister of International Relations, wearing a headscarf, to a “turd.” This comment sparked immediate outrage, particularly from the Muslim community, and ignited a broader conversation about respect for cultural and religious diversity in public arenas.

2. What was the reaction to Cliff’s remarks?

The reaction to Cliff’s remarks was immediate and intense, inciting the ire of the Muslim community and leading to a social media storm. Vimlesh Rajbansi, an activist and daughter of the late politician Amichand Rajbansi, was one of the vocal objectors.

3. Why were Cliff’s comments considered disrespectful and offensive?

Cliff’s comments were considered disrespectful and offensive because they equated Pandor’s decision to wear a hijab with wearing a “turd for Halloween.” This not only insulted Pandor but also suggested that all hijab-wearing women are similarly “dressed up as turds.” Furthermore, Pandor’s advocacy for the Palestinian cause, involving a significant number of hijab-clad women, should have dissuaded Cliff from making such an indelicate comment.

4. How did Cliff respond to the backlash?

Cliff responded with defiance, defending his remarks on Instagram and accusing his critics of double standards. He showed disregard for those who were offended or upset, attributing their reactions to ’emotional fragility’. Cliff stressed that he was under no obligation to be courteous or mindful of their sensitivities and expressed indifference towards being branded a racist or Islamophobe.

5. What broader issue does the incident highlight?

The incident highlights the broader issue of how public personalities balance freedom of speech and respect for cultural and religious diversity in public arenas. As the saga continues to unfold, it’s evident that this fracas has sparked a wider discussion about respect for cultural and religious diversity in public arenas.

6. What does the controversy around Gareth Cliff’s remarks signify?

The controversy around Gareth Cliff’s remarks signifies the continued need for discourses about respect for diversity, freedom of speech, and the responsibility of public figures. As the nation continues to confront these intricate issues, one thing is clear: the potency of words should never be undervalued.

Previous Story

Celebrated Artist Vuyo Mabheka Shines at Prestigious Paris Art Fair

Next Story

“Embracing Culinary and Wine Appreciation: Stellenbosch Street Festivals”

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.