Gareth Cliff finds himself on the wrong side of history… again – ‘Move on from apartheid’

by Nomonde Simelane

The effects of the tensions in the international relations community have trickled down into South African politics as the country continues to go back and forth regarding what is best for the republic. Radio and TV personality Gareth Cliff has found himself in the hot seat once more following a string of concerning posts.

After keeping a relatively clean sheet for the majority of his career, Gareth Cliff has quickly become the ‘face’ of celebrity racism, as his problematic opinions have gotten him in sticky situations, including getting fired from popular singing competition show Idols, as well as the termination of his longstanding sponsorship with Nando’s.

Donald Trump’s now-viral post regarding South Africa’s recently passed Expropriation Bill has caused much commotion in the republic as citizens can’t seem to reach a consensus about the best way to achieve racial, economic, and social equality post-apartheid. Controversial figure Penuel Mlotshwa started a loaded, yet significant conversation when he posed a genuine question to white South Africans, where he inquired what they think is the best course of action in terms of addressing the injustices black people face on a daily basis as a result of apartheid and colonialism.

“How do you suggest we fix the injustices of the past that still affect the majority of black South Africans today? Specifically regarding land they were forced off of in 1913, Bantu Education, labour exploitation and income inequality?” Penuel asked.

Shooting himself in the foot, Gareth Cliff responded with an answer that did not sit well with internet users, as they rushed to label him racist, claiming he was living up to his infamous reputation. In his response, Gareth dismisses the real and damaging effects of apartheid, claiming that nothing can be done about the past.

Furthermore, a string of more posts, where Gareth reiterates the disinformation regarding the expropriation bill has led some users to call him out for his inherent racism, labelling it as dangerous, considering the kinds of platforms Gareth has been afforded.

Some of these users have called Gareth out, urging him to educate himself more on mzansi’s history, which will allow him to put a stop to the racial division that he continues to encourage through his problematic and unfounded opinions.

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