Gareth Cliff, currently the Morning Drive presenter on 5FM and M-Net Idols judge, is one of South African radio's most prominent personalities making a name for himself with his irreverent brand of humour, both as a radio DJ and television personality.

Having studied Law; International Relations; Politics; and History, Gareth's general knowledge and accompanying wit allow him to converse with everyone, and to share challenging; bold; and entertaining opinions with his listeners and guests

Gareth kicked off his career at Radio TUKS in Pretoria in 1998 and later 'graduated' to Talk Radio 702 as a producer while he was still studying. It was here that he was given his first major break in radio where he attracted an enormous amount of attention for his irreverence and intelligence, replacing the legendary John Berks on the 702 Breakfast Show in 2001. In 2003, Gareth accepted an offer on 5FM, where he currently hosts the breakfast show on the national youth station, allowing him to reach a far greater audience.

Gareth believes that the only real celebrity in South Africa is Nelson Mandela – but has nevertheless become a household name and face himself. He has won several awards including People's Choice Crystal Award for Favourite Radio Personality (which he again won this year); Kids Favourite TV Presenter and Favourite Radio Presenter; has regularly been one of the top South Africans in the heat Top 100; as well as regular winner and finalist in the YOU Awards. He hosts numerous events both as an MC and a conference facilitator, deejays and gives talks.

Beyond the public eye, Gareth has demonstrated his commitment to his audience and passion about South Africa by generously giving of his time to causes which are close to his heart. He regularly gives motivational talks at schools and universities and always tries to accommodate requests for charity and cultural events. He is a patron for Headway Gauteng, a fully registered welfare organisation dedicated to offering various support programmes to survivors of Acquired Brain Injury, including Traumatic Brain Injury.

Gareth is a founder and Director of One on One Productions, a company to enhance the use of electronic media as well as training and development in the communications arena.

1. What was your first job/ where did you start?
I was a waiter - for one day.

2. What made you want to build a career in your profession?
Radio is the only magic left. It's all about imagination

3. How do you unwind behind the scenes?
I sleep.

4. Who would you most like to meet – dead or alive, and why?
Augustus Caesar.

5. What has been one of the most important lessons you have learnt?
To be nice to even the most ordinary of people. They're sometimes very interesting and many things may be learned from them.

6. What is your secret indulgence and your three ‘can’t live without’ items?
Tomatoes; iPhone; and cash.

7. Who do you think is getting it right in the industry?
We are, on 5FM mornings.

8. Which person in the industry do you think is making waves?
We all make waves - sound waves.

9. Who is your alter-ego?
I don't have an alter-ego. All my good and bad I claim only too happily.

10. What is your favourite perfume?
I have no idea.

11. Which car would best personify you, and why?
Range Rover Sport.

12. What is your favourite reality TV series?
I prefer historical epics to reality TV. Idols, I suppose.

13. Who is someone you truly look up to, and which qualities do you most admire about them?
My family. They're all terrific in every way.

14. What’s your stance on social media?
Well, I love Twitter and I like Facebook. I think they're essential parts of our social existence. People who don't exist online hardly exist at all.