“I think we need to become more critical as a society, people need to learn to take it on the chin (so to speak). People are entitled to their opinion, as am I, in fact some of the criticism of me has been really witty and I’ve got a kick out of it.” So says high profile Durban writer and journalist Terence Pillay.
See picture gallery from our cover shoot below. All pictures by Chris Laurenz
“We need to speak up about issues like bad service and bad manners in this country. The erosion of freedom of speech is a real worry.”
Ridge people will know Terence well from his weekly slot “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Winners and Losers” on the East Coast Radio breakfast show, but Terence also has a long history in print, radio and television media.
This motormouth got his break on ECR when the radio station’s MD Trish Taylor and programme manager Naveen Singh contacted him about a potential radio slot. “They had read my columns in local newspapers and said they liked the tone, and we should do something. Winners and Losers was born out of those discussions, and the response has really been fantastic, it’s pushed my career to another level.”
And who are Terence’s biggest losers?
“In general, road safety is a huge bugbear. South Africans are just incapable of following the rules. Now Sbu Ndebele (National Minister of Transport) wants to reduce the speed limit to 100km/h! What is he thinking? He points to Australia, for example, but they have an extremely effective system of law enforcement, which we don’t have here. And how easy is it to buy a drivers’ licence in this country? It’s a disgrace.”
Disabled
Other losers include drivers who park in disabled parking spaces (“This I cannot tolerate”), the erosion of freedom of speech, and the proposed Protection of Information Bill. “In my opinion, Bishop Tutu did not react very well to the Dalai Lama visa saga, it was completely over the top, but they really should have issued a visa to the Dalai Lama. We are kowtowing to the Chinese, and I fear that South Africans are the ones who are going to get burned.”
Terence began life in radio at a student radio station 22 years ago. He has written extensively for newspapers and magazines and has developed a dynamic career in television production. It was during a stint as a Carte Blanche feature producer that he was attacked during the filming of a segment. “That was a real eye opener, I realised then that while I have a passion for the truth and top quality journalism, I’d rather not be killed on the job.”
Terence is one of Durban’s most sought after MCs and has booked events including The Durban Theatre Awards for five years running, The Gateway Fashion Experience, the Standard Bank True Blue Awards and World Chefs Unite Against Hunger.
Among his vast and varied body of work, he has interviewed some of the world’s leading personalities, including Hilary Swank, the Dalai Lama, Enrique Iglesias, Naomi Campbell, John Cleese, Dave Annabel, Preity Zinta, Luke McFarlane, Joe Cocker, Howie Mandel and a slew of other international and South African stars.
Collaborator
Along with long-time collaborator Julie Kelly, he has also worked extensively in the travel media industry and is working on two exciting projects: A cooking show for Kyknet and an exciting travel show, which is still in development.
“I think the Kyknet show will be a real success. It’s tailored for a very loyal, niche market.”
I asked Terence about working with Darren Maule, the new man at the helm of East Coast’s breakfast show. “Darren is brand new to radio, so he’s taken a bit of time to get used to the medium. But he’s very funny and has a great ability to think on his feet. Now that we’ve all got used to the new rhythm of the show, I think we’ll work together fantastically.”
And why is this talented media man still in Durban, when Johannesburg – with all its possibilities – lies just a few hours’ drive away?
“I don’t like the superficial, hedonistic attitude in Joburg. People are far more real here, and there seems to be more time to live your life. Plus, Durban is home…I have a history and family here. I am extremely proud of the city I live in.” – By Garth Johnstone
TERENCE’S RIDGE TIPS
Leisure: I love the pavement café society that has developed in this town. Durban has a great outdoors lifestyle but Umhlanga and Gateway, in particular, has promoted this.
For coffee: Anywhere outdoors, where I can enjoy the good weather and watch people go by.
Restaurant: Aqua at Sibaya Casino. Love the setting, love the food.
Travel: Malaysia and Pangkor Laut; the Maldives.