Viv Vermaak
Viv Vermaak is an award-winning investigative journalist, writer and director. She was the most loved and hated presenter on South Africa’s iconic travel show, “Going Nowhere Slowly’ and ranks being the tall germ, “Terie’ in Mina Moo as a career highlight. She does Jiu-Jitsu and has a ’69 Chevy Impala called Katy Peri-Peri. Vermaak's Podcast Report is a monthly feature on the Daily Friend Show, and appears monthly in the Daily Friend as a column.
Articles By This Author
The difference between ad hominem, insult, and taking things personally
(Warning: this article contains swear words and penises.) “Dear fucking lunatic,” reads the salutation of a famous open letter to Donald Trump. It goes on: “At your recent press conference – more a word salad that had a stroke and fell down stairs – you were clearly so out of your depth you needed scuba gear.”
War on Iran: Western misadventure or righteous crusade?
“You cannot bomb people into liberation. The whole idea of freedom is that you choose it for yourself.” (Sizwe Mpofu Walsh)
The good old boys don’t drink whiskey and rye anymore
I stopped drinking seven years ago. I sometimes wonder whether that was a mistake.
Johnny the walker: DA leadership battle provokes mixed reactions
From gin in tin cups to threats of chopping off their own pinkies, opinionistas weigh in from left, right, and centre. It’s a hell of
Crocs: when ugly becomes beautiful (and profitable)
The remarkable story of Crocs is one of paradoxes. It’s about ugly shoes becoming fashion statements, a source of division amongst podiatrists, and how the
The podcast landscape of 2026: it’s like a box of chocolates
Like a box of Quality Street, everyone has their favourite favourite. Herewith some tastes from left, right, and centre. Our podcasters have carved out a
New year’s resolutions should be new year’s trade-offs
“There are no solutions, there are only trade-offs.” This famous quote by economist Thomas Sowell serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of expecting
A sensible diet for fat politicians
Poor John Steenhuisen: not only has he been caught using his official credit card for personal purposes, but he is also exposed for allegedly ordering
South Africa: Good hope from left, right and centre
“After many years of unsuccessfully trying to kill each other, it is starting to look more and more likely that we might actually start working
Cape independence? How will I vote?
“The idea of Cape Independence is like putting a unicorn in charge of the rainbow.” Is Cape Independence a reasonable and viable idea? Or is