The sky is definitely not the limit for Grahamstown-born Eusebius McKaiser, who is currently a Talk Radio 702 talk show host, Wits University Philosophy lecturer, political analyst and writer for several newspapers, including the Mail and Guardian and Sunday Times.
The sky is definitely not the limit for Grahamstown-born Eusebius McKaiser, who is currently a Talk Radio 702 talk show host, Wits University Philosophy lecturer, political analyst and writer for several newspapers, including the Mail and Guardian and Sunday Times.
McKaiser attended St Mary's Primary School, before going to Graeme College. He defines the transition as a "massive cultural shock". "St. Mary's was 99% populated with coloured kids from the local neighbourhood, so attending Graeme College after that – a former whites-only school – was a massive cultural shock," said McKaiser.
His book about his experiences at Graeme College, titled, "Me and Model C: Being schooled in Whiteness" will be released in a few months. Looking back on his academic successes, he said, "My family was always very supportive of my academic and extramural achievements and activities, and I just got on, really, with making the most of the opportunities."
Having grown up in a "modest working-class family background", in the local coloured township, he describes his childhood as an odd mixture of hard challenges, and deliciously fond memories. "My book is a good chronicle of these early experiences. I have other book projects that need completion within the next year, about social, ethical and political topics affecting South Africa," he said.
His cousin, Gail Stevens, grew up with him in the same house, with their grandparents as guardians. Despite the 15–year age difference, Stevens said they had grown up as brother and sister. “We had a wonderful time growing up," Stevens recollects. "We were always there for each other and had so much to look forward to, every day. "I always admired how he would multi-task, you know – watch TV while doing his homework,” said Stevens.
Reflecting on McKaiser's successes, she said, “When we see him on television, we wonder whether we are going to need to use a dictionary again. We are so proud of his achievements.” Childhood friend, Chesley Daniels, describes McKaiser as a bookworm. "I have known Eusebius since our small days – we grew up together.
"Over the years, he changed a lot – he became cleverer and cleverer. He is a very open-minded, intelligent, bright and straight-forward guy. "As he was a year older than me, I was always proud of his achievements while at Graeme College. Later he became one of the top children from Grade 8 till matric," he said.
After matriculating at Graeme College in 1996, McKaiser attended Rhodes University, where he achieved a distinction for a Masters degree in Philosophy. "I also did philosophy research at Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship,"McKaiser said. "I will continue to work on my doctorate this year. My Ph.D focuses on the question, "Are people morally responsible for their beliefs?"
McKaiser is the 2011 World Masters Debate Champion, has attended six World Debate Championships and is a coach on debating and public speaking. "I have debated, judged and trained debaters, in South Africa, Europe and the Middle East. I am still involved in debate, locally, and will be working a lot with both high school and university debaters throughout 2011," said McKaiser.
In addition, McKaiser does some consulting work with corporate clients and within three years of being in the media industry, he has set his sights on becoming a news and current affairs show anchor on television during the course of this year.
"I am interested in contributing towards good public debate about key social and political debates. I am currently doing exactly that and loving what I do," he said. McKaiser does not have a role model or motto. He said, "I don't believe in slogans. I just get on with doing the things that I value and that I am passionate about – politics, ethics, debate, etc."
Shedding more light on the talk show that he hosts, McKaiser said, "The show is called Politics and Morality''. That says it all, really; it engenders political and ethical debate. I try to get newsmakers on the show, or to challenge my listeners to think about ethical issues."
McKaiser may come across as an "all work and no play" person, but he is not. "I enjoy clubbing, I love eating out, partying hard and socialising. Simply working hard and being competitive would make anyone utterly dull. I enjoy listening to lots of music. I play the piano and studied classical music for almost 10 years but I enjoy pop, house and some R&B and I also read ferociously,'' he said.
Travelling is another of his favourite pastimes and he has been to 15 countries. When Grocott's Mail asked about his plans for the next two years, he said, "Just to continue enjoying the things I currently do. More books, more articles, more radio and television work."
