My Online Diary

Out and about in SA
Published on 06/06/2010

The week kicked off with a Stay Alert Stay Alive function. Stay Alert Stay Alive is an amazing initiative and we spent the day with about 70 learners who are being motivated to take math and science as main subjects in school since the country needs more engineers. The learners are also provided with valuable facts around not drinking and driving and wearing a seat belt. I then headed off to Sun International Headquarters to celebrate the 10 day countdown to the biggest sporting event in Africa’s history. A 3-a-side football field had been constructed in the lobby of the building allowing for some competitive fun for staff members. Let's just say that the team’s got The Gees!

I had the opportunity to address the kids at Waterkloof Primary School in Pretoria on Tuesday morning in assembly. It is an honour to motivate learners toward following their dreams. The younger learners shared with me what they wanted to become one day and class photos completed the morning visit. What a great school! I spent the afternoon with Sun International’s PR team discussing future projects. Watch this space - there are many exciting things on the horizon.
 
I spent Wednesday conquering some admin and sourcing garments for the Miss Universe pageant. The Africa United Park Launch took place on Thursday morning – "Football Fives Club" next to the Southgate Mall. Launched at such a perfect time, I think it will definitely attract many football fanatics!
 
On Friday, I had the pleasure of meeting all the children at Unity College - Special Needs Education in Fourways. It was very a rewarding morning and the children are so special. We played soccer, sang the school song and the National Anthem as well as took part in competitions! From Fourways, I headed over to Primedia Broadcasting to celebrate the last Soccer Friday with the staff with a dress-up fashion show, prizes and discussions around exciting projects about to be launched! I then went to M-Net studios for a recording of Ontbytsake which was a blast – we spent some time talking about Westfalia Avocado Oil and its health benefits thereof.
 
I was privileged to attend the Inauguration of the Gautrain on Saturday night! Yes, South Africa is not only hosting Africa’s biggest sporting event, but our own major milestone too! We had the opportunity to officially open the various stations on the Sandton – O.R. Tambo route!
 
As an inspirational end to the week on Sunday morning, I was honoured to take part in the Walk The World Against Hunger initiative at the Johannesburg Zoo. It is certainly a great way of making the world aware of the need out there. As the time zones change, supporters start walking and ultimately the whole world walks against hunger! An incredible idea!

Talk Shows, Embassy's and Charitable Events
Published on 31/05/2010

I was a guest on 3 Talk with Noleen on Monday morning. Filming took place at The Rosebank Mall with a live audience and the show highlighted some celebrities' favourite books! I had so much fun.  

I was also fortunate enough to be invited to the "National Day of Argentina" at the Embassy in Pretoria. It was very well organised and I was able to meet with many of the guests. 

The CANSA Cycle Challenge media launch took place at Sun International's head office on Wednesday.  The event supports individuals who have suffered from cancer and those who have won the battle against this dreadful disease. I am extremely privileged to be part of this initiative. That evening I attended the opening of the new Scarlet Ribbon facility in Edenvale, hosted by Edith Venter. I had a great time mingling with all the celebs.

Thursday was spent at an Avis Golf Day at Serengeti. I had an extremely enjoyable day in the company of the fantastic people from Avis. I then attended the African Access National Business Awards at Sandton Convention Centre with Topco. I’d like to take this opportunity to say congratulations to the organisers as well as the nominees and winners on the night.

Friday was a day I will never forget – simply life changing. I spent it with Sue Lubbe and Friends, feeding children at 3 poverty stricken schools in the south of Johannesburg. It honestly changed my perspective on the plight of the ill, homeless and needy children out there. The day ended at the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa’s charity dinner. The evening was themed "A Night At The Races" and raised funds for the children who need new hearts.

Saturday was another busy one! I began the day with Radio 702 and Highveld 94.7 "Welcome to Jozi" at Gold Reef City to "Paint The Big Picture" for the World Cup. From there, I headed straight to Irene Village Mall for a Jet Set Watches and Kurt Darren promotion. It was a blast – thanks again to Jet Set for all their support! After that, I attended the Africa Day Celebrations at Dries Niemand Park. And then ended the day at judging the Miss Centurion Schools Competition. Well done to the organisers and the winners!

Sunday was well and truly a rest day. 

Magazine Launches, Auctions and Celebrations
Published on 24/05/2010

On Monday I headed off to the “Musiek Sterre” Magazine Launch in Pretoria where I performed Master of Ceremonies duties together with Robbie Cruise from Jacaranda 94.2. The evening was a feast of music and a delicious 3-course meal. I had a fantastic evening with some of the Afrikaans musicians and celebrities to be featured in their magazine.

Tuesday was full of sponsor meetings and discussions on upcoming events and on Wednesday, I shared a few words at Elmar College in Pretoria for their "Club Finesse" programme. These young ladies are so inspirational – they are so well informed on matters such as etiquette.

FNB Premier organised an auction with a twist on Thursday evening. The audience had to bid for prizes that were being given away which included holidays away, advanced driving courses and Lindt chocolate subscriptions. We bid using FNB money which made it a lot easier :-)

A 20 day celebration function took place at Sun International on Friday. I enjoy functions such as these as it reminds us that the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ is just around the corner and that South Africa is ready! That evening I attended the SA Fashion Week launch for Bafana Bafana. The designers were asked to craft garments according to the Bafana’s colours and I wore a beautiful outfit from Soda.

I went off to Atteridgeville in Pretoria on Saturday to spend the day with the Ri A Wina Association at an orphanage in the area. I was so tempted to take all those kids home with me – they are just so precious and deserve so much more. I can’t wait to go and spend some time with them again.

Happy Birthday to Me
Published on 16/05/2010

I was still at the tourism INDABA on Monday and while I spent most of my time at the Sun International stand, I got to walk around and see what else was on offer. South Africa really is alive with possibility. I had some spare time in Durbz on Tuesday and it was lovely to enjoy some down time with my family before flying back to Johannesburg that evening. I was so excited to be invited by the one and only Edith Venter to attend the South African Guide Dogs Ball media launch on Wednesday. It was such a success and even got to meet some of the “guide dogs in training”. Thursday was the day for photo shoots! I took some pictures with a group of children from Alma School for Casual Day in the morning and then headed off to Wetnose outside Pretoria. It is wonderful to see the great work being done there and they strive to find homes for all the dogs, cats and horses that they house on their premises. It would be great if you could help them out in any way.   On Friday I went off to Brits to judge in the traditional the "Mej. Brits Poss" - a grand affair. Well done to all the young ladies who took part! It was my birthday on Saturday and I decided to spend it in Eldorado Park being part of a community outreach where we fed a number of children. The event was organised by Sue Lubbe and friends. Thank you so much to all who contributed in making my day extra special and one that I will remember for many years to come! My birthday ended off with a celebratory supper with family and friends! A shoot at Pure Motion Studios for Brasilfit Active Wear in the Morningside Shopping Centre concluded my week on Sunday.

Training, Golfing and Celebrating
Published on 09/05/2010

The week started off with some BlackBerry training. It is quite remarkable to see what you can actually do on the device (once you know how to use it). I love my BlackBerry! Want to win your own BlackBerry Curve 8520 smartphone? Click here to enter the competition now.  Did a shoot at the M-Net studios on Wednesday for "Jip" on MK. I had tons of fun. The more interviews I do, the more my passion for a career in television grows! I was off to Sun City on Thursday to assist in the Seniors Nedbank Golf Challenge prize giving. There were loads of great stories to be heard and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  I left very early on Thursday morning to attend another golf day for Omega Risk Solutions in Pretoria! We had great fun zipping around the course on a golf cart taking lots of photos! Then I was off to attend a Women’s Conference at my church which was incredibly inspirational! Saturday morning started off with an opportunity to honour our mothers at a Unilever and Angela Day Mother’s Day tea. I then headed off straight to the Kollonade Shopping Centre to celebrate World Red Cross Day. What a privilege it is to be an ambassador for The Red Cross. I was then back off to my church to conclude my talk at the Women’s Conference. An early flight on Sunday morning took me to Durban for the tourism INDABA. The sheer size of the extravaganza is something to behold, particularly if you are attending for the first time. I spent the day at the Avis stand and met many of their clients, some of whom joined us for the cocktail party that evening. It was some experience seeing the new Moses Mabhida Stadium for the first time. I then returned to Sibaya Lodge, I had a most memorable stay!