The thing I love most about my job is ighlighting success – showing what can be done and has been done by South Africans – and by achievers all over the world to make a significant contribution to improving lifestyle, whilst conserving and protecting our eco and cultural heritage.

When I was first given a producer’s job – on Video Two – at the age of 25  - after years of hard slog working my way up from a production secretary in sport, to floor manager, to assistant producer and finally to producer in the Youth and Children’s department at SABC. The next step was being given the job of Executive Producer of a brand new bilingual show. As a team, we brainstormed and created Graffiti – the first English and Afrikaans show for the youth and it was an invaluable exercise in creating a brand. The next step was leaving SABC and going freelance – getting the experience as an outside producer, combined with the 11 years spent at the SABC and having the vision to create the Top Billing concept.  We did  a pilot for Top Billing, and had it accepted and commissioned.  Another defining moment in my career was seeing Basetsana Kumalo win Miss SA in 1994.  I approached her via Doreen Morris to become a presenter on Top Billing and she accepted.  I have built a relationship and formed a partnership with Basetsana as Tswelopele Productions and we have been in business and grown the business together since 1995.

Website: www.topbilling.com

I have had the following nominations and awards:  SAFTA Award for best magazine show 2007 for Top Billing , SAFTA Award for Best magazine Show 2009 for Pasella – Crystal Award for Top Billing 2009,  Nedbank BWA Regional Winner in Entrepreneur category in 2004,

CEO Magazine Winner 2009 Most Influential Woman in Business and Government in category Communications, Media, TV, Radio and Press Sector

 On a personal note, I spend as much time as possible with my family and do not go to many social events as that takes me away from them.  I enjoy playing golf, going to gym, going for walks and watching TV on my treadmill. Then I do not feel like a couch potato but can still see what people are doing with the medium of television.

My personal inspirations are people who stand up for what they believe in  and who live the words that they speak. People who forgive, move on and motivate – like Nelson Mandela.  Also people who put intense energy into making it happen – like Jacob Zuma and Helen Zille  

People in a mentorship position that has taught, inspired and connected me to my purpose as been my parents, teachers, lecturers, and the senior producers, editors and managers I have worked with and learnt from. They have always encouraged me to work hard and to always achieve the best possible, and have instilled in me the desire to push the limits – even at the risk of failure. My partner, Basetsana Kumalo who has always encouraged me to believe in my own ability when it comes to making television and communicating, and has also inspired me to be conciliatory and tolerant in a management position.

My personal message to the women of South Africa would be: Don’t be ashamed or afraid to dream big, or to be ambitious. I read that women feel guilt more intensely than men.  I think that we feel guilty about being successful and about enjoying the fruits of our labor. This can limit one’s achievement. You can only realize a dream if you are proud to dream it.

The best piece of advice I have received is Never give up. I went to church and the pastor quoted Winston Churchill giving a speech of only three words at a prize giving ceremony – “Never give up”. It is something I have read often in advice from entrepreneurs  and it has always kept me going.  They say 50% of the choices we make are right and 50 % are wrong.  It is important to make decisions, learn and move on from the incorrect ones and build on the right ones, and to stay focused on one’s main goals.

I think the secret to happiness is accepting and being happy with who we are, being able to spend time by oneself and be perfectly occupied by just one’s own thoughts and imaginings.  Spend time with those one you loves and to give them unconditional and uncritical love, support and physical affection.

The world would be a better place is we were not being totally selfish and focused only on ourselves. Be aware of the needs of the people and animals around us and try not to impinge on their space and right to be.  On an every day basis - Pick up your own litter – and the litter you see around you – and if you are really clever, turn rubbish into something useful. Making a compost heap – take glass and paper for recycling, turn off the lights, use the bath water on the garden  

The one thing in my life that I am sure of is that we are born and that we die – dust to dust – ashes to ashes, and that whilst we are alive we must live the moment to the best of our ability, and build our treasures in heaven.

My favourite quote is  “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender – that is strength.” Arnold Schwarzenegger