Where in Pretoria did you grow up and which schools did you go to? I grew up in the Northern suburbs of Pretoria. Wonderboom/Sinoville. I attended primary school at Wonderboom and high school at Overkruin. Tell me about your memories of the community where you grew up. Fond memories. Peaceful and blissful. Large old trees, and a very moderate climate. Would you describe yourself as a typical girl or a tomboy? I do like girly stuff but I detest boredom and I like adventure and action. If that classifies me as a tomboy then I guess I am one.

You sang in the choir and took drama lessons, tell us a bit about this.
Yes I sang in the Pretoria Children's choir and took acting lessons from an early age with a lady called Sarah Louw. She was the sister of NP van Wyk Louw. She use to call our home and ask to speak with my mother with a peculiar voice. It amuzed my brother and to this day he can imitate her asking to speak with my Mom!

What did you study?
I studied a 3 year diploma as executive secretary between 1989 and 1991 at the Pretoria Technicon.

How did you get your job as Nelson Mandela's P.A?
I applied for a job as Ministerial typist in the office of Minister Jay Naidoo but then the President's PA at that point needed someone more urgently and asked to interview me. She did and appointed me in the President's personal staff. After about a year as typist in the President's office he started involving me more in his work and I was promoted to one of his Private Secretaries in 1997. In 1999 when he retired he asked me to go into retirement with him.

You joined the bikers for Mandela Day in July. When did you start riding bike and why?
I use to love riding scramblers on my Uncle's farm in Ellisras when I grew up. About 8 years ago a friend triggered me to buy a motorbike again. I did and for the past 8 years I have been riding on and off but really started riding more regularly about 2 years ago.

What does Madiba think about you riding a bike?
He didn't understand it at first, why I wanted to ride a bike if I did have a car but he is fine now.

In August we focus on women. Who are the women in your life that you look up to?
My mother and Mrs Graca Machel, Madiba's wife.

If you could share a life lesson or some wisdom with the rest of the women in South Africa what would that be?
Precisely because women deal with issues also with emotion makes us much stronger than men in general. Even though the world is predominantly still ruled by men women are gradually showing the world their true abilities to lead.

Describe a perfect friday night in Pretoria.
Summer (if there's no thunder storm) definitely enjoying the climate and having an outside braai.

What makes you sad?
Any kind of suffering and injustice.

What's your favorite song on your iPod at the moment?
Every tear is a waterfall - Coldplay

Interview by Hanna Grobler. Subscribe to our newsletter on our home page to receive her next interview first and also check out her blog, click here.