I was born in Orlando East, Soweto, on the 5th of May 1978. I studied Journalism and Communications at RAU and also hold an honours degree in English Literature from the University of Johannesburg.

I've been a broadcast journalist for 11 years, and have worked in both television and radio. My interest in the world around me, and my passion for life, has made me a versatile presenter. I can easily chat to any Head-of-State about politics, and then switch to a conversation with a comedian, life coach, sexologist, or hardened criminal. My career started as a reporter at Network Radio News, after which I moved to Kaya FM, a Gauteng radio station. While there, I hosted the afternoon drive show and was the afternoon bulletin editor. After three years at Kaya FM, I joined the public broadcaster as a current affairs anchor and producer. I presented a variety of programmes for the SABC and its Africa channel, including ‘Today in Africa’, ‘News Hour’, and ‘Interface’. The prominent newsmakers that I have interviewed over the years include President Thabo Mbeki, Tony Blair, Colin Powell, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela and many others. Two years ago, I was seconded to the UK’s Channel Four News as the Africa anchor at the G8 summit, held in Gleneagles, Scotland.

In 2006, I presented a legal/consumer rights show, ‘Rights and Recourse’, on SABC 3. The show was a big hit in many ways, as it demystified the law and made legal assistance accessible to ordinary people. During that time, I cut my teeth in film-making and produced a much-talked-about documentary on President Thabo Mbeki. In 2007, I presented a reality business show called ‘The South African Management Challenge’, where two teams of MBA students from different universities competed in complex corporate challenges.

I am currently the presenter of the Redi Direko show on Talk Radio 702 and 567 Cape Talk. I am passionate about my show, as everyday I occupy a privileged position that gives me a chance to talk to people from all walks of life and get a sense of what makes our nation tick! I love politics and being a part of our country's evolution. I was the senior news anchor at eTV’s new 24th satellite news channel, where I co-presented the launch programme called ‘News Night’. I have been a columnist for Fairlady magazine and am now writing a weekly socio-political column for the Sowetan newspaper.

I love being busy with a variety of projects all at the same time! When I do find a break from work and my studies, I do freelance work as a voice-over artist, media trainer and MC. I have MC’d a number of events, including the CNN Journalist of the Year Awards (2001, 2002 and 2003), and the Woman of the Year Awards (2005).

I am a keen runner and have two Comrades under my belt, two Two Oceans ultra-marathons, and several marathons, including the Soweto marathon and the New York marathon. I will be travelling to London for the London Marathon in 2010. My passion for books also runs deep and that’s the reason I am studying for a Masters in Literature. When I am not busy with my dissertation, I read more books!