Inspirational . Motivational
Based: Cape Town
Best known as the blonde-bombshell presenter of SABC 3’s daily breakfast show EXPRESSO, as well as for making waves as the first ever female presenter of MNET Idols, Liezel van der Westhuizen has become one of SA’s most in demand celebrity presenters. Having MC’d more than 100 events for top clients, including the Acer Aspire Launch, MTN’s Womens Day, Oakley Summer Launch and Blackberry App launch to name a few, she is also an acclaimed radio presenter, actress and endurance athlete.
This Pretoria-raised girl holds a Masters Degree in Communication Management as well as a Degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Pretoria. She has been a member of Toastmasters International since 2000, having received her Advanced Toastmaster Bronze certificate in 2005. “I’ve always loved speaking in public and conveying my point of view to a broad audience,” Liezel says of her Toastmaster experience. “I’m passionate about young South Africans being able to stand up and speak, confidently and with knowledge, about the issues that move them,” Liezel says simply.
Liezel has hosted radio shows at SA’s top stations. She started her radio presenting career at Tuks FM whilst completing her studies, which led to a job offer at EMI Music South Africa, where Liezel held the position of International PR Manager, working with an array of global music stars, including Sarah Brightman, Atomic Kitten and Blue. She has since gone on to host radio shows on KFM and Jacaranda 94.2 (Liezel’s Lounge). The ex- SABC 3 continuity presenter made her acting debut in the movie “The Race-ist” in 2010, which also starred Ian Roberts, Craig Palm and Brendan Auret.
Having completed the ultimate one day endurance event, the Ironman Challenge, in April 2010, Liezel is known for her very healthy lifestyle and intense training schedule.
In 2009, Liezel was selected for the NESTLE ELITE TRIATHLON TEAM which saw her competing with some of SA’s top Triathletes. It’s a head-spinning array of physical passions that, when combined with Liezel’s model-looks, make it easy to see why she was a finalist in the Shape magazine’s 2007 Sanex Cover Girl competition. Nominated for both PEOPLE MAGAZINES CRYSTAL AWARDS as well as for YOU MAGAZINES STARS OF THE YEAR, Liezel has also received a series of recognitions in FHM’s Sexiest Women in the World , HEAT magazine’s HOT 100 campaigns and Olay SA Iconic Woman Award for Media Personality.
With her heavyweight media background, keen intelligence, easy manner with audiences and cover-girl looks, Liezel Van Der Westhuizen has become a household name.
