We got up close and personal with the amazing Vanessa Carreira. Her many accolades include holding the title of Miss South Africa 2001, dynamic business woman in the events industry, TV personality and highly sought after MC. Vanessa is still remembered for her highly-publicised and controversial stance during the Miss World 2002 pageant. She refused to participate in the pageant held in Nigeria as a protest against the stoning of Amina Lawal, a young woman sentenced to death for having a baby out of wedlock.

Best memory from the Miss SA Pageant: Getting a congratulatory phone call from Madiba!

Tell us about TV Hosting: Well there’s that old saying- Do something everyday that scares you! And that’s what I did. TV Hosting is a challenge and exhillirating and very scary! Especially live but I somehow manage to get through it.

Which famous person would you like to interview: Sir David Attenborough. I think he must have had such an incredible life! And I’d just like to listen to his voice endlessly!

What are you passionate about: My family

Favourite charity and why: I’ve recently become an ambassador for an incredible NPO called Agnang Sechaba which does amazing work including a scholarship and mentorship program which currently funds 5 young people at Universities throughout the country. Once they have completed their studies, they in turn have to take a child from an underprivileged background and mentor them through the same program. It’s about empowering our youth.

How do you manage work and family life: ROUTINE! It is the only way I know that works. The second you give in to the chaos, everything falls apart!

Secret beauty tip: Rosebud Salve. Super moisturizing and treats everything from chapped lips to insect bites

Best in Jhb for:
Salads: Any tasha’s
Exercise: Adventure Boot Camp
Lobster: Fishmonger in Illovo
Ice cream: Can’t beat Haagen- Dasz Choc Choc Chip!

Your favourite spot in Cape Town: Mana Epicure on Kloof

Ideal Sunday: Late breakfast in Parkhurst, Sunday lunch cooked by my mom and then the afternoon in the park with my boys.

Best thing about being married: Sharing my life with someone who gets me completely.

What is the one thing you cannot do without: My boys obviously but Chocolate is a VERY close 2nd!!

What is an important lesson you would like to teach your kids: Respect for others.

What are both your favourite and your worst qualities in a person: Favourite- integrity, Worst- racism, sexism, chauvinism any ‘ism’

Your strength: The ability to carry on.

If you could change one event that has happened in the world what would it be: Wow! Only one? I would have to say any event born of hatred and prejudice.

Who knows you the best: My mom ;)

When you are sad what brings your smile back-aside from Leo: You had to go and exclude my son ;) ummm…Watching Shaun the Sheep on CBB’s with my son! Hahahaha!.

Books or TV: I love both but since my little man came along I find I have little time to read so TV I guess, especially if 30 Rock or Project Runway is on!

What do you like most about yourself: The amazing people around me.

Bags or Shoes: Wow, don’t you have an easier question? If you force me….shoes.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be: On a yacht so that we could chase the sun forever!

Which artist would you choose to watch live in concert: Frank Sinatra

Netball or ballet: Boxing