Born: 06 June 1960
She is born and raised in Ceres.

She attended the Esselen Park High School in Worcester, at which she matriculated in 1978. She obtained a Teachers Diploma from the Belville Training College in 1981, taught at Rocklands High School in Mitchells Plain. She moved to De Aar in 1984 where she got married, and the marriage is blessed with 3 children.

She became politically involved at high school, and was a member of the Western Cape Student Organization. She also served as a Youth Councillor in the Anglican Church.

She served in the following capacities:

• Premier of the Northern Cape - 2009
• She was elected as an ANC-NEC Member, during the 52nd National Conference, held in Polokwane, in December 2007
• She also served the ANC on various leadership-structures, and is currently a member of the NEC
• Speaker Karoo District Municipality from 2000 2003
• Executive Mayor Pixley ka Seme District Municipality since 2003
• SALGA Deputy Chairperson since 2001
• Mayor in De Aar from 1999 2000
• Part-time Councillor 1995 in De Aar