What did you want to be when you were young ?

I had my mind pretty much made up by the time I was six. I would always tell my mom that one day I would read the news on TV. We share a good laugh about it now.

Why did you want to pursue journalism as a career?

Because of my love for the written word and because I'm persistent and inquisitive, journalism seemed a natural choice.

Why did you choose broadcast journalism?

Because of the immediacy and the adrenaline of live radio and TV.

You work on SABC International, in addition to filling in on the news at 7. Which do you prefer?

I enjoy them both, as they offer a different platform, have a varied target market and come with their own set of rules. But, I will confess, reading the news at seven has been the realisation of a childhood dream. And being able to interact with a South African audience has been a fulfilling experience.

What are some of the biggest challenges of being a news anchor?

Staying in the loop and keeping abreast of the news both here at home and abroad, being able to ad-lib, remaining calm in the event of technical glitches and sitting up straight.

Who are your journalism role models?

Joanne Joseph, John Perlman, Jeremy Maggs and Thabo Mophuthing, my mentor when I started in TV.

What is the hardest lesson you have learnt in your career?

You can't please all the people all of the time. Criticism can be helpful.

What is the best advice you ever received?

Never give up, soldier on and your time will come. Be your own barometer of success and never compare yourself to anyone else. If you want something, start by asking.

What advice would you give to young journalists?

It's a competitive industry, so try to stay ahead of the pack and up your game every chance you get. Seize every opportunity and be your own brand manager. Surround yourself with people in the know and their knowledge will rub off.

What is your opinion of the South African press?

The country's press is considered relatively free, and we are a beacon of hope to journalists across the continent who are often shackled and stifled by repressive media laws.

In which other country would you love to work as a journalist?

I would have to say the United States. The possibility of being behind a desk at CNN is overwhelming.

Do you prefer being a news anchor to being a roving reporter?

For now, my career seems to have steered me towards anchoring. That said, I'm still a journalist before anything else. Working at SABC International has afforded me the opportunity to travel to different countries on the continent and report from an African perspective.

What would you say has been your most memorable interview so far and why?

It was with the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno-Ocampo. It was an interesting discussion, as it took place when Moreno-Ocampo had asked the ICC to issue an international arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Moreno-Ocampo made the request as he presented new evidence on war crimes in Sudan's Darfur region. It's a story that generated immense media hype and it was great to interview the man leading the offensive against a sitting head of state.

What item of clothing can you not live without?

Jeans.

Work obligations aside, which city would you prefer to live in, Durban or Johannesburg?

Durban will always be home. I just live in Joburg. My family, the beautiful coastline, the Sharks and the bunny chows are the reasons why Durban will always come off best.

What food can you not deny yourself?

My mom's crab curry with phutu, a good biryani, and I can't resist soji - the kind made with an insane amount of butter and cream!

What are your pet hates?

Incompetence, dishonesty, animal cruelty and long queues.

What are your ideal ways of relaxing?

A facial and a massage, long lazy lunches at my favourite Jozi hang-outs, and being plonked on my sofa, watching a marathon of CSI episodes. Leaving the concrete jungle behind and heading to the KZN North Coast to spend time with my parents always helps me unwind and de-stress.