Athletics was their bond and Valerie says that her famous Top Billing presenter brother was the only person she would allow to watch her at races.
"He inspired me in a large way. Simba passed away at 26 pursuing his dream wholeheartedly and he wanted everyone to do the same. I watched him give everything in his own career and I guess he saw something in me that even I didn't."
Valerie's big dream is not only to make her brother proud, but also her country. She hopes to improve her times and represent South Africa at World Champs and the next Olympics.
"I'm a sprinter and I've been injured but I've spent the past few months getting back into shape and training with a sprint coach and strength and conditioning coach."
The 21-year-old says that she has been accepted into an elite training club in London and leaves SA to follow her dreams next week.
"I sent in my times and got accepted. I'm not on form at the moment but I know with hard work I will get there."
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Simba, who was killed in a car accident in January 2015, shared his sister's passion for athletics. However, life took him down a different path, after winning a talent search competition on Top Billing.
"This is the one thing he really wanted me to pursue. He was living the dream through me and was my biggest supporter. Training five days a week twice a day is difficult but he continues to inspire me."
Although Val will be footing the bill herself, she says she's determined to make it work. "It's expensive. It's not only paying for top coaches, it's my accommodation in London that is really going to cost. But this is an opportunity that I'm not about to let go."
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