Alumni feature: A Tuks beauty
She made a name for herself as the Idols presenter and also graced our TV screens as an SABC 3 presenter. She is now one of the faces of Expresso, a new daily breakfast show - also on SABC 3. Meet Tuks alumni Liezel van der Westhuizen.
In only three years, Liezel has become a household name in the South African and international media sphere. With a host of awards behind her name, nothing seems to stop this Tukkies graduate.
With arguably the longest legs in the whole of Africa and a Pretoria girl through and through, Liezel obtained all three of her degrees from the University of Pretoria; she holds a Masters and Honours degree in Communications Management, evident in the way she captures and interacts with her audiences whether TV or radio.
"You can never be too qualified," she told varsitycup.co.za.
"Whenever an opportunity to further your studies arises, always take it. Education is key," added the renowned and highly sought-after MC, who also holds a degree in Human Resources Management and is currently on a quest to become a personal trainer through Reebok.
Like another Tuks alumni, , she began her radio career at Tuks FM, but, unlike the Ginger (who is the sports guru on 5FM's Breakfast Show these days), she was behind the scenes; working as a music manager.
She told us her first interview was daunting as Gareth Cliff - also a Tuks Alumni - was amongst the panel of judges. That successful interview later led to a stint on Jacaranda 94.2, and, now, with KFM in Cape Town.
A sports fanatic and quite the athlete, Liezel thrives on adrenalin, having completed the 2010 Ironman Triathlon. This passion has been sidelined this year, due to an injury sustained after the Pick 'n Pay Argus Cycle Tour.
She has always been a proud Varsity Cup supporter, having been behind the Tuks boys since her varsity days. Although she didn't play much sport during her university days, she was always on the stands cheering Tuks on - in all sporting codes.
Despite missing the 2011 Varsity Cup Final due to travel commitments, she followed the commentary on Twitter.
Liezel was, as one would expect, disappointed that Tuks were unable to bring home the bacon against UCT - but it did not stop her from being proud of her university and the 'Class of 2011' led so ably by Wesley Dunlop.
"I'm still very proud of Tuks. They've come a long way and will only get better from here," she beamed with pride.
Affectionately known as the 'Giraffe' because of her height, Liezel is excited for the 2012 Varsity Cup - and beyond - as she believes the tournament will keep getting better; both on and off the field.
* Follow Liezel's adventures via Twitter - @liezelv
By Kate Nokwe
