Liezel van der Westhuizen | Branding Social Media Speaker

Liezel van der Westhuizen is currently taking both the South African entertainment, and personal branding scenes, by storm -

Now most conveniently as a Virtual Speaker too, whom you can book right now!

She is a:

• Skilful presenter with a lauded vocal dexterity, evident in her work as a voice-over artist.
• With over a decade of acting and meritorious presenting experience within film and television,
• The success of her body of work with top local and international production companies, is beyond reproach.
• Renowned international emcee and keynote speaker, who has been intrinsically tied to the success of hundreds of events around the world, through her aptitude in captivating any audience, and across industries.

The relaxed smile, smooth and professional working manner, and her impeccable style, has made her one of the most sought-after presenters and emcees in the country - the digital space included.

Liezel kicked off her public speaking and Emcee career over a decade ago and has, to date, hosted more than 500 events across South Africa and internationally.

She has won bronze and silver awards as a member of the Toastmaster’s Society

Is often invited to give motivational talks, covering topics such as: “Beat the Bully”, “Empowering Women”, “Finding Your Inner Strength” and “Personal Brand Personified”.

Coupled with a drive for success, an enthusiastic willingness to pass on knowledge, and an incredible work ethic

It is no wonder the sky is not even the limit for this unique talent.

If the brand fits…
Once cattily nicknamed 'The Giraffe' by designer Craig Jacobs, within his Sunday Times society column in 2009 and her statuesque sister Monique, stole the spotlight in killer heels that had them towering over other attendees, at a Radisson Blu fashion event.

Although the moniker was not meant entirely flatteringly at the time, this entrepreneurs ingenuity went on to incorporate the label into everything she does, including the eponymously titled The Giraffe Brand Academy, which she launched soon after.

This initiative, which keeps to Liezel unending personal drive to offer value to those around her, began as a means of assisting business folk all over the world, in building a powerful and authentic personal brand.

The truth of diligent and tech savvy work, is evident in:

• The successful rise of hundreds of businesses around the world,
• Development of more visible entrepreneurs and thought-leaders online, and
• A wealth of opportunities seized and fulfilled.

This is someone who can clearly assist organisations and individuals, alike, to turn negative publicity into something wonderfully positive.

She wont even let something like Covid-19s socioeconomic effects stop you, and your plans for towering above the rest, since Liezel has now added Virtual Speaker to her repertoire.

Powerhouse presenter
As only the second woman in the world to present reality television singing competition Idols,

She became a familiar face on the popular competitive music show during Seasons Five and Six, as well as during her time as a presenter on SABC3’s daily breakfast show Expresso.

Liezel has presented TV shows for channels SABC3, SuperSport, SABC Sport, MNET, DSTV and SABC 2, and lists her career highlights as Idols, Expresso, The Lunchbox and Soundcheck.

She continues to impress with her daily fitness feature on KFM radio, and maintaining a beloved Fitness Fridays segment on CapeTalk (a radio station that is broadcast in Cape Town).

For those seeking more streamlined fitness information daily and has become the trusted Virtual Gig Guide for the hottest daily workouts she seeks out (or tries by recommendation) and shortlists, on her social media platforms -

This seasoned Speaker also cultivating a digital presence resonating to more than 100 000 people.

Global village
An 18-month stint as an SABC3 continuity presenter, and presenter of the lunchtime show Lunchbox, led to even greater prospects for the towering talent; with the television singing competition Idols confirming her rise to the top.

In 2010, Liezel launched SoundCheck Live on MNET, before starting her work on Expresso, and also found time to make her spirited on-screen debut in the films 'The Race-ist' and 'Hollywood in my Huis'.

Liezel van der Westhuizen

Beauty and brains
With her professional style and ease in conversation, it will come as no surprise that Liezel has a spree of degrees in Communication Management from the University of Pretoria and, since 2000, has been a member of Toastmaster’s International.

She holds a BCom degree in Human Resources and Industrial Psychology, and both a BCom Honours and an MCom in Communication Management -

Making her one of the most qualified Virtual Speakers  or Conference MC you can book right now.

Grabbing life with both hands
Liezel van der Westhuizen manages to find time to work as a voiceover artist, and has an impressive portfolio of television and radio voiceover work to showcase, that underpins her other exploits.

It all comes back to a drive within her, that was ultimately inspired by her grandmother’s fight against Cancer.

“My gran being diagnosed with Cancer was a big life-changer. I even shaved off my long hair, and went bald for a year in support of her.

I now keep my hair short in memory of her and as a reminder that life is short.

Before my gran passed away, she told me to grab every opportunity in life and [to] enjoy every moment.”

Fitness feats for charity
Her commitment to bettering the lives of people, extends so far beyond her world, that she was even called on to tandem cycle with a visually-impaired triathlete, across the Himalayans.

She raised funds for Operation Smile and OneSight, proceeded to break records, all while challenging her body and mind to the limits;

And her sports and fitness endeavours, can always be linked to her enthusiasm for the world, and her giving nature.

In 2012 and 2013, Liezel partnered with Canoeing SA’s high-performance coach, Greg van Heerden, to finish the toughest canoe marathon in the world – the Unlimited Dusi Canoe Marathon.

She keeps a healthy fitness regime, training six times a week on the road (running and cycling) and in the pool, and was selected to take part in Nestle’s Triathlon team that went on to complete the gruelling Full Ironman Triathlon in 2010 (this involves a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle and a 42.2km run).

The sport-schooling solution
Stylish and professional, Liezel made number four on designer Simon Rademon’s Best-Dressed Women’s list in SA in 2008, and was also nominated for an Olay SA Iconic Woman award that year too.

She is passionate about the environment, is an ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Glass Recycling South Africa, and gives back in a big way.

“I am involved with a charity in Cape Town called Velokaya – it’s a not-for-profit organisation based in Khayelithsha that employs a range of holistic, education-based cycling programmes.

I believe sport and schooling go hand in hand. I am passionate about South Africa and educating our learners.”

Emphasising her creativity and skill with the digital world and is the first person in the country to have ridden a bicycle powered entirely by social media (a custom-fitted techno wonder bike) for the dedicated purpose of raising funds for Khayelitsha’s Velokhaya Life cycling academy.

With the help of public “likes” and Pick n Pay, she was able to donate 20 bicycles to the academy – an organisation which,

Just like she believes sport is able to give our youth the skills they need for a happy and successful future.

This humble, energetic and deep-thinking personality will undoubtedly continue to grab each opportunity that life presents, while changing lives and bringing joy on her daily journey.

Over and above her multiple groundbreaking achievements, it is her radiant personality and uncompromising determination to impact lives, which truly draws in audiences.

A talented public speaker, she remains passionate about helping people to reach their full potential. Her calling, therefore, involves travelling around South Africa – and safely flying internationally–

So as to deliver motivational talks and keynote addresses on topics that her audiences describe as valuable and up to the minute.