I was born and raised in Durban, South Africa and became interested in politics after leaving school at the age of 18. I later joined the Progressive Party which was in opposition to the apartheid government. Mrs. Helen Suzman was the sole representative of that Party in the government for many years and although her work was an inspiration and a great influence, the task of changing the policies of the government seemed hopeless, particularly after Steve Biko was ruthlessly murdered by the Security Police. We made the decision to leave South Africa in 1978. While writing my book, I went back to school in 1990 and took courses in English Literature and Creative Writing at Capilano College and the University of Victoria. I learnt much and was greatly influenced by teachers and students. I hope my book will help readers understand that the problems South Africa faces to-day, are a direct legacy of apartheid. One such problem is Aids, caused by the lifestyle black people were forced to live by a government that preached 'family values' but denied black people the right to live in families. The government and big corporations built houses for white workers and their families, black workers, recruited from the so-called "homelands" in South Africa and from other African countries, had to live in compounds and only visited their wives and families once a year. Similarly, the lack of a trained and educated workforce is also a legacy of apartheid. The government spent six times more on a white child's education than on a black child. Black people were also prohibited from learning any type of skilled work thanks to laws such as the Job Reservation Act. This lack of a trained workforce causes poverty which, in turn, causes crime. The crime discourages foreign investment which would create jobs and alleviate the poverty. This cycle must be broken. My great-grandparents left Europe and went to South Africa because of racism and just over one hundred years later their descendants left that country because of racism. I believe people should be tolerant of one another. Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu are remarkable leaders. They set the scene for reconciliation in South Africa and set an example for other world leaders. Although apartheid is now history it is important that we do not forget as, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." (George Santayana).

Birth Place: Durban,  South Africa

Accomplishments: "Outstanding Student" award in 1992 from Capilano College, Vancouver, British Columbia. Credits in Eng. Lit. and Creative Writing from Capilano College and University of Victoria, British Columbia.

I spoke recently at a Zonta, International Professional Women's Club meeting ; this group supports women and children worldwide. I was also interviewed on a local television station and my book has been reviewed in the local newspaper. "What Hope Have You!" is now available for Canadians at www.amazon.ca I was recently a guest of Roger Vizi on Author's Den Radio show and the interview can now be heard on www.authorsden.com "Radio Show" I will be reading from "What Hope Have You!" at the Oak Bay Public Library in Victoria, B.C. on March 13th at 7.30pm.