Monique obtained a Diploma in Performing Arts from the Pretoria University of Technology in 1985. She joined the Transvaal Performing Arts Council as a stage actress. She was the winner of the ATKV Best Actress Award (1989) for her role in "Johanna Sist".
She worked as a production secretary in the television industry on World of Boxing and Smirnoff Topsport Star of the Month.
She had her own drama studio and until recently was involved in training students for Eisteddfod competitions.
Monique is the author of the best selling book, Vrygekoop.
She translated scripts for the South African Broadcasting Corporation and has written various educational scripts for school education programs and for her travel radio show.
Her monologues and poetry has been performed at various Eisteddfod competitions.
She has published several travel and lifestyle articles as a freelance writer in Rapport, Rooi Rose, Into Cycling Magazine and Indruk.
Read her latest travel article here.
Monique hosted her own TV shows on Multi Choice. Footprints and Monique were both inspirational programs interviewing South African icons like Miriam Makeba and Charelize Theron.
She was the host of Sondagaand Met Monique on Radio Punt. She also co-hosted several radio shows including Tasse en Matrasse met Ingrid en Monique, a very popular travel radio show featuring travel destinations as far as the Seychelles. She was also one of the hosts of Koskletse (a restaurant review program) on Radio Tygerberg.
Monique completed a Certificate in Public Relations from PRISA and received the Murray and Roberts Best Student award during this time.
She worked for the South African Tourism Board, opened her own PR agency and later expanded her media service agency into Central Africa. She is currently the owner of a management company in Cape Town.
Some of her clients included Multichoice, Lever Brothers, Air Malawi, Malawi Protea Hotels and she was responsible for the public relations of the first listing on the Malawi Stock Exchange.
VRYGEKOOP is Monique’s personal account of the harrowing time in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf. It is a testimony of the many miracles the hostages witnessed and the strength the drew from this. In the book Monique shares about the important lessons learnt - how to conquer fear, how to forgive, how to live again, how to find God’s calling for your life.
It will equip many to face difficult challenges in their lives and survive victoriously. The book includes a personal character reference from Old President Nelson Mandela and photos never seen before.
Written by acclaimed author and joournalist, MarianneThamm, Shooting the Moon, tells the story not only of the hostages, but also of what their families had to endure during the 4 month ordeal. It is a truly inspirational book and celebrated the human will to survive and stay positive.
"They are two ordinary South Africans with an inspiring, special story. Shooting the Moon will be a must-read." - Insig Magazine
Published in Rapport Newspaper - South Africa's largest Afrikaans newspaper. Showcasing Mexico City.
