I was born in Orlando East Soweto, on the 5th of May 1978. I studied journalism and communications at RAU. I also hold an honours degree in English Literature from the University of Johannesburg. I waiting to hear whether my masters dissertation in literature is worth all my hard work!

I've been a broadcast journalist for 9 years now, having worked for both television and radio. My career started as a reported at Network Radio News, afterwhich I moved to Gauteng radio station, Kaya Fm. There I hosted the afternoon drive show and was the afternoon bulletin editor. After 3 years at Kaya I joined the public broadcaster as a current affairs anchor and producer. I presented a variety of programmes for the SABC and its Africa channel. These include, Today in Africa, News Hour and Interface. I have interviewed prominent newsmakers over the past few years including President Thabo Mbeki, Tony Blair, Colin Powell, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela and many others. Two years ago, I was seconded to the UK’s channel four news as the Africa anchor at the G8 summit, held in Gleneagles, Scotland.

Until recently, I was presenting a legal/consumer rights show, Rights and Recourse on SABC 3. The show was a big hit in many ways as it demystified the law and made legal assistance accessible to ordinary people. During that time, I cut my teeth in film making and produced a much-talked about documentary on President Thabo Mbeki.

In between my television and radio programme, I facilitate media training programmes, mc. I am also a voice over artist. I am currently the presenter of the Redi Direko show on Talk Radio 702 and 567 Cape Talk. I am passionate about my show as everyday I occupy a privileged position that gives a chance to talk to people from all walks of life and get a sense of what makes our nation tick! I love politics and being a part of our country's evolution. I was also a senior news anchor at Etv’s satellite news channel.

I have a monthly column with Fairlady magazine and will also be writing a weekly socio-political column for the Sowetan, starting in February 2009. I love being busy with a variety of projects all at the same time! When I do find a break from work and my studies, I do freelance work as a voice artist, media trainer and mc. I have mc-ed a number of events, including the CNN journalist of the year awards (2001, 2002 and 2003), Woman of the Year Awards (2005)

INTERESTS: I am a keen runner and I take part in marathons regularly. To mark my 30th birthday, I ran my first comrades marathon last year. My passion for books also runs deep and that’s the reason I am studying for a masters in literature. when I’m not busy with my dissertation, I read more books!