Jo-Ann Strauss is the girl everyone thinks they know – even if they have not met her

Her name first passed people’s lips nine years ago when at the tender age of 19 she won the Miss South Africa title. Then she became a regular part of their lives, as a presenter on first Pasella and later Top Billing.

Viewers are cheered by her warm smile and captivated by her charming presence. They have watched her grow in poise and stretch her wings.

She is so much more than a capable interviewer and pretty face, however.

This Cape Town-raised woman is a Stellenbosch University graduate who holds a BCom Law degree and is currently doing her MBA. She is a director of Partnership Investments, a black economic empowerment company powered by women; and was appointed as a director on the Western Cape Board of Ubuntu-Botho, a division of Sanlam. She is also the chairperson of the Partnership Foundation Trust, which equips learners with much needed skills for building South Africa.

Despite being blessed with beauty and brains, Jo-Ann is humble about her achievements. “I think women like Bassie Khumalo and Kerishnie Naicker have broken the beauty-queen stereotype so there’s nothing really pioneering about being in business post-tiara days.”

Among her role models are Media24’s Koos Bekker – “He has taken media in South Africa to a whole new level and is constantly innovative in an industry that stands still for no man... or woman!”; and mining icon, Bridgette Radebe – “She’s a hard-working business woman and true leader who is still unashamedly glamorous.”

Jo-Ann always thought she would end up in media, but did not quite realise it would happen at such an accelerated pace. “My initial plan was to get my BCom in Law and do my honours in Journalism.”

However, she is philosophical about her meteoric rise. “I believe that when you’re where you’re supposed to be, life seems a whole lot easier. Instinct is one of those softer skills of business that one ignores at your own risk.”

Recently back from a three-week European shoot for Top Billing, Jo-Ann describes the show and the people who make it happen as “a family! Some highs, some lows, some good days, some bad – but in the end, the good seriously outweighs the bad”.

“Only now, while looking at the pictures (of the shoot) do you realise how much fun you had because at the time, you were stressed. I was looking at some photos of us shooting in front of the Vatican in Rome during the G8 Summit. We busked our way around because security was so tight and we didn’t have all the needed accreditation, but somehow we always make a plan and get what’s needed.”

The show has certainly broadened her horizons.

When asked about memorable experiences, she jokes, “Are you kidding me! How much space do you have? Diving with 13 pregnant raggy-tooth sharks, skiing down desert dunes in Qatar, dining in a pod perched on a building overlooking Paris, island-hopping in the Seychelles... I’ll stop before you hate me.”

With her jet-setting lifestyle, doctor boyfriend who relocated to South Africa to be with her (“I like that he prefers to not be in the media. He’s wonderful... and that’s about all I can say”), and natural beauty, it is indeed hard not to be envious of Jo-Ann, but she remains an approachable, girl-next-door type.

“At home, I’m the joker. I take after my dad on that one. We’ll have braais and laugh, chat and just relax.”

She remembers growing up in Blackheath where she would ride her red BMX around the untarred streets, “splashing all my friends with mud”.

“Wellingtons in the park and catching tadpoles, playing hide and seek with all the kids in the neighbourhood. Scraped knees, plasters of all shapes and sizes and lots of hugs and kisses from mom and dad,” characterised her childhood. “My brother Heinrich and I would swop homework, as languages were my forte and maths and science his. He is four years younger, but a certified genius!”

Perhaps it is her upbringing and strong sense of family that keep Jo-Ann grounded and in tune with the world around her. She is well known on the charity circuit and is a passionate campaigner for the alleviation of poverty and for the rights of all people to education, healthcare and housing.

Recently launched is her Princess Project, which sees celebrities pass on designer wear to young girls and women who deserve to feel special.

Jo-Ann certainly knows enough people able to contribute to this project. Shortly after representing South Africa at the Miss World Pageant in Puerto Rico, she was given the chance to model alongside supermodels Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Elle McPherson and Helena Christensen.

She has been the guest of Miramax at the Sundance Film Festival, attended Elton John’s fund-raising concert in Vienna, and has interviewed Charlize Theron (who sang “Happy Birthday” to Jo-Ann in Afrikaans), Antonio Banderas, George Clooney and Bono from U2, and rubbed shoulders with the likes of Princess Caroline of Monaco.

Of her experience on the international modelling arena, she says, “It was a real eye-opener, as I shared a ramp with women who adorned my bedroom walls and diaries growing up, but after meeting some of them, I questioned their ability to really be a positively influence. I won’t mention names, but some were not really what we should aspire to be.”

Jo-Ann has graced the covers of most of South Africa’s top magazines, won the Duku Duku Award for most stylish female presenter, and has received numerous nominations and awards for best presenter.

Her most memorable cover is that for Destiny, “I think the magazine is a really insightful and entertaining read and I like what Destiny stands for. Khanyi (Dhlomo) is also a true role model for me and it was such an honour when I was approached to do it.

“Co-incidentally, she was the Lux spokesperson during my year as Miss SA and I’ve just been announced as the new face of Lux – a huge career highlight for me.”

Despite her many accolades, the award that means the most to Jo-Ann is one given to her by her dad, for being “the best daughter he’s ever had”.

She laughs, adding, “I’m his only daughter!”

Allison Cooper

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