Jeannie D is one of South Africa’s most recognisable media personalities and a highly sought-after celebrity MC known for her warmth, sharp professionalism and effortless ability to command a room. Born in Johannesburg and drawn to the stage from a young age, she began developing her performance skills at the National School of the Arts, securing lead roles in theatre productions and appearing in national commercials and in-flight features. These early experiences laid the foundation for her natural presence and comfort in front of live audiences.
At 18, Jeannie enrolled at RAU to study Communications and quickly immersed herself in campus media, joining RAU Radio and later being crowned Miss RAU in 2002. Ambitious and driven, she relocated to Cape Town where she entered the broadcast world at Good Hope FM. Her voice, confidence and on-air style quickly resonated, setting her on a professional trajectory that would make her one of the country’s most recognisable broadcast talents.
Jeannie D has experiences that have resulted in Jeannie being an ideal MC for local and international clients who are looking to add that “little bit extra” to their event.
The famous Arabian tale goes something like this………Aladdin rubbed the lamp three times, out popped a ‘Genie’ and granted him three wishes.
In today’s story, Cape Town’s very own Jeannie D is granting her own wishes and certainly making them come true.
The sky is the limit for this girl…Born and bred in Johannesburg, Jeannie knew from a young age that performing was her forte.
As soon as she turned 12, she auditioned at The National School of the Arts (drama) and honed her acting and vocal skills.
She successfully managed to secure a number of lead roles in several theatre productions and a variety of commercials, such as in-flight videos and as a poster girl for SAA.
At 18 she enrolled at RAU where she studied a BA in Communications, joined the campus radio station – Rau Radio – and managed to win the Miss Rau competition in 2002, all in a short period of time.
Looking for a new challenge, Jeannie packed her bags and relocated to the Mother City. With acting and radio experience under her belt, she happened to be in the right place at the right time when Good Hope FM was looking for new talent.
Jeannie started off on the weekend graveyard shift as well as a daytime newsreader and within two months was given one of the top shows in radio – The Jeannie D Show.
She has fulfilled her dream by working in two of her favourite mediums. She is best known as the husky sensual voice on Good Hope FM whereby the city had the opportunity to tune into an energetic show every Monday to Friday for four hours, from 6pm to 10pm. She left in September 2006 to pursue her television career full time.
Jeannie D quickly established herself as a lead presenter on Top Billing and her tasks included travelling the world and interviewing top celebrities such as Bono and Leonardo Di Caprio.
Jeannie’s infectious personality and girl next door looks then lead to her starring alongside local hunk Janez Vermeiren in the very popular Top Travel. The show proved to be so popular that it was syndicated worldwide and then went on to be rated as the best new show on the Travel Channel.
The cherry on top of a phenomenally successful year was when the show was picked up by the Wealth Channel in America where Jeannie regularly entertained 8-10 million Americans per episode with her light-hearted vivacious personality.
Jeannie has been regularly voted South Africa’s favourite personality and is once again featured in the FHM Top 100 Beauties of the World. Never one to rest on her laurels, Jeannie D has successfully launched her own clothing line to critical acclaim from the nation’s foremost fashion experts.
These experiences have resulted in Jeannie being an ideal MC for local and international clients who are looking to add that “little bit extra” to their event. Never one to rest on her laurels, Jeannie D has successfully launched her own clothing line to critical acclaim from the nation’s foremost fashion experts.
These experiences have resulted in Jeannie being an ideal MC for local and international clients who are looking to add that “little bit extra” to their event.
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The video explores Jeannie D’s journey as a Top Billing presenter, tracing her growth from her early days in radio and acting to becoming one of the show’s most recognised faces. She opens by reflecting on her first audition and the transformation from a young performer into a polished presenter whose passion for the job remains unchanged after eight years on screen.
The narrative rewinds to her beginnings at Good Hope FM in 2006, where her confidence and charisma caught attention. Her stage background from the National School of the Arts is highlighted with humour, showing her lampooning classic soap-opera drama while recalling how acting formed her creative foundation. The segment revisits memorable trips behind the scenes of “Days of Our Lives” and “The Bold and the Beautiful,” moments that thrilled her because she’d grown up watching those stars.
The showreel emphasises Jeannie’s signature approach: letting celebrity guests shine while adding her own flair. Encounters with global figures like Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Foxx, Snow Patrol, Candice Swanepoel, and The Stig showcase her ability to connect with talent while keeping interviews warm and entertaining. Her friendships with personalities like stunt driver Ben Collins and singer Josh Groban are woven into the story with light, personal anecdotes.
The episode pairs Jeannie D with comedian Jason Goliath as her comedy coach for Famous Last Words. Their first meeting is filled with playful flirtation, exaggerated awkwardness and Jason joking about being terrified of his girlfriend noticing their chemistry. Jeannie teases him right back, amused by his “baby face” and dramatic reactions.
Expecting an adrenaline-filled day—skydiving, wild animals or bungee jumping—Jason arrives dressed in outdoor gear, convinced Jeannie is about to put him through an extreme adventure. Instead, she takes him to a spa, which he immediately declares he hates. Their banter escalates into a challenge: if Jason participates in every spa treatment, Jeannie must prove a rumour that she can “fit her fist in her mouth.” He agrees instantly.
The spa sequence becomes a comedic endurance test. Jason undergoes waxing and treatments he clearly wasn’t prepared for, shouting in pain and commentary while Jeannie laughs through the process. When the wager comes due, Jeannie shockingly follows through, managing the stunt to Jason’s absolute disbelief and meltdown—declaring he can “cancel the internet” because he’s seen everything.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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