Minki van der Westhuizen became one of South Africa’s most recognisable models during the height of her career, appearing on major magazine covers and earning international attention for her beauty.
More than two decades later, however, her life looks very different.
The former swimsuit model has built a career beyond modelling, while embracing television, business, charity work and family life.
From Teen Model to International Attention
Van der Westhuizen entered the modelling industry while she was still a teenager.
During her matric year, she secured a major Guess campaign, taking over a role previously associated with supermodel Claudia Schiffer.
That opportunity helped propel her into the international modelling spotlight.
She subsequently became a regular presence in prominent men’s and lifestyle magazines, including Sports Illustrated, GQ and FHM.
Her popularity grew rapidly, turning her into one of the most recognisable South African models of her generation.
Crowned One of the World’s Most Beautiful Women
Her modelling success reached another level in the early 2000s.
In 2003, Van der Westhuizen was included on Maxim’s Hot 100 list, placing her among a group of internationally recognised beauty personalities.
The following year brought an even bigger accolade when South African FHM readers voted her the “Sexiest Woman in the World”.
Her popularity also extended beyond South Africa. At the time, she was reportedly selected as a favourite pin-up among US troops stationed in Iraq.
Her Life Beyond the Modelling World
While modelling established her public profile, Van der Westhuizen eventually broadened her career into television and entertainment.
She became a television presenter and master of ceremonies, developing a reputation that went beyond her work in front of the camera as a model.
One of her notable television projects was her own kykNET programme, Minki, which further established her as a media personality.
Her career transition allowed her to remain in the public eye while moving into areas that offered a different kind of creative and professional platform.
Marriage and Motherhood Became Central
Van der Westhuizen’s personal life also underwent major changes as her modelling career evolved.
Her first marriage, to Stellenbosch businessman Constant Visser, ended in 2009.
She later began a relationship with former rugby player Ernst Joubert.
The couple married in 2012 and went on to have three daughters: Katerien, Elise and Elsa.
Motherhood has since become a major part of Van der Westhuizen’s life, alongside her continuing professional commitments.
Building a Lifestyle Business
Van der Westhuizen has also moved into entrepreneurship.
In 2025, she launched a jewellery and lifestyle brand carrying her own name, adding businesswoman to an already varied career that includes modelling, television presenting and event hosting.
The venture represents another stage in her evolution from a model known primarily for magazine covers into a broader lifestyle personality with her own commercial identity.
Her Commitment to Female Empowerment
Her interests also extend into charitable work.
Van der Westhuizen founded a charity focused on female empowerment, giving her a platform to support causes beyond the entertainment and fashion industries.
The initiative forms part of a broader chapter in her life in which she has combined business, media work and social causes with family responsibilities.
Where Is Minki Van der Westhuizen Today?
Today, Van der Westhuizen is no longer defined solely by the swimsuit modelling career that made her famous.
The former pin-up has developed into a television personality, presenter, entrepreneur and mother of three.
While her early career was built around fashion and modelling, her more recent work reflects a wider lifestyle brand and public profile.
Her journey demonstrates how her career has continued to evolve long after her days as one of South Africa’s most celebrated swimsuit models.
What’s Next for the Former Model?
With her jewellery and lifestyle business now forming part of her professional portfolio, Van der Westhuizen has opportunities to continue expanding her influence in the lifestyle space.
Her media experience, entrepreneurial interests and work supporting female empowerment provide several avenues for future projects.
For now, her life represents a significant shift from the magazine covers of the early 2000s to a more diverse role as a businesswoman, media personality and mother.
Summary
Minki van der Westhuizen rose to fame as a teenage model before becoming a prominent international swimsuit star and earning major recognition from publications including Maxim and FHM.
She later successfully transitioned into television presenting and entertainment, including hosting her own kykNET show.
After marriage and becoming a mother of three daughters, she continued developing her professional career.
In 2025, she added a jewellery and lifestyle brand to her portfolio and has also been involved in a charity centred on female empowerment.
More than 20 years after reaching the height of her modelling fame, Van der Westhuizen has built a life and career that extend well beyond the image that first made her famous.
