She completed a BSc (Dietetics), a Diploma in Hospital Dietetics and a BSc (Hons) from the University of Stellenbosch and holds a MPhil and PhD (2005) in Public Health from the University of the Western Cape. Her dissertation was titled “The impact of internal migration and related factors on the nutrient intake and anthropometric status of children 1-9 years in South Africa”. Her research interests focuses on the prevention of malnutrition through nutrition programs and the evaluation of these programs with emphasis on micro-nutrients, food supplementation, and nutrition / health education and promotion.