"I am the mother of two children - a girl of nine years and a boy of seven - a wife and a businesswoman," writes Wilma.

Wilma is a girl who hails from the Klein Karoo. She grew up in Oudtshoorn and matriculated in this Klein Karoo town.

After completing her Pharmacy degree at UCT in 1985, she started modelling at the age of 21 and went to Germany on contract. She spend the next five years in Europe doing photographic modelling, mostly for fashion catalogues.

Wilma was crowned Miss SA in 1987. "It was a wonderful time. I've learned and experienced a lot."

In 1991, she returned to South Africa, and started her own business. She still runs a wholesale business importing earrings from Germany and supplying retail stores in South Africa.

She married Greek toy factory owner Tapanlis in 1994.

Her life changed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her story of survival and hope has inspired thousands of South Africans. In 2006, hundreds of South African women went for a mammography after Wilma and Huisgenoot/You organised a discount at radiologists across the country.

She loves life and regards her husband and children as the most important people in her life. "My kids and husband come first. I love spending time with my family. I have a great family and friends and I value them a lot. Life is just too short to allow small stuff to get you down."