About
Vanes-Mari du Toit is a former professional netball player, television presenter, entrepreneur, speaker and mentor whose career has taken her from international sporting arenas to television studios, live stages — and even the heights of the Himalayas.
Her journey into the public eye began on the netball court, where she proudly represented South Africa as a member of the SPAR Proteas. Between 2010 and 2018, she earned 38 international caps and also represented the South African Fast5 Netball Team, playing 36 matches between 2011 and 2015. In 2014, she was named Overall Best Netball Player in Africa, before going on to compete in professional leagues in Australia and England.
In 2018, Vanes-Mari stepped into a very different spotlight as a contestant on Dancing With The Stars South Africa. Her natural warmth, confidence and larger-than-life personality opened the door to a growing career in television and entertainment. She became part of the MultiChoice and DStv presenter family and has since appeared on a number of kykNET and VIA lifestyle and magazine programmes, including Kwêla, Hoor My Sien My Soen My, In Japan Ja, In Frans Ja and Die Groot Afskud.
Her ability to connect with people has also made her a sought-after MC and live event host, with appearances across sporting, entertainment, corporate and lifestyle events. In 2023, she represented SuperSport at the Rugby World Cup in France and continues to form part of the SuperSport presenting team, including its All Access content.
In 2024, Vanes-Mari took on one of the most extraordinary challenges of her life when she joined the Madswimmer “The Sky is the Limit” expedition in Nepal. After an arduous journey into the Himalayas, she became one of five swimmers to take part in a Guinness World Record-setting swim at an altitude of 6,405 metres on Putha Hiunchuli. The temporary swimming hole was carved into the mountain’s snowpack, with water measuring just 3.7°C and an air temperature of -6°C. The expedition combined physical and mental endurance with a wider mission of supporting charitable causes and raising awareness around climate change.
It was an experience that captured much of what has defined Vanes-Mari’s journey: courage, resilience, a willingness to step outside her comfort zone and an enduring belief that extraordinary things happen when people come together.
Alongside her media and sporting career, Vanes-Mari is also an entrepreneur and the founder of FitPocket, a range of sport-specific apparel and underwear for women, developed from her own experience as an athlete. She remains closely connected to the sport that shaped her, hosting netball coaching sessions, clinics and motivational talks designed to encourage young players to build their skills, confidence and belief in themselves. From professional sport and broadcasting to business, public speaking and record-breaking adventures, Vanes-Mari has continued to evolve without losing the warmth, energy and authenticity for which she has become known.
