Where is former swimsuit model Minki van der Westhuizen now?

Minki van der Westhuizen has come a long way since her days as a swimsuit model on magazine covers like FHM and Sports Illustrated.

Today, the blonde bombshell is a wife and mother of three with a prolific career in the media and lifestyle space.

‘SEXIEST WOMAN IN THE WORLD’

Minki van der Westhuizen burst onto the scene as a model in her teens. During her Matric year, she landed a coveted spot in a Guess clothing photoshoot.

The busty blonde succeeded supermodel Claudia Schiffer in the campaign.

She quickly became a highly sought-after swimsuit model, appearing on the covers of magazines such as Sports Illustrated, GQ, and FHM, among others.

In 2003, she earned a top spot on Maxim’s Hot 100 list of beautiful women. A year later, South African FHM readers voted her as the “Sexiest Woman in the World”.

During that time, Minki was also voted the favourite pin-up girl by US troops serving in Iraq. 

Also that year, a 19-year-old Minki began dating then Proteas player Graeme Smith. Their relationship lasted until 2026.

WHERE IS MINKI VAN DER WESTHIZEN NOW?

Minki van der Westhuizen transitioned into television presenting and acting

After a short-lived marriage to Stellenbosch businessman Constant Visser that ended in 2009, Minki began dating former rugby player Ernst Joubert.

The couple wed in 2012, and are now parents to three daughters: Katerien, Elise and Elsa.

The model continued work as a presenter and MC, even bagging her own kykNET TV show called Minki. In 2025, she started her own jewellery/lifestyle brand under her own name. She also founded her own charity, which is geared at female empowerment, and is a hands-on mother to her three daughters.