Truth, Lies & Propaganda describes the first part of my journey from primary school teacher, to announcing on the radio, to scriptwriting for radio and television, then into the world of video production.

All the stories are true, although a few names have been changed to protect a couple of the more interesting characters.

If you have ever wondered what goes on behind the camera, this book will let you in on a few secrets and explain how programmes are put together.

What is it like to work with famous people, or interview them when they are not keen to talk to you? Don’t be fooled into thinking that working in television is glamorous, it’s not. I spent more time in toilets and shuffling through rubbish dumps than I did in banqueting halls.

Making any kind of programme is team work, and I have worked with the best crews and the best studio personnel in South Africa. Without them and their passion, I could not look back with pride on all that we produced.

This book is for them and the clients who placed their faith in us to tell their stories. It is also for my long-suffering husband whose patience while I’m writing has again been stretched to the limit. No two days are ever the same in the media world and I feel very privileged to have been part of it. Just don’t believe everything you see on TV, it’s probably wiser not to believe anything at all!