Annette Zeelie on 12 Midmar Miles and a love affair with date rolls

An educational kinesiologist, neuro-integration specialist and Brain Gym trainer writes about a sense of adventure, cosmetics, and the biggest miracle.

1 You grew up in the Transkei. Which unforgettable memories do you carry with you?

I was only five months old when we moved to the Transkei, and it’s where my childhood truly began. Growing up there with my three brothers was a wonderful experience - carefree days surrounded by friends, laughter, and the beauty of nature. Our hometown, Umtata, was close to Port St. Johns, and some of my fondest memories are of those weekends when my dad would tell us to pack our beach bags for a trip to the coast. I remember the excitement so vividly - I could hardly sleep the night before! My dad and brothers taught me how to body surf, and we’d spend hours playing in the waves while my mom was watching us from under the colourful, striped sun umbrella. ⛱️. Those moments taught me the value of family, joy, and appreciation for the simple things in life - memories I still treasure deeply.

2 You studied to be a teacher, then spent some time in a different field - very successfully - before returning to teaching.

Yes, it was a fascinating chapter in my life. After studying to become a teacher and teaching for a few years, I joined a well-known cosmetic company as a distributor and trainer. This experience allowed me to develop a range of valuable skills, including marketing, teamwork, and business acumen.

Additionally, I had the opportunity to travel extensively for incentives and training, which broadened my horizons and introduced me to diverse perspectives. I am truly grateful for that experience, as it not only enriched my professional skill set but also shaped my understanding of people and cultures, ultimately enhancing my approach to teaching when I returned to the field.

Here Annette explains how Brain Gym can boost couples’ relationships.

3 What is special about each of your two daughters?

I am a proud mother of two amazing daughters, Anneke and Christelle. Both are beautiful inside and out — kind, loving, and supportive. Although each has her own sparkling personality, they are equally special to me, and I love them both to bits.

They are well educated, well spoken, and well travelled, and whatever they take on, they do wholeheartedly — with enthusiasm, compassion, and care for those around them. Whether it’s in their marriages, their workplaces, or in their social and community lives, they always give their best.

What I appreciate most about my precious daughters, beyond their strong faith and deep belief in God, is the way they love and care for each other. They are best friends — always uplifting, encouraging, and looking out for one another.

And truly, what more could a mother possibly wish for?

4 You have an adventurous spirit and have worked overseas, right?

Yes, I’ve always had an adventurous spirit! Growing up with my dad, who loved exploring, we travelled all over South Africa - every city, every small town - learning about our country’s history and meeting friends and family everywhere we went. That sense of adventure definitely shaped me. I always knew I wanted to do the same with my own children, but also explore beyond our borders.

I’ve had the privilege of teaching in Doha, Qatar, and more recently in Istanbul, Türkiye - both incredible experiences. Teaching children from different cultures, learning local customs, tasting new foods, and forming lifelong friendships has truly enriched my life. It’s taught me adaptability, confidence, and gratitude - and I’m so happy to see my two daughters share that same adventurous spirit.

5 You’re a keen Nordic Walker – do say more.

I discovered this wonderful sport when visiting my friend, Ursula, in the summer of 2006 in Switzerland. I enjoyed it so much and could see how this type of walking, which originated in Finland in the 1930s with Finnish cross-country skiers using poles for summer training, could give me a full-body workout and why it’s said to be 30% more effective than normal walking.

Image: Pexels, model used

But it was only in 2021 that I found someone - Hugh Joseph - who taught me the proper technique in Kirstenbosch, Cape Town. Ever since, I’ve found Nordic Walking incredibly rewarding, taking my poles wherever I go and often catching myself educating curious passersby about the wonderful benefits of this amazing sport.

6 Swimming is part of who you are. Do mention some highlights.

Yes, I absolutely love swimming! My dad taught me to swim when I was just three years old, and I’ve never stopped enjoying it since. Growing up in the Eastern Cape, where swimming is such a popular sport, I joined the school team in Grade 1 and even set a few records - which probably would’ve still been standing today if they hadn’t emptied the pool a few years later!
When my kids were little and it was time for them to learn, I took a swimming instructor’s course and started my own small swimming school. It was so much fun teaching not only my own children but also the kids in our neighbourhood.
In 2000, I swam my first of twelve Midmar Miles, and the following year my daughter Anneke joined me — she was only nine years old at the time, and I was so proud of her courage.
For me, swimming is such a safe and timeless sport — something you can enjoy for life, whether it’s in a pool, a lake, or the sea. I just love it!

7 A little bird told me that you have a love affair with date rolls …

Date rolls are the best! I discovered them while I was teaching in Doha, Qatar, and completely fell in love with their taste, texture, and the beautiful way they’re prepared and presented. They don’t just make date balls there - they also fill the dates with nuts and all sorts of delicious things, then dip them in chocolate and roll them in coconut or sprinkles. Absolutely irresistible!

I even started a little business selling the ones I don’t give away… or eat myself. They’re such a wonderful, healthy, and tasty treat and I just love sharing them

8 When this article is published, you’re almost a grandmother. What does it feel like?

Oh yes - it’s the most wonderful feeling! My daughter, Christelle, and her husband, Ben, will soon be welcoming a little baby girl, and I couldn’t be more excited. It truly feels like the biggest miracle and such a special new chapter for our family.
I can hardly wait to meet her and hold her in my arms for the first time. I’m really looking forward to being part of her life - helping to raise her, sharing special moments, and being the very best granny she could ever have!

More about Annette

Annette Zeelie is an educational kinesiologist, neuro-integration specialist and certified Brain Gym® trainer from Johannesburg. Her passion and enthusiasm for Brain Gym and early childhood development was encouraged by her teaching career.

Annette was trained in South-Africa and also in Germany by Dr Paul Dennison, founder of Brain Gym. She has presented in countries such as Namibia, Qatar and The UK and has shared her knowledge in local as well as international magazine articles. As a lifelong student, Annette continues to search for new possibilities to improve fields such as early childhood development and inclusive education.
She has dedicated herself to helping people of all ages overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Email: annette.kineticm@gmail.com

Facebook: Kinetic Minds

Websites:

Brain Gym in South Africa: https://www.braingyminsa.co.za/

International website: https://breakthroughsinternational.org/programs/the-brain-gym-program/

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Image of Annette Zeelie: supplied

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