She was thrilled when South Africa's leading TV weatherman Derek Van Dam (31) asked her to marry him on Sunday night. He popped the question straight after the 89th Durban Comrades Marathon. The couple lives in Cape Town but, after Derek accepted a post with CNN this week, they are destined to live in Atlanta in the US - leaving next month. Van Dam is leaving eNCA (DStv 403) for CNN International (DStv 401) in Atlanta.
Tara is the daughter of veteran surfer and Victoria Bay activist Rod Hossack, from Lands End Guesthouse.
The passion for surfing runs in the family and her father taught her the ropes in Victoria Bay. She is a Springbok surfer, ex-SA short board and long board champion and three times Comrades Marathon runner. She's an independent producer and freelance journalist and is currently considering pursuing her Masters in mass communication and journalism. She told the George Herald that it was inevitable that she would become totally besotted with surf with a family who were all into the sport.
The e.tv's hunky chief meteorologist, who has become a beloved South African TV personality over the past six years with his American accent, has been with Tara for over two years. They surf and run together and also love to travel. "I'm just looking forward to waking up next to the woman that I love every day for the rest of my life. I chose this day because of its significance for both of us personally and as a couple. Tara has boundless energy and charisma. She is unique because her heart truly guides her decisions in life. She's passionate, caring, adventurous and hugely athletic. I love her because of her spirituality, her smile, her love for animals and her never-ending willpower and strength."
Finance guru
Rod said this week that surfing certainly runs in the family. "My son Galen is a fund manager in Cape Town with a degree in finance and holds a prestigious CFA. He was a Springbok surfer back in 1998, winner of several Billabong junior series in SA, a Robben Island to Blouberg swimmer, Comrades Marathon runner and has a rock band that plays 'pig killing music'.
He hangs out at Africa Burn in the middle of nowhere and appears to be seriously in love with Nancy Mitchell from Cape Town - another financial wizard who owns a few race horses in her spare time.
The third Hossack, Amber, has now been back at the world-famous Rundle College in George for the last two years after spending three years at Diocesan School for Girls (DSG). She has aspirations of following in her brother and sister's footsteps," said the proud father this week.
Tara and Derek in Paris last year.
ARTICLE: PAULINE LOURENS, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
