Anco Barker was recently interviewed by TheCelebrity.Online Magazine and below is the Q&A session we had with her.

Anco Barker As Cover Story Interview – June 2024 Edition

How do you introduce yourself?

I am a 36-year-old woman from South Africa, dedicated to a political career fueled by my passion for people, equality, fairness, and the empowerment of women. As an activist for justice and godly governance, I am committed to this cause until the very end. Unapologetically Christian, I am driven to bring God back into our government and expand His Kingdom.

Although my childhood appeared normal on the surface, the transition to adulthood was thrust upon me at a young age. I secretly endured much sadness, the invasion of my innocence, and an illusion of what life should be. Forced to grow up quickly, I became a pillar of support for many while simultaneously facing rejection. The sadness from my parents’ divorce lingered and resurfaced much later.

As a young adult, I was both responsible and irresponsible, living by the “work hard, play hard” motto. From an early age, I had a feisty and somewhat rebellious personality, always striving for fairness. Although I missed experiencing apartheid directly, I faced its aftermath and the pain it inflicted on others. Despite the legacy of hurt, I have always had a heart for people of all races and an understanding of the suffering their parents and grandparents endured. As a compassionate person, I have always wept for the injustices of the past, believing that we are all God’s creation before we are any race.

Childhood to Adulthood – How was your transition from childhood to adulthood and what are the bad and good things you remember?

Although my childhood appeared normal on the surface, the transition to adulthood was thrust upon me at a young age. I secretly endured much sadness, the invasion of my innocence, and an illusion of what life should be. Forced to grow up quickly, I became a pillar of support for many while simultaneously facing rejection. The sadness from my parents’ divorce lingered and resurfaced much later.

I obtained a BCom Financial Management degree with Golden Key International Honour Society membership from the University of the Free State. My career began in East London, South Africa, at the Department of Correctional Services as a State Accountant in 2009, leading to a 12-year career in finance. However, I eventually realized I felt trapped in this career.

Entering my first serious relationship at age 15, I ended up marrying this person, which caused me to miss out on many aspects of my youth. As a child, we don’t fully understand the value of life or how dramatically our lives can change by taking on adult responsibilities too soon. We need to protect our children from this, allowing them to embrace their childhood fully.

Struggle – What hardships have you gone through in life?

Throughout my life, I have faced significant hardships, including rejection and the stripping of my innocence at a young age. Men abusing their power and bullying have also been recurring challenges. I experienced predatory behavior in various jobs, which fueled my rebelliousness. Jealousy from both my partner and in the workplace added to the struggles. I went through a traumatic divorce and an overwhelming custody battle, which led me to lean on alcohol to express my emotions, resulting in total chaos. I have faced death more times than I can count, yet God kept me safe, unharmed, and unmarked, as He has enormous plans for my life. My divine purpose is to build His Kingdom on earth while fighting for the people of South Africa.

What do people usually not know about you?

What people don’t know about me is that I have the biggest heart, full of love for all. However, if you hurt those very close to me, watch my moves to study my patterns, or attack my people, I become a force to be reckoned with. I will go to the ends of the earth to help someone, even if they have wronged me. I love righteousness and always strive for equality. I am an amazing listener, and my purpose is to uplift others. I was part of an all-women movement, South African Women Fight Back, and served as a ground leader in the Eastern Cape. I also excelled in politics, serving as a Mayoral Committee member and Portfolio Chairperson for Finance at the Garden Route District Municipality.

I am skilled at research and incredibly diligent and detailed when writing reports or providing feedback. I am thorough, fair, a giver, and always ready to offer sound advice. As an activist for women and children, I will never bow down to anyone except God. I push people to become the best version of themselves and am not afraid of a fight or conflict. I am a saved (reborn) Christian, and the only saviour in my life is the Lord, Jesus Christ. I am guided by the Holy Spirit and my Father God in heaven watches over me every single day of my life.

What sets you apart from your competitors in the industry and in life?

I’m a tenacious force, compact but powerful, armed with unwavering conviction and a backbone of steel. I confront challenges head-on, armed with factual evidence and unwavering determination. Integrity is my cornerstone—I never speak without proof, meticulously retaining every piece of information. Fueled by a passion for justice and compassion for all beings, I relentlessly combat injustice and poverty, viewing them as evils to be eradicated. Unfazed by giants, I boldly advocate for truth, guided by divine wisdom and unwavering faith. God’s guidance is my compass, and I obey His word without hesitation.

What are your upcoming major events – Unforgettable Moments or products/services that you want to promote/inform?

I’m eagerly advancing towards my purpose by delving into Theology studies in the near future. Given my innate Evangelist disposition, I’ve chosen to formalize my calling by undergoing the accreditation process. Concurrently, I’m committed to maintaining a prominent presence on the political forefront. Here, I’ll steadfastly advocate for crucial causes such as justice, equality, women’s empowerment, and the protection of vulnerable demographics like children and the elderly. This dual commitment reflects my dedication to both spiritual growth and tangible societal progress.

What are your food preferences and physical attributes?

I stand at 1.49 meters tall with an average BMI, characterized by blue eyes and sleek black hair. While I lack dimples, my prominent cheekbones add definition to my features. Admittedly, I’m not the healthiest eater and occasionally forget to prioritize meals (working on improving this). When hunger strikes, my default choices lean towards indulgences like chocolate or muffins. Additionally, I’m a self-professed coffee enthusiast, consuming around 16 cups daily, sans sugar but with milk (currently striving to moderate this habit).

Your love life, relationships and family?

I’m a devoted mother to two incredibly gifted children: my daughter, soon to celebrate her 9th birthday in November, and my son, who turned 7 this past March. My journey through love has been marked by challenges, particularly as a divorced individual. My former husband and I were together since our school days in 2004, but we parted ways in 2019, finalizing our divorce in August of 2023.

I found myself engaged once more, but unfortunately, the relationship didn’t endure. Despite my love for him, I realized too late that his intentions were misguided, and his struggles with alcohol and unhealthy influences led to our separation. Though it was painful, I made the difficult decision to end the relationship, yet I continue to pray for his well-being and liberation from any negative influences.

I’ve learned that while my love may not have been enough to save our relationship, I trust in God’s boundless love to bring healing and restoration. My priority now is to nurture my children and foster a loving environment for them to thrive in, trusting that God’s grace will guide us through any challenges we may face.

What expert advice would you like to give?

Prioritize seeking guidance from God in every decision you make, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you. Ensure that your actions and principles are in alignment with the teachings of the Bible, focusing on glorifying God in all aspects of your life. Uphold the values of love and acceptance, avoiding judgment towards others and instead, showing compassion and understanding, following the example set by Jesus. Advocate for justice and equality, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, and striving to create inclusive and supportive communities.

Contribute to alleviating poverty by actively supporting initiatives that provide assistance to those in need, whether through donations, volunteering, or utilizing your talents to make a positive impact. Embrace your God-given talents and abilities, recognizing them as gifts meant to be used for the greater good and the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Cultivate a mindset of diligence and attention to detail in pursuing your passions and fulfilling your purpose, knowing that God’s blessings accompany faithful stewardship of your talents.

Your social media handles and website links?

• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ancobarker
• Facebook : https://m.facebook.com/anco.muller?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ancos46?_t=8mvtYO9t18w&_r=1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anco-barker-bbb02297