Anna-Marie grew up in Mossel Bay. She obtained her BA (Law) and LL.B degrees in 1985 and 1987 respectively from the University of Stellenbosch and was admitted as an Advocate of the Supreme Court in 1988.
She has wide legal experience and previously held the positions of Prosecutor (Oudtshoorn) Chief State Prosecutor (George) and Legal Advisor/Officer at the Mossel Bay Municipality, where she dealt with municipal by-laws and legislation extensively.