Fernandez grew up in Retreat on the Cape Flats and matriculated from the South Peninsula High School.

In August 2009, Fernandez was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus and was forced to take early retirement in order to restore her health.

Her recovery period lasted three years and once it ended, Fernandez started doing community work and became actively involved in civic matters.

[4] Following the May 2019 elections, Fernandez was succeeded by Masizole Mnqasela as Speaker of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament.

Fernandez has lived in many South African provinces, such as the North West, Gauteng and Free State before returning to the Western Cape in 2009.