Bedfordview’s former rugby legend hopes for a thriving South Africa

Bedfordview resident and former Springbok Johan le Roux has a passion for South Africa, its business future and the youth of the country.

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After finding a new lease on life and love, le Roux said the lockdown was an eye-opening time for him.

Lockdown for le Roux was a lonely time which saw him face regular dark thoughts.

“You never really realise how much you need other people until you don’t have them,” he said.

He said it was during a meeting of friends at Ryan’s Nursery once restrictions were lifted when he met Stephany.

The two are now engaged and regularly attend church and church groups together.

Le Roux found an interest in rugby when he was nine.

“My dad played rugby for Northern Transvaal. I always knew I wanted to be a Springbok rugby player.

“I used to walk to school and back, about 5km each way and I believe without that added fitness in my younger years I would never have been a Springbok.”

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In Grade 7 le Roux moved to Cape Town where he continued to play rugby.

While completing his military service through the police he played in the U21 side for Western Province.

“In my 20’s I took up a detective post in Johannesburg and moved to Bedfordview.”

He played for the Police Rugby Club but at the same time, he started trading in scrap metal.

“At 22 I played for the Transvaal B side and at 28 I made the Transvaal A side”.

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From dealing in scrap metal, le Roux went on to open his own refinery, Le Roux Non-Ferrous.

“Back then it was easier for young people to start their own business.

“All you needed was a dream and loads of ambition.

“When you have a dream it’s only the first step. It takes a lot of hard work to make your dream a reality”.

Le Roux believes young business owners face a more challenging start.

“Especially in the metals industry, which I believe was one of the best industries in South Africa.

“Today, there is just too much outside competition and to add to it, businesses have to compete with trade agreements and tough legislation.”

He hopes the government would relook at their policies to enable young entrepreneurs in South Africa to once again be able to enter the metals trade.

“I’ve been in the metal industry for over 30 years.

“Most of the top businesses in the metal trade have closed their doors. These businesses employed thousands of people”.

Le Roux encouraged young entrepreneurs to not give up on their dreams.

“The only way we are going to make South Africa better is to make sure everyone has food to eat.

“To help the country we need to help the economy. Crime is not the problem in South Africa, it’s poverty,” he said.

“The only way we can stop the cycle is to build our local economy”.

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Le Roux has hope for South Africa and its future.

“The biggest hope South Africa has to unite everyone is through sport. Sports like rugby have the power to bring communities together,” he said.

“Sport is the glue that holds the country together.”

Le Roux encouraged youngsters to have hope, to follow their dreams and have the willpower to see their dreams fulfilled.

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