‘Giant among men’ Sarel Liebenberg remembered

PLETTENBERG BAY – Sarel Arnoldus Liebenberg (83), who died as a result of injuries sustained when his bicycle was hit by a vehicle on the N2 near Kwanokuthula last week, has been described as a giant among men.

Liebenberg was the one-time marketing director of Nissan South Africa. He also consulted to a number of top companies, according to long-time friend Thys Burger, the former Springbok flanker, who now farms in Namibia.

Initially there was confusion about Liebenberg's identity after police released incorrect information. Police incorrectly released his name as "Savel Arnolds (83)", but later corrected their mistake following questioning from KPH.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies, the incident happened at about 10:20 on the N2 highway outside Plettenberg Bay. "Information available indicates that a vehicle was travelling towards Knysna when it struck the bicycle," he said. Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide.

Friends

Burger said that he completed 11 Argus Cycle Tour races with Liebenberg whom he got to know while still playing rugby for

Northern Transvaal between 1977 and 1981. "I am very heartbroken that my friend of 20 years, Sarel, has died.

“We walked many a mile together and he was a great supporter," Burger said from his farm 'Eensaam' in Namibia, from where he runs Eensaam Adventures with his Namibian wife Ruth.

Burger said Sarel used to ride in his slipstream and always regaled those around him with amusing stories and anecdotes.

"We were almost like brothers," said Burger. "Sarel was a mentor of thousands of people and was a specialist in solving businessrelated problems."

The last time the two spoke was on WhatsApp on 10 October when Sarel messaged Thys to say how impressed he was with the Namibian farm. "Prosperity," he had said.

Liebenberg was also a keen golfer and was considered the father of the Dainfern golfing estate in Sandton, which today is a major estate development in the area.

"But cycling was his life. His favourite quote was 'Live by the sword, die by the sword'. But he did not deserve to be taken away from us in this manner," added Burger. Another long-time friend, Norman Auerbach, said, "The world has lost a GIANT among men, a true gentleman who enriched the lives of all who knew him. His positive attitude and cheery smile brightened our days. Sarel, you'll be missed by all your friends."

Accomplished

Liebenberg attained the highest qualifications from the Institute of Marketing Management and the Public Relations Institute of South Africa.

He was a marketing specialist in all facets of business such as manufacturing, wholesale, retail, finance and the motor industry.

He specialised in the field of changing corporate cultures by harnessing the collaborative intellectual equity of the individuals in the organisation, and re-engineering the processes of people engagement in the corporate world.

He was well connected, with contacts in the SA government and private sector.

Liebenberg leaves behind his son, Morné, and family and seven grandchildren.

His memorial service takes place in Johannesburg on Friday and will be streamed live.