Artscape CEO shares tale of a mother’s grief and friendship

This dynamic woman, who is also the co-founder of the Women’s Achievement Network for Disability, serves on the board of the Afrikaans Language and Culture Association (ATKV). Le Roux is not only the first woman, but also the first person of colour, holding this position.

But today is not one of those days where one is graced with a warm smile or embraced by her extravagant presence. Today one gets to see her real grief.

Refusal to let disability dictate life

Le Roux was three months old when she contracted poliomyelitis which left her with a weakened leg and having to permanently wear a brace..

Poliomyelitis is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus. In about 0.5% of cases, there is muscle weakness resulting in an inability to move.

Pain and grief of son’s death

However, besides her disability, there is a deeper hurt she carries each and every day – that of the death of her son.

“That’s just the reality of life: You can’t hold on to everyone, because God needs them back.”

A smile dances gently on her face as I ask whether she’s referring to her late son Adam George who died at the age of 15.

Adam suffered from cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder which primarily affects body movement and muscle co-ordination.

“Do you know what’s funny?” she asked as her attention shifts to her surroundings.

“It just gets harder every day and not easier. I remember Adam in everything I do,” she says. “He made an impact on so many people’s lives.

“From the beginning, I decided Adam is an angel and I made every effort to give him a full life.”

Struggles made Marlene le Roux a stronger woman

Le Roux drinks a bit of water and asks if we can sit outside.

“Adam was also my study partner. I did my master’s research with him on my lap. He was also the ring-bearer at a niece’s wedding,” Le Roux said.

She smiles as she thinks of the day of the wedding, the smile quickly turns sad as the reality hits her again.

“There were more than 1 000 people at his funeral.”

Friendship with Patricia de Lille

And it’s no surprise that she finds herself in the company of another influential woman – Good party leader and Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Patricia de Lille.

Le Roux describes De Lille as “incredible and remarkable.”

According to Le Roux, De Lille comes from extreme poverty and “Patricia knows pain”.

“And as friends growing up in the apartheid era, we were deeply discriminated against – me even more so because of being disabled,” Le Roux concluded. 

Another thing that Le Roux and De Lille have in common is that both have been awarded numerous awards.

De Lille received the Freedom of the City of Birmingham, Alabama and was awarded the honour of being one of the top five women in government and government agencies in 2004. She was also awarded the 2004 Old Mutual South African Leadership Award in the woman leadership category.

Le Roux’s most recent awards include the Influencer of Influencers Award, as well as the prestigious Royal Award and the International Human Rights Award.