"While studying at this university, these words of Nelson Mandela took root in me: 'Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it's an act of justice.' This challenged me that justice is not abstract, it's helping someone get a job, learn a skill or change their path. I have seen it again and again. that when someone earns money, their world changes. They shift from a poverty mindset to a dignity of employment.
Another Madiba quote: 'It always seems impossible until it's done.' I have seen that come through, not only in global projects, but in small, powerful moments: a learner discovering coding, a young woman landing her first job, a teacher realizing they can change a child's future.
Again and again, I have seen young people achieve the extraordinary, only because someone believed in them."
Ryan le Roux
Written by Cindy Preller
21 June 2025
Being recognised for his exemplary leadership and commitment to society as the co-founder and CEO of the Leva Foundation, Ryan le Roux received a Nelson Mandela University 2025 Alumni Achiever Award on 20 June.
The prestigious Alumni Achiever Award and Rising Star Ceremony was hosted at The Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha to acknowledge individuals who have made their mark locally, nationally and internationally int heir various disciplines and sectors and are alumni of Nelson Mandela University.
Steering the non-profit organisation focused on entering people into the economy through education and skills development, to great success since the Leva Foundation was established in 2014, Le Roux was nominated by Tangible Africa founder and Head of the Department and Associate Professor at the Nelson Mandela University Computing Sciences Department, ProfJean Greyling.
Projects that fall under the Leva Foundation umbrella include the Red Band Barista Academy and Tangible Africa. At Red Band Barista Academy Le Roux was instrumental in helping over 600 unemployed youth become baristas, and for this work he won the Dedication to Education in South African Coffee Award in 2023 and was the keynote speaker at the World Coffee Roaster Forum in El Salvador in 2023.
At Tangible Africa Le Roux has also played a vital role in show casing the Tangible coding games at the British Grand Prix, among other international outreaches and fundraising to sustain and grow the project across the world.
“Ryan’s broad skills set as well as his passion to make a difference in people’s lives, have moved Tangible Africa onto the global, recognised by major role players and corporates across continents.”, said Greyling.
In a letter of support of Le Roux’s nomination for the Alumni Achiever Award, Amazon Vice President David Brown (himself a previous recipient) said as someone who has worked closely with Le Roux over the years, he has witnessed first-hand how Le Roux’s leadership has brought remarkable achievements in educational access and economic opportunity.
“I have personally witnessed the impact of this programme, which has enabled us to identify naturally gifted young programmers among students who might otherwise never have discovered their talent. Thanks to Ryan's work in this area, several promising students are now receiving educational sponsorships, opening pathways to university degrees and careers in technology. What truly sets Ryan apart is his authentic passion for creating lasting change. In every interaction, his deep commitment to the Leva Foundation's mission shines through,” said Brown.
Education
Le Roux holds bachelor’s degree in Sport Science from Nelson Mandela University and an MBA from Henley Business School. In 2024 he received a scholarship to attend an on-campus Executive Education Course at Harvard Business School with 170 other non-learners from around the world.
Henley Business School Africa Dean and Director Jon Foster-Pedley said Le Roux also serves as a board member of MBAid, a Henley project which seeks to use the energies generated by a business school to create positive social change.
“Working with Ryan, we have helped over 350 NGOs, provided numerous MBA and other scholarships and provided encouragement and support for learners. Ryan not only has the track record to add value to this project, he also is an initiator of new ideas and an excellent executor. In 2022 he was the recipient of the Innovation in Education Award from Henley Business School, UK,” said Foster-Pedley.
International rugby career
Le Roux started his working career playing senior provincial rugby for Eastern Province and after university moved to Europe to play professionally in Spain. He did this for 4 years and qualified to play for the Spanish national side. He played various test matches and participated in the World Rugby 7s series at tournaments in Las Vegas, Hong Kong, London and various other world cities. He won Player of the Season and was Top Try Scorer in the Spanish league for several seasons.
Father’s House Church Founder and Lead Pastor, George Georgiou, said Le Roux exemplifies the values of leadership, innovation and service, fulfilling the vision to be a force for good locally and globally.
“His earlier success in sport demonstrates his drive and determination, qualities that now underpin his leadership at the Leva Foundation. Ryan’s innovative work through the Leva Foundation reflects his deep commitment to building a better future for individuals and communities,” said Georgiou.
“His efforts align seamlessly with our objective to bring hope, transformation, and economic empowerment to those in need. He is a markable alumnus whose life and work inspire others to strive for excellence while serving a greater good.”
