VEREENIGING. – Touching messages of condolences are still pouring in after the unexpected passing of Brett Liebenberg (44), one of the brightest stars in the Vaal’s business community. Brett, who was involved in his family’s business, Hi Performance Midas, from a young age, succumbed to COVID-19 related complications after battling the disease for about three weeks.

His symptoms started around April 4 and progressively got worse. He was admitted to Vaalpark Netcare Hospital on the 14th and when his condition became critical, was transferred to Emfuleni Mediclinic’s ICU, where he sadly passed away on the 24th.Through all the condolence messages it is clear that this man, who regarded his faith and family as the highest priority in his life, leaves behind a legacy of kindness, selflessness and service to others.

Brett was born on 8 January 1977 in Vereeniging Hospital and grew up in Vanderbijlpark. He was a gifted sportsman at Genl Smuts High School, raking in top awards and being appointed Victor Ludorum at various sports events. He achieved Vaal colours in a variety of sporting disciplines and placed second in SA Body Building.

He started working for his dad, Mr Peter Liebenberg, on weekends from the age of 12. He joined Hi-Performance Midas permanently after completing his apprenticeship at Polifin with Collin Simms, his best friend.

“Brett and his dad worked as a team and found joy in building up Midas to the strong and sound family business it is today. Brett’s business interests were the Midas Group and good relationships with all their business associates and staff. He wasn’t just a boss at work. Many employees trusted him for advice regarding their personal lives. He always made time to listen and give guidance,” says his bereaved wife, Lizelle.

“He touched so many people’s hearts; from street kids to people who just needed a boost in the right direction. He was so humble, kind and soft hearted… truly a gentle spirit. He was a great husband, father, son, brother and boss. Brett was a ‘fixer’ who wanted to help repair everything and every situation. He would put himself last to make sure everyone else was okay.

“He loved and lived for his family and the family business. He loved the boys and me so much and always wanted us to know that. The boys were his pride and joy. There was an abundance of love all around them and myself that everyone could see, and I loved him more than anyone in the world,” says Lizelle. She is deeply thankful to God for being given the privilege to be Brett’s wife since August 2019, and also thanks the family, friends, clients, and business fraternity for their support and compassion. She especially thanks her father-in-law, who was exceptionally close to Brett, for all his assistance amidst his own grief. “He has been a rock throughout this ordeal,” says Lizelle.

Business at Midas will go on as normal and Mr Peter Liebenberg will once again take full control. “As it is a family business the heart of Midas will stay the same. All employees are dedicated to live forth Brett’s legacy and dream.”

Lizelle finds much comfort in a note Brett recently wrote. It says: “Reading my identity in God is actually amazing. God makes the impossible POSSIBLE. Praising, (being) thankful, (having) hope and faith is part of the great journey to an amazing eternity”.

“Brett was a man of God and did so much work for the Lord. There is no doubt that he is at Jesus’ feet,” says Lizelle. Apart from Lizelle and his dad, Brett leaves behind his two boys whom he loved deeply, Tristin and Keanu from his previous marriage, and brother Wayne Liebenberg. His mother, Denice, passed away in 2018.

Edited by Carol Pittendrigh

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