Johan "Jobo" de Villiers is a well known face around Kimberley. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering love for sports. Picture: Danie van der Lith
Some people live one great story. Johan "Jobo" de Villiers has lived several.
From the dusty streets of De Aar to the fiercely contested rugby fields of Griquas, from the structured world of military service to the unpredictable landscape of entrepreneurship, and now to the greens of competitive lawn bowls, his journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and an enduring love for sport.
His life is a testament to adaptability, proving that true champions aren’t defined by a single moment but by their ability to embrace every new challenge with the same passion and determination.
Growing Up in De Aar: A Childhood of Adventure and Loss
Born on September 24, 1971, Johan was the youngest of five siblings in the close-knit Northern Cape town of De Aar. His early years were filled with outdoor games like ‘blikkieaspaai’ and bok-in-die-hok, swimming in the municipal pool, and racing BMX bikes through dusty streets.
However, tragedy struck when his father passed away from a heart attack when Johan was just 10 years old. His mother’s strength and the unwavering support of his older siblings helped him develop the resilience that would define his future.
Boarding School and Sporting Excellence
At 13, Johan left home to attend HTS Kimberley, a move that marked the beginning of his independence. The school hostel was a tough adjustment, but it shaped his discipline and adaptability.
He immersed himself in school activities, excelling in rugby, tennis, cricket, and athletics. He also joined the cadet band, choir, and drill platoon. By his matric year in 1989, he was first-team rugby captain and named Sportsman of the Year.
Rugby Runs in the Blood
Sport was a family affair for the De Villiers clan. His eldest brother, Tielman, played over 100 games for the Griquas rugby team, while his other brothers, Danie and Kobus, also made their mark in rugby.
Kobus, in addition to playing flyhalf and fullback, excelled in gymnastics. His sister, Martie, contributed to the family’s athletic legacy through track and field achievements. Playing alongside his brothers remains one of Johan’s fondest memories.
Military Service and the Start of a Rugby Career
After school, Johan joined the Parabats for his military service and naturally found himself on their rugby team. His talent soon earned him a spot with the Kathu “Ysterperde” rugby club, despite showing up to his first training session in sneakers.
Coach Leon Vogel quickly recognized his potential, and by 1991, he was playing for the Griquas, launching a rugby career that would see him competing against South Africa’s top provincial teams.
Johan balanced his trade work in Kathu with the demanding schedule of professional rugby. The long drives between Kathu and Kimberley for training were grueling, but his dedication never wavered.
The Glory Days of Griquas Rugby
Johan’s career reached its peak in 1995 when the Griquas toppled rugby powerhouses like Transvaal, Western Province, and Northern Transvaal.
He also represented the Spoornet Invitational Team in 1993, solidifying his reputation as a dependable and versatile player. The bonds he formed through rugby remain some of his most treasured friendships. He would later honor those connections by organizing the Griquas 130th Anniversary Rugby Reunion in 2016.
A New Field: Business and Entrepreneurship
When rugby turned professional in 1994, Johan relocated to Kimberley to focus on his career. Under the guidance of Griquas legend Peet Smit, he transitioned into the automotive industry, excelling as a sales consultant for Toyota and earning Toyota Knight status for seven consecutive years.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Flamingo Auto-Kimberley in 2014, a dealership specializing in quality pre-owned vehicles.
"Rugby taught me the value of discipline and hard work. Those lessons have been invaluable in building a successful business," Johan shares.
A Surprising Passion: Lawn Bowls
In recent years, Johan has embraced a new sport – lawn bowls. Initially joining for social fun, he quickly excelled, winning the Novice competition in his first year. Today, he represents the Griquas Northern Cape Open Team as a lead player.
"Lawn bowls is a completely different challenge. It requires focus, precision, and a calm mind," he explains. Johan finds immense joy in the sport’s inclusivity and the sense of tranquillity it brings. "When I step onto the mat, it’s like the stresses of the world fade away."
Preserving a Rugby Legacy
Johan remains deeply connected to Griquas rugby, organizing the 130th Anniversary Rugby Reunion in 2016 and now planning the 140th in 2026. His dedication to preserving the team’s history and inspiring future generations continues to drive him.
A Life of Many Chapters
From a small-town boy to a rugby legend, a successful businessman, and now a bowls champion, Johan de Villiers has embraced every phase of life with passion and perseverance. "Every experience – victories and challenges alike – has shaped who I am today," he reflects. And with his ever-burning drive, there’s no doubt he’ll keep writing new chapters for years to come.
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