About Leon
All his life, Leon faced many adversities. Yet he chose a different path – renewing his thinking and turning frustration and anger into a constructive force. In doing so, he created harmony within himself and steadily built a life of value and purpose.
The stories and photos that follow offer a practical example of this principle: how changing one’s thinking can transform challenges into growth, and how a positive, disciplined mindset can create lasting harmony in life.
Despite a difficult childhood, Leon chose to focus on growth and inner harmony. This decision became the foundation of his achievements. He earned numerous tertiary qualifications including Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), Project Management (with distinction), Competent Toast Master (CTM) (with distinction), Public Relations, Advanced Communications, Advanced Leadership, Fine Art and Creative Writing.
This same mindset extended beyond academics into practical achievement. Unable to afford a contractor, Leon designed and built his own study, including the chair and a 2400mm x 1200mm desk made from Imbuia wood and Imbuia Bison board. In 1985, all materials for the desk and chair cost only R400. What stands today reflects discipline, vision, and perseverance. He started the foundations for the study in 1984 and, despite financial constraints, completed the project in 1996 – twelve years later.
Although others were often given better opportunities, Leon’s work was frequently overlooked. Still, he remained committed to growth, choosing integrity and perseverance over bitterness.
This mindset was tested when Leon lost his first successful business after trusting the wrong partners. Left with debt, he chose honesty and determination – repaying what he owed and working tirelessly at any job he could find.
During this difficult period, he also lost his Mazda pickup. Undeterred, he borrowed a wheelbarrow from his grandparents in Kensington, Johannesburg, and used it to transport the bottles he sold – continuing to move forward, one step at a time. These experiences strengthened his resolve to rise above hardship.
As he rebuilt his life, financial limitations meant he could only afford a small home. Instead of seeing this as defeat, he taught himself building skills, drew up plans, gained approval, and completed most of the work himself. In doing so, he turned limitation into capability and confidence.
Some of Leon’s greatest challenges began in childhood. Severe abuse left him with a debilitating stutter. Refusing to accept this as permanent, he developed the courage to confront it. Through Toastmasters, he built his speaking ability, won awards, and achieved the prestigious DTM qualification in 2009 – transforming a weakness into strength. In this photo Leon is master of ceremonies at a social gathering at the Midrand Protea Hotel. In the background you can see guitarists Tessa Ziegler and David Hewitt. They were the musicians for the evening. The Mayor of Midrand was also present.
In 2011, Leon faced another serious challenge when he was diagnosed as an insulin-dependent diabetic and risked losing his limbs. He responded by changing his thinking and lifestyle – adopting healthier habits and strong self-discipline. As a result, he regained his health and is now fitter, healthier and in better shape than what he was at 33.
This is especially significant because at 33 he struggled with poor health and multiple ailments. Today, he is in excellent shape and enjoys strength, fitness, and vitality, built through consistent discipline and balanced living.
His daily routine reflects these principles. He lives with strong self-discipline, avoids harmful habits, rises early, and maintains a consistent focus on healthy thinking, eating and exercise – habits that sustain the harmony he has created within himself.
This approach also shapes how he handles everyday challenges. One New Year’s Eve, disturbed by loud music, he chose a constructive response. Instead of reacting negatively, he worked through the night and built a tool board in his garage, turning disruption into something useful.
Leon believes that all honest work has value. He approaches every task with commitment and pride, knowing that consistent effort builds a meaningful life.
He also channels difficult moments into purposeful activity. When reminded of past injustices, he restores and polishes his antique and classic cars with care. His dedication earned him a first-place chairman’s award for his 1979 Mercedes 116 series, which he restored over two years after buying it in poor condition. His collection reflects patience, craftsmanship, and his ongoing commitment to living with purpose and harmony.
Best marriage I know
By wife, Thea Clemons
Leon is the most precious gift from God I have ever received, and he is the best husband in the world for me. I cherish every moment we spend together and love him deeply for who he is and how he lives. Together, through renewed thinking, we choose to create harmony in our marriage by not allowing selfish ego to take root or cause unhappiness.
Leon is the sincerest person I know. Through his actions, he continually adds value to our marriage and expresses his love in thoughtful, practical ways. On cold nights, he gently ensures I am covered if the blankets slip, and he regularly shows appreciation for the things I do. These simple, consistent actions reflect how shared intention creates harmony in our everyday life.
He often surprises me with spontaneous acts of kindness – suggesting a joyride or bringing me something I enjoy, like chocolate or a savoury treat. He makes me feel special, always reminding me how beautiful I am to him. These moments strengthen our connection and deepen the harmony we build together.
Leon approaches everything he does with commitment and excellence. His self-discipline and strong work ethic inspire me, and his determination carries through into our relationship. Together, we choose thoughts and actions that build trust, respect, and stability.
What I admire most about Leon is his clarity and sense of purpose. This brings direction and balance to our relationship, helping us stay aligned and focused on what truly matters.
In the 20 years of our marriage, he has never shown any form of violence or raised his hand against me. I feel safe, respected, and deeply valued – evidence of the harmony that comes from mutual respect and self-control.
Our marriage is the best I know of, because we truly work as a team, supporting and complementing each other. By choosing harmony over ego, we continue to build a strong, loving, and lasting partnership.
Leon Turns Anger and Frustration into Harmony
As a very small child, he learned fear instead of protection. When another child hit him, nothing was done – but if he defended himself, he was punished in front of others. Regularly when his mother was annoyed by whoever, she broke glass objects on the floor and then made Leon crash-land among broken glass. This led to a stutter and a fear of standing up for himself, especially during primary school, and up to Standard 8 in high school, where he was often bullied.
His mother was also highly abusive against his father, but in spite of that he never lifted his hand for her. That example shaped Leon's choices. Even in later difficult relationships, he chose restraint over reaction.
When he met his second wife, he made a clear decision – to build a relationship grounded in care, respect, and harmony. Whenever past pain stirred negative emotions, he chose to channel that energy into kindness and positive action. In doing so, he found that creating happiness for his beautiful much younger wife he also created happiness within himself.
Together, they choose harmony over ego and work as a team. This shared commitment has strengthened their relationship over the past 20 years. He can truly say his marriage is the best he know.
His wife is a beautiful and remarkable woman – the greatest gift God has ever given him.