9 October 2014, South Africa ~ We celebrate the life of Derek (Zulu) Liebenberg, (1960-2014), Naval Officer, South African National Equestrian Schools Association (SANESA), Endurance Ride Association of South Africa (ERASA), FEI Endurance Development Officer, Namibia and Botswana, husband and father.

The man the world knew as Zulu was born in Impangeni Zululand in KwaZulu Natal Provence on 28 February 1960. He served in the South African Navy for 12 years, first as a Navigator, then rose to the rank of Commander.

Zulu was instrumental in starting the South African National Equestrian Schools Association (SANESA) and was very involved in endurance riding and opening the door for South African riders on the international scene. He worked with other disciplines and helped to bring in the Brazilian Team of show jumpers who competed at the SANESA International Show jumping Competition held during the SANESA 2013 National Championships.

As an FEI Endurance Official, Zulu traveled to many countries to organize and help promote FEI endurance rides. 

He leaves his wife, Carolyn, and daughters, Erin and Jannicke.

Erin Liebenberg comments: “He was very involved in SANESA, especially with international co-operation. I know he took a group of South Africans to Italy early last year. He always loved horses and had one on the farm where he grew up. He was introduced to endurance whilst in the navy and then stayed involved.”

“He went to so many countries in the world, and he loved been at sea. He once told me that if he could be any inanimate object he would be a lighthouse, because then he could show people the way – but he did that anyway, both to me and my family, his fellow navy comrades, and his horse involvements.” 

Zulu succumbed to cancer after five months of illness. The funeral will be on Monday, 13 October 2014 at 14:00 at Christ Church, 34 Gordon Road Blairgowrie, Johannesburg.

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