In memory of Len le Roux

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is sad to announce the sudden passing away of our former colleague and friend, Len le Roux, on Sunday 1 September. He will be sorely missed by everyone at ISS and many in the security and defence sector in Africa.

After retiring from the South African National Defence Force with the rank of Major General, Len joined ISS in February 2003 as head of the Defence Sector Programme in Pretoria. His experience with the defence transformation process in South Africa from 1995 to 2000 and particularly the South African Defence Review and White Paper processes brought considerable expertise to ISS. He specialised in the fields of defence transformation, civil-military relations, defence management and budgeting and was a popular lecturer and teacher, generous with his time and knowledge. Len eventually served as a senior manager at ISS before moving to the coast to finally enjoy his retirement. His passion for his work continued, and in 2012 he drafted a detailed analysis of the new South African Defence Review that again demonstrated his in-depth knowledge and understanding of the sector.

Len was a remarkable man. He was good humoured, considerate and had a deep sense of fairness and decency. In Len’s humble way, he left his mark on all who knew him.

Anton du Plessis
Acting Executive Director, ISS