Marlene Le Roux
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has today, 7th February 2018, recognised Marlene Le Roux, of South Africa as the 5th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary service promoting disability rights in South Africa.
In the lead-up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London on 19-20 April, Her Majesty the Queen – as Head of the Commonwealth – is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 52 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.
By sharing these stories of service, the Heads of Government meeting will celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
Marlene has dedicated her life to community empowerment and disability rights, working closely with Archbishop Desmond Tutu to develop the ‘Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.’ Drawing on her own experiences of living with polio, she mentors company executives and government institutions on how to improve the working conditions of disabled employees.
As an activist for both able and disabled people, she shares her journey with other women that are going through similar experiences and sits on the President’s disability panel.
She is currently CEO of Cape Town’s Artscape Theatre Centre, Cape Town’s biggest theatre, and is the first woman of colour to hold this title.
Each Commonwealth Point of Light will receive a personalised certificate signed by Her Majesty the Queen as Head of the Commonwealth. The award for Marlene will be presented to Marlene on the 7th February at The High Commissioner’s Residence in Cape Town during the annual Eve of Parliament reception by High Commissioner to South Africa, Nigel Casey, MVO.
