The backing of family empowers ex-rugby player to bloom into a figure of strength and inspiration
The robust roots of a nurturing family tree enabled Adriaan Kruger to overcome the devastation of a life- changing rugby injury and blossom into a figure of strength and inspiration. As a 17-year-old lock and learner at Frans du Toit High School in Phalaborwa, Adriaan was left a quadriplegic after a freak rugby accident on 27 September 1990.
“During a Physical Activities class, our teacher decided to let us play touch rugby,” Adriaan recalls. “The game gradually became rougher, and touch rugby turned into full-on tackling. I remember sitting on the field with my legs stretched out.”
“Then, from behind me, some of the guys pushed one of my friends, who landed on top of me. The impact forced my head down between my legs and broke my neck.”
As terrifying and tragic as the injury was, it was just the start of a living nightmare, which Adriaan nearly didn’t survive.
“My heart stopped at one point while I was at HF Verwoerd Hospital, and I developed severe lung infections. On top of that, I’m allergic to penicillin, which made treating the infections even more complicated,” he shares.
“It was a long and challenging road from the very beginning. Eventually, I was strong enough to undergo the neck fusion surgery, and after that, I could finally begin my real journey toward recovery.”
The unwavering support of his family powered that journey and pulled him out of the darkest depths. He comments: “My family has always been my foundation and support system, particularly my mother, who never stopped caring for me. I can honestly say that without my parents, I would not be where I am today.”
“I would probably have given up a long time ago. My family is what truly matters to me, including my sister, my brother-in-law, and their children. They play an important role in my life.”
Now 53, Kruger is still in Phalaborwa and living life to the fullest, having enjoyed many personal and professional highlights, including matriculating, completing a number of courses in Web Development through Unisa, building websites and receiving a 10-year certificate recognising his exceptional dedication and outstanding service at Foskor, where he works as a switchboard controller.
“Receiving such a certificate is truly an honour. However, my parents deserve that same recognition for their devotion and the countless sacrifices they’ve made. My father, who is now 81, drove me to and from work for years until he lost his leg, and my mother now drives me to work,” Adriaan says.
He also gave special praise to the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, affectionately known as Rugby’s Caring Hands, for their support over the years.
“The Players’ Fund has played a massive role in my life. Whenever I needed something, they never said no … no matter what it was. Every year, they assist with essential medical items that I simply cannot live without; items that would’ve been extremely expensive if I had to pay for them myself,” Adriaan shares.
“When it’s time for a new wheelchair, new wheelchair gloves, or anything else I cannot afford on my own, they help without hesitation. Their support has given me security and dignity in ways that are hard to explain.”
When he’s not at work or designing websites, Kruger likes to add to his growing collection of Hot Wheels cars and Pokémon cards. When it comes to passions, though, nothing trumps the love of plants shared by his entire family. One of his biggest dreams is to restart the family plant business.
“My father began growing orchids while I was still in school, and my mother has always loved all kinds of plants. Together, we ran a nursery as part of our business, where we grew, bought and sold a wide variety of plants,” Adriaan recalls.
“For the past 15 years, we’ve focused mainly on growing and importing Adeniums, which were hybridised to resemble roses. However, we stopped importing plants due to COVID.”
“Growing and watching those plants bloom brings us so much joy. More people should experience these beautiful plants. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when they flower,” he said passionately, adding, “I’ve received my customs code, so we’ve taken the first step in restarting our plant business.”
Until the day that seed grows into an all-new plant venture, Adriaan is committed to his role at Foskor. However, getting to work has become increasingly more challenging and even dangerous.
“I’m doing my best to live and work independently as a quadriplegic, but my current VW Transporter keeps breaking down and has already cost us a fortune. I don’t want to feel as though I’m working only to keep my Transporter running. It is my only means of getting to work and maintaining my independence.”
He is currently fundraising for a safer, more reliable vehicle. Visit his BackaBuddy campaign to make a contribution.
