Braam Louw shares the keys to a purpose-driven life on the Scenic Drive
In 1984, a sailing accident changed the course of Braam Louw's life forever - and he would not have it any other way. Now a qualified attorney and successful motivational speaker, Braam shares with Rian the keys to living a purpose-driven life.
A planned day of sailing on the Swartvlei lake in Sedgefield ended in unexpected tragedy for three young boys in 1984.
While they were pushing the sailboat out onto the water, Braam Louw, his brother Niël and their friend Hennie were met with an accident: the mast of the sailboat caught the top of a high voltage power line, sending electrical shocks into the boys' bodies.
Niël and Hennie were shocked first, as they were closest to the boat. When Braam sensed trouble and jumped into the water to save them, he also made contact with the wire and was electrocuted. Miraculously, none of the boys died. Niël and Hennie both lost their right arms, while Braam experienced damage to the toes of his left foot, as well as the loss of his right arm and leg.
The incredible act of bravery earned Braam the Woltemade Decoration for Bravery, Gold in 1995.
In the few years after the accident, Braam held onto his faith and the support of his family. He went on to complete a law degree at the University of Pretoria in 1993, and after being admitted as an attorney in 1998. Two years later he began his own law practice, which he still runs today.
The accident also did not deter Braam from living out his passion for sport. He has made his mark in athletics, earning national colours and continuing to do well in sprint events.
In his 2016 autobiography It Cost Me an Arm and a Leg, Braam speaks candidly about the years following the accident, how he overcame multiple obstacles to arrive at this point in his life, and the importance of living a purpose-driven life.
The resilience and determination with which Braam lives his life are summed up in his motto: "It is not what you have lost that counts, but what you still have and what you have gained in the race of life!"
Braam went through a few interesting questions with Rian, revealing a more light-hearted side to himself:
Braam and Rian went through the details of his remarkable story, with Braam revealing how he deals with people's reactions to his injuries: