Cape Town - Nando's have released a new print ad recognising Joost van der Westhuizen for his remarkable work supporting people with Motor Neuron Disease (MND).
Joost first became famous as one of the most talented Springboks South Africa has ever produced, but after calling time on his rugby career he made headlines for different reasons during a very difficult period for him personally.
The country was then shocked and saddened two years ago when Joost was diagnosed with MND. The man himself responded with selfless courage however, forming the J9 foundation to support those who also suffer from the illness. The difference Joost has personally made since then to the lives of those living with the disease, their families and caregivers has made him an even greater hero amongst the people of South Africa.
Nando’s, this week, gave Joost a framed copy of the print ad recognising his charitable work and made a donation of R100 000 to his J9 foundation.
Nando’s CEO Geoff Whyte commented, “We made a couple of jokes at Joost’s expense a few years back but have been incredibly impressed by the way he has bounced back from his personal and health problems to make a huge difference to the lives of so many MND sufferers.
We thought it was right to honour both his personal courage and achievement and remind the country that Joost has now earned the status of legend for a second time.”
That’s why, at Nando’s, number 9 will always be our number one.
From left to right: Geoff Whyte (CEO Nando’s Southern Africa), Joost van der Westhuizen and Gavin Varejes (president of the South African Rugby Legends Association)
Joost first became famous as one of the most talented Springboks South Africa has ever produced, but after calling time on his rugby career he made headlines for different reasons during a very difficult period for him personally.
The country was then shocked and saddened two years ago when Joost was diagnosed with MND. The man himself responded with selfless courage however, forming the J9 foundation to support those who also suffer from the illness. The difference Joost has personally made since then to the lives of those living with the disease, their families and caregivers has made him an even greater hero amongst the people of South Africa.
Nando’s, this week, gave Joost a framed copy of the print ad recognising his charitable work and made a donation of R100 000 to his J9 foundation.
Nando’s CEO Geoff Whyte commented, “We made a couple of jokes at Joost’s expense a few years back but have been incredibly impressed by the way he has bounced back from his personal and health problems to make a huge difference to the lives of so many MND sufferers.
We thought it was right to honour both his personal courage and achievement and remind the country that Joost has now earned the status of legend for a second time.”
That’s why, at Nando’s, number 9 will always be our number one.
From left to right: Geoff Whyte (CEO Nando’s Southern Africa), Joost van der Westhuizen and Gavin Varejes (president of the South African Rugby Legends Association)