This Father’s Day, we share the inspiring story of a man who turned setbacks into a purpose and became a hero not just for his kids, but to many others around him.
Derek Harwood was born on March 10, 1988, in the quiet town of Kareedou in the Eastern Cape.
The middle child between two sisters, Derek’s early years were marked by a deep-rooted sense of family – even if he didn’t get to spend as much time at home as he would’ve liked.
‘Some of my fondest memories growing up are just those moments I got to be home,’ he says. ‘I was in res from a young age, so the times I got to be with my parents and sisters were really special. That family time is what I remember most.’
Those values – family, perseverance, and grit – would serve him well, especially when life threw unexpected curveballs.
A rugby dream cut short
After school, Derek entered the world of professional rugby. He signed with the Lions and quickly made a name for himself in the junior teams.
By 2009, he was playing in the prestigious Currie Cup and preparing for a breakthrough into Super Rugby in 2010. Then everything changed.
A back injury during training brought his rugby career to an abrupt halt. What was supposed to be a bright future in professional sports was suddenly uncertain.
‘There was no warning, no gradual phase-out. One day, everything just stopped. I had to start from scratch,’ he says.
Suddenly sidelined, Derek was thrust into unfamiliar territory. The world that had defined his identity was no longer an option.
He took a job selling cars, earning just R2 000 a month, before eventually moving into the printing industry.
But the injury lingered. Doctors recommended surgery, but with only a 50-50 chance of success, Derek chose a different path – one of resilience and self-discovery.
Discovering a new passion
During the lowest phase of his life, he stumbled upon a video online that made him fall in love with CrossFit.
‘CrossFit was still pretty new in South Africa back then. I was intrigued. I tried a few places, but eventually found someone in Glenvista who really helped me. That guy was a huge part of my journey,’ Harwood explains.
Through CrossFit, he discovered a way to rebuild his body without risking his already fragile back. More importantly, he began to rebuild his spirit.
‘CrossFit allowed me to train without putting too much strain on my back. It helped me regain control. I think I’m even stronger now than before the injury.’
His competitive spirit drove him hard, but another injury in 2016 forced him to pause once again. This time, however, he had a different response.
By 2019, Harwood began training from his garage – not to compete, but to simply be himself and help others. That was the beginning of H5 Fitness.
Building strength for others
‘I never set out to open my place,’ he admits. ‘I just wanted to help people. But over time, I realised how much I love doing it.’
That humble garage gym gradually grew into a thriving space for others seeking transformation.
In February 2023, he moved H5 Fitness to Hoërskool Dinamika.
He began working with their rugby teams, eventually taking on strength and conditioning for Laerskool Orion’s rugby club as well.
When Shane Kirkwood became director of rugby at Alberton Rugby Club, he approached Derek to join the team.
‘I was asked if I wanted to get involved, and I said ‘yes’. It was a great opportunity,’ says Derek.
He currently oversees the conditioning of Dinamika’s rugby teams and continues to build a space where people grow physically and mentally stronger, just as he did.
But his most important role isn’t found on the field or in the gym.
The heart of a father
Derek lives in Brackenhurst with his wife and three children aged 11, nine and four.
He met his wife, Colette, at university. ‘She was a second-year student and the head girl of her res. I was a first-year,’ he laughs. ‘People teased me about dating a ‘harpie,’ but we’ve been together ever since.’
They dated for five years before getting engaged and married in 2011. Derek always wanted to be a young dad.
‘I always wanted to have kids young so I could play with them, do everything with them. Then, when they’re out of the house, I can do the fun things other people do in their 20s. I just did things the other way around,’ he chuckles.
Being a father changed Derek’s life – but not in the way many expect.
‘I always said, my kids must fit into our lives and not the other way around. I want them to grow up knowing how to adapt, how to deal with life. With each of our children, we fetched my wife from the hospital and went straight to a braai or to fetch the other kids from school. That’s how we live.’
His voice softens when asked what being a dad means to him.
‘I want to be someone they can be proud of. Everyone says you must be proud of your kids, but I think we, as parents, should live in a way that our kids are proud of us.’
A busy life and big challenges
‘My alarm goes off at 04:00. I get ready and head to the gym,’ he says.
‘By 04:15 I’m there, setting up the coffee shop and preparing for the first class that starts at 04:45. Then I’m busy with people all day.’
His biggest challenge when it comes to his busy work schedule is time management.
‘I work from early in the morning to late at night. That’s when the kids are at home, and it’s tough not being able to spend as much time with them.”
Still, Derek always tries to make time for his family.
‘I love being with my wife and kids. We like to go to Dullstroom or to the South Coast where my father-in-law has a place in Port Edward. Just being together is what I enjoy most.’
Life lessons and staying positive
Derek says the biggest lesson he’s learned came from his high school English teacher.
‘We didn’t get along, but she taught me something I’ll never forget. She said, ‘Life isn’t fair. Get used to it.’ I’ve faced lots of challenges, injuries and setbacks but I’ve learned that it’s not about what happens to you. It’s about how you respond.’
A simple life, a strong spirit
When he gets a break, Derek enjoys playing golf and relaxing on the couch, watching sports.
He says he’s an open book, with nothing much to hide.
But those who know him say his strength and honesty are what make him special.
This Father’s Day, Derek’s story reminds us that being strong isn’t about lifting weights or winning trophies. It’s about showing up every day for your family, your community, and yourself.
OFF THE CUFF
- Indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors
- Rain or sunshine?
Rain
- Travel, art or food?
Food
- Best way to spend time with family and friends?
Laughing
- If you could change one in your life, what would that be?
Nothing
- Two to three words would describe you the best?
Hardworking, open book and positive
- If you could invite three celebs to a chat around the bush fire, who would that be?
Appel the singer, Jonathan from Radio Raps and Rassi Erasmus
- If you had R10 million to spend or change things, what would you do with it?
I would give back to unfortunate and disabled kids.
- Something very few people know about you?
I’m a softie
Text: AZUSAKHE LIMBA. Photos: CHARMAINE VAN DER MERWE PHOTOGRAPHY
