Rudi was born and raised in small-town South Africa, where he developed a love for business as a way to improve the lives of the community. He completed an undergraduate degree and honours (cum laude) in Economics at North-West University, then finished his Masters in Economic Development Theory and Policy (cum laude) from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. He worked at the second largest bank in Africa, Absa Group Limited, moving between various roles as analyst, business and project manager and finally as the regional head of data and performance. During this time he chaired a syndicate for the Barclays Pan African Graduate Development Programme, was involved in various youth entrepreneur initiatives and think tanks to future proof the bank. He left the world of banking to join ALU because of his passion for Africa, its future leaders and business.