Louis Johannes Slabber was born on 5 March 1935 in the small Northern Cape town of Olifantshoek, where he also attended school. From these humble beginnings, he rose through the ranks to become a respected prop forward, known for his strength in the scrum and tireless work ethic.

Slabber represented the Free State (now Cheetahs) during the 1950s and 1960s, a period in which the union produced a steady stream of formidable forwards. His consistent performances in the Currie Cup earned him selection for the national squad, where he was part of the broader Springbok setup, though he never appeared in an official Test.

Despite not winning a Test cap, Louis Slabber was highly regarded for his contribution to South African rugby at provincial and representative levels. He embodied the values of commitment and humility that characterized many players of his era - tough, uncomplaining men who played for pride and province. Slabber passed away on 11 May 2003 at the age of 68, remembered fondly as one of the Cheetahs’ dependable front-row stalwarts.