Roelf was born and raised in Bethlehem in the Free State. He studied architecture at Pretoria Technicon, during that period he moved to the West Rand and has since been residing in the Krugersdorp area.

He started his career as a property valuer at ABSA for ten years., after which he became a partner in a small computer company for two years. In 2000 started his own business doing small to medium construction work as well as providing architectural services.

He registered with SACAP in 2006 as architectural technologist and joined SAIAT in 2011. Roelf is married for over 30 years and has one daughter. He enjoys the occasional ballroom dance and the great outdoors, including camping and hiking.