Latest news with #Schoeman
Daily Maverick
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
High stakes in 10 charts — what SA risks (and gains) in a Trump-Ramaphosa meeting
Much is at stake when President Cyril Ramaphosa and US President Donald Trump meet in Washington on Wednesday, 21 May. Below are 10 charts showing what's on the line. Hundreds of thousands of jobs and the future of South Africa's motor manufacturing industry and agriculture rest on President Cyril Ramaphosa's meeting with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, in Washington on Wednesday, 21 May. It's a high-stakes meeting, says Citi South Africa MD Gina Schoeman. She thinks it could go one of three ways, with greater risk to the downside. 'What if they don't meet?' she says, outlining her worst-case scenario, adding that she wouldn't put a high probability on this happening. The upside, she says, would be 'a conversation that takes place formally and with courtesy. They agree on what they will negotiate on in future.' That would be a relief, says Schoeman. The best-case scenario, or what she calls 'the big upside with low probability,' is if 'the meeting was purely about economic issues (exports, imports, and bilateral trade agreements)'. But the meeting is profoundly political, with efforts in Congress to review the US's relationship with South Africa and consider sanctions against the ANC — a call that resonates with what AfriForum and Solidarity have pushed for. 'It's the softer issues rather than the hard data. We may move a step forward and at least not take a step backward,' says Schoeman. Below are 10 charts showing what's at stake. 1. The US is South Africa's second-largest export destination — we sell a substantial value of manufactured exports to the US market, which is not easily replaced. 2. This is a really important chart as it shows that high-value manufactured products (essentially cars, but others too) are sold to buyers in the US, most of it under the 25-year-old African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) free trade access programme. Agricultural exports are growing exponentially, so Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen is a key member of the SA delegation — the Western Cape economy would take a body blow if it lost this market. South Africa's strong relationship with the EU could open new markets for manufactured goods. 3. This chart shows where South Africa's leverage lies. Critical minerals will power future economies, such as electric cars, data centres, new generation mobile phones and other devices. We sell these to the US and have reserves. 'These are the things the US uses in the world,' says Schoeman, adding that critical minerals will be key to the future of Agoa. 'We can negotiate on (and with) agriculture and critical minerals.' 4. This chart shows that SA falls into the group of countries where total goods trade (imports and exports) with China is larger than with the US. SA's relationship with China is important as trade and tourism grow with this superpower. Schoeman says it may be to the US's geopolitical advantage to retain a relationship with South Africa, which remains a gateway economy to the rest of Africa. 5. The motor manufacturing sector, based primarily but not only in the Eastern Cape, would suffer if Agoa were ended or tariffs on inputs from the US were raised so high that they cancel the impacts of the trade benefits. 6 & 7. Aid from the US to South Africa is small, as charts 6 and 7 show. With political will, South Africa should be able to replace the funds it receives largely in basic health aid and the US Aids drug programme, Pepfar (the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief). 8. One of the more important relationships to protect, is that with US businesses in South Africa, as charts 8-10 show. If relations with the US are not improved, it will become increasingly difficult for US companies to do business or invest. 9. The American Chamber of Commerce in a 2021 survey confirmed that at least 662 US companies were active in SA, employing more than 220,000 people in often high-value jobs. 'The US remains a critical international business partner for South Africa. The US is also South Africa's fourth-largest foreign direct investment (FDI) source.' The survey found that on average, companies spent more than R1-million on skills development and R50-million at the top end annually. While trading conditions were challenging (the survey occurred during Covid), they remained resilient investors. 10. It's not easy doing business in SA, and the geopolitical shift in the relationship since Trump took office has made it even harder. While the risk to a reliable energy supply has decreased, crime is still high, and growth is low. Access to capital is slightly more manageable, while most businesses surveyed said access to land was not an insurmountable challenge. DM
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Pierre Schoeman: Lions selection an amazing moment
Pierre Schoeman shed tears when realising his four-year dream to be selected for the British & Irish Lions. The Scotland, Edinburgh and former Bulls loosehead prop was yesterday one of two South Africans named in the 38-man squad for the tour of Australia, along with winger Duhan van der Merwe. Schoeman, who has earned 42 Test caps since his debut in 2022, watched the squad announcement at home with his wife Charissa before heading to Murrayfield to speak to the media. 'It's an amazing moment,' he told them. 'For me personally, it is my faith that has carried me through the whole time. Faith and a great wife. I always say that my name, Pierre, in French means rock – my wife is my rock, as well as God, and it was a dream that we believed in. So, we believed and we prayed and we hoped, and we worked every day. And if you have hope, then you can inspire action and make it happen. 'I was bracing for the moment, but it was exceptional and we shared some tears. No one preps you for that moment. All the sacrifice, then you get that reward – but this is not the final destination, I have a long road to climb. The hard work only starts now. You want to play in as many games and Tests as you can, and represent yourself well on and off the pitch.' SQUAD: British & Irish Lions call on Saffa duo Schoeman said watching Van der Merwe and fellow Scotland prop Rory Sutherland, a good friend of his, play for the Lions in South Africa in 2021 had motivated him to reach the same heights. 'I just thought 'go for Scotland but surely this has to be a dream'. If you don't have a dream then I don't think you will give your best every day to get better and just to add any value you can in abundance. 'Even as a young lad and lassie playing sport, in rugby this is the pinnacle of the dream you can achieve in the UK – not as a team winning trophies but personally pushing up, up and up to reach the highest level you can get to. We know the sacrifices and its much better with the reward.' MORE: Saffa blood runs through Lions veins The post Schoeman: Lions selection an amazing moment appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
Scotsman
08-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Pierre Schoeman's Lions journey: Four-year plan, weird animals, his rock and selling the caravan
Hard work pays off for dedicated prop with 'pinnacle' call Sign up to our Rugby Union newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Pierre Schoeman shed tears upon discovering he had made the cut for the British and Irish Lions' summer of tour of Australia, given the burning desire within him to be part of the 38-man squad. However, the work doesn't stop there for the Scotland and Edinburgh Rugby prop. Schoeman is now desperate to bring the very best version of himself to the 'pinnacle' of rugby as he competes with Ireland's Andrew Porter and England's Ellis Genge for the loosehead spot in the Test front row. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Schoeman watched the squad announcement at his Edinburgh home with wife Charissa before heading back to Murrayfield to speak to the press. It was fitting that he shared the moment with his partner, to whom the 31-year-old gives so much credit to his success in the sport. Pierre Schoeman shows off the Lions shirt with pride. | SNS Group 'It's an amazing moment,' said Schoeman. 'For me personally, it is my faith that has carried me through the whole time. Faith and a great wife. I always say that my name, Pierre, in French means rock – my wife is my rock, as well as god, and it was a dream that we believed in. So, we believed and we prayed and we hoped, and we worked every day. And if you have hope then you can inspired action and make it happen. 'I was bracing for the moment, but it was exceptional and we shared some tears. No one preps you for that moment. All the sacrifice, then you get that reward – but this is not the final destination, I have a long road to climb. The hard work only starts now. You want to play in as many games and Tests as you can, and represent yourself well on and off the pitch.' Schoeman's four-year dream Schoeman has been open about his ambitions to make the Lions squad over the past year and his performances for Scotland in the Six Nations helped convince head coach Andy Farrell to select him. The South Africa native revealed it has been on his radar for the past four years after watching close friends Duhan van der Merwe - who was also selected for this summer - and Rory Sutherland tour his homeland in 2021. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Duhan van der Merwe joins his close friend Pierre Schoeman in celebrating his Lions call-up. | SNS Group 'Probably like four years ago when it was Duhan's first time, and Suz's [Rory Sutherland] – a good friend of mine – as well,' continued Schoeman. 'I just thought 'go for Scotland but surely this has to be a dream'. If you don't have a dream then I don't think you will give your best every day to get better and just to add any value you can in abundance. 'Even as a young lad and lassie playing sport, in rugby this is the pinnacle of the dream you can achieve in the UK – not as a team winning trophies but personally pushing up, up and up to reach the highest level you can get to. We know the sacrifices and its much better with the reward.' 'Weird and different animals' He is revelling creating a bond with his fellow specialists. 'I think loosehead is a special kind of breed,' he said. 'We're all weird and different animals. I specially look forward to spending a lot of time with Ellis Genge and Andrew Porter and it will be amazing on and off the pitch.'
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
KleuterZone CEO provisionally sequestrated
Kobus Schoeman received more than R2.6m in payments over 10 months in addition to his salary, say liquidators. KleuterZone's Kobus Schoeman continued to disseminate misleading messages to investors, even after reports that the franchise defaulted on dividends. Picture: KleuterZone website The personal estate of former KleuterZone CEO Kobus Schoeman was provisionally sequestrated on Wednesday (7 May). He did not oppose the application. Schoeman declined to comment on the matter, stating to Moneyweb that he may do so at a later stage after consulting his legal representatives. He is the second high-profile individual in the KleuterZone franchise to be provisionally sequestrated, following the sequestration of founder Anthonie Bougas's estate on 8 April. Bougas's parents, Rensche and Anton, are also facing provisional sequestration. They must give written notice of their intent to oppose the application by the end of Thursday (8 May). ALSO READ: KleuterZone's collapse: Parents of founder also facing sequestration Schoeman's sequestration application Hannes Muller and Madelein Kuilder, joint provisional liquidators of KleuterZone Pty Ltd, argued in their 17 April affidavit to the Western Cape High Court that Schoeman's conduct as CEO raised concerns about fund misappropriation, investor money abuse, and ongoing unlawful activity post-liquidation. They detail Schoeman's continued involvement in KleuterZone's affairs even after its provisional liquidation on 26 March 2025. According to the affidavit, Schoeman misappropriated funds and improperly disposed of assets and has continued to dissipate funds through third parties, including his immediate family members. A review of the financial records shows that in addition to receiving a declared salary of R60 000 per month as CEO of KleuterZone, Schoeman received total payments amounting to more than R2.6 million between April 2024 and February 2025. ALSO READ: Another KleuterZone company in provisional liquidation Payment for 'legal services' The payments included sums invoiced for 'legal services' rendered to KleuterZone, although Schoeman was disbarred as an attorney in 2018. 'The absence of proper documentation substantiating the services rendered, combined with his ineligibility to practice … evidences the legitimacy of the misappropriation of investor funds.' The liquidators further note that Schoeman used his children as financial conduits to 'conceal the flow of misappropriated funds'. Between June 2024 and February 2025, over R490 000 was transferred to Schoeman's bank account from his son's account. Additionally, R301 000 was deposited into his account from his daughter's account. Moreover, on 7 and 8 March this year, soon after the first reports about KleuterZone's financial viability were published, Schoeman transferred R400 000 and R600 000 to the bank account of his mother-in-law. 'No documentation has been offered as to the basis on which she would be entitled to such large amounts.' ALSO READ: KleuterZone share certificates reference companies that do not exist Misleading investors According to the liquidators, Schoeman continued to disseminate misleading messages to investors, even after reports that KleuterZone had defaulted on dividend payments. '[After] it became evident that the company was both factually and commercially insolvent and unable to meet its obligations … [he] continued to portray the company as solvent and on the verge of recovery.' The liquidators note that on 1 March, Schoeman sent correspondence to two investors in which he promoted additional investment opportunities in KleuterZone schools. ALSO READ: Bougas estate provisionally sequestrated Provisional liquidations So far, five of the KleuterZone management companies have been placed into provisional liquidation: KleuterZone Pty Ltd; KleuterZone Operations; KZ Ventures; KleuterZone Empowerment; and KleuterZone Holdings. The liquidation of ABS Productions, Bougas's company known for producing promotional films, music videos, and event videography, has been finalised. This article was republished from Moneyweb. Read the original here.
News24
29-04-2025
- Health
- News24
ADHD cases are genetic. Can you outgrow it?
Up to 16% of school-aged children and 4% of adults have attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, show international studies. In South Africa, the proportion of primary school children with ADHD who use government health facilities is as low as 1.72% because the public sector doesn't have enough of the right health workers to diagnose people. In this podcast episode, Mia Malan speaks to psychiatrist Renata Schoeman, who is the co-author of South Africa's ADHD management guidelines and chairs the special interest ADHD group of the SA Society of Psychiatrists. Schoeman says over 10 000 studies show the brain, particularly the frontal lobes, of someone with ADHD looks different on scans from someone who doesn't have the condition. Eight in 10 people with the condition have a child, parent or sibling with it. Many adults only discover they have ADHD when their children get diagnosed and they recognise the symptoms in themselves. Malan asks Schoeman: can you outgrow the condition? Find out. Bhekisisa * This story was produced by the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism. Sign up for the newsletter.
