Pioneering Leader, Trailblazer for Women in Motorsport, and Devoted Champion of the Sport

Motorsport South Africa pays tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of Beaulah Schoeman, who passed away shortly before her 81st birthday after a courageous battle with cancer. Fondly known as the “Iron Lady of Motorsport,” Beaulah was a formidable leader whose impact on the sport, both locally and internationally, will never be forgotten.

Beaulah began her motorsport journey in the 1970s and 80s with the (SCC), where her passion for the sport quickly became evident. Her rise through the ranks was marked by determination and strategic foresight, culminating in her appointment as Managing Director of Motorsport South Africa (MSA), a role she held with distinction for 27 years until her retirement in 2009. During this period, she helped build and stabilise the organisation through a time of immense change and growth.

Among her many contributions to the sport, Beaulah championed numerous pioneering initiatives:

• Promoter of the Sun City Motocross Grand Prix: Beaulah was instrumental in the conceptualisation and promotion of the internationally acclaimed Sun City Motocross Grand Prix, positioning South Africa as a viable global host in the international motocross calendar.
• Founding African President of the FIM Continental Unions (1998–2015): She  played a pivotal role in representing Africa within the global structure of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). Her efforts contributed to greater African visibility and participation in global motorsport governance.
• First President of the FIM Women’s Commission: A staunch advocate for gender inclusion, Beaulah led the charge in breaking barriers for women in motorsport. She designed and implemented policies aimed at empowering women across all disciplines, from riders to administrators.
• Global Recognition for African Leadership: Beaulah represented Africa on the FIM Board, successfully lobbying for improved representation, development funding, and infrastructure investment in under-resourced federations across the continent.
• National Development Projects: During her tenure, she spearheaded licencing reform, safety regulations, and cross-disciplinary integration of motorcycle, karting, and automobile racing under one governance umbrella, an achievement few in the world had accomplished at that time.

Her achievements did not go unnoticed:

• Presidential Sports Award, awarded by the late Minister Steve Tshwete.
• National Sports Council Protea Award.
• Merit Award for lifetime contribution to motorsport and global leadership.
• 2008 gsport Woman of the Year: Recognised as the only woman worldwide to lead a national federation covering all motorsport disciplines.
• Guardian of Jack: awarded by the SPCA Wildlife unit

Beyond motorsport, Beaulah was known for her deep love of animals and served as an advocate for animal welfare throughout her life. Her commitment to justice, equality, and care extended well beyond her official roles, revealing a woman of strong conviction and generous spirit.

She is survived by her loving husband, Marius Schoeman, who supported her unwaveringly throughout her career and life.

Beaulah Schoeman leaves behind a legacy of strength, innovation, and unwavering service. She was a mentor, a trailblazer, and a beacon for many who believed in the transformative power of sport. Motorsport South Africa, the African motorsport community, and the global FIM family owe her a great debt of gratitude.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Marius, her step-daughter Heidi, family, friends, and colleagues across the world. May her formidable legacy continue to inspire future generations.

Rest in Peace, Beaulah. You will be remembered with admiration, love, and profound respect.

From sleeping under helicopters in Moroccan deserts to managing high-performance athletes through grueling international events, Gillian (Gilly) Dykes, FIM Africa Director and FIM Cross Country Bureau member, is no stranger to the chaos and charm of Rally-Raid.

An accomplished FIM official and one of the few women in this niche, high-octane motorsport space, Gilly has paved her way through decades of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering love for the sport.

She has been integrally involved in the lead-up to next month’s South African Safari Rally. Presented by event partner Toyota Gazoo Racing, this is Round 3 of the prestigious World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), taking place for the first time from 18–22 May in the North West province.

Dykes’ journey began at just 18, sparked by a deep-rooted involvement in motorsport and nurtured over the years with the help of Motorsport South Africa, FIM Africa, and the global FIM family. “People think we just show up,” she laughs. “But the truth is, officials go through rigorous exams and gain years of on-the-ground experience – from club to national events – before even being considered for an international role.”

Rally-Raid is unlike any other discipline. It’s the only motorsport event that sees bikes, quads, SSVs, and cars all racing side by side, with the FIM handling two wheels and the FIA overseeing four. “The cross-over means regulations must align, especially since many of our top riders move into cars later in their careers.”

Technological advancements – from paper road books to digital navigation systems – and increased safety requirements, like mandatory air vests for riders, have changed the game. “It’s about evolution, but also about keeping the spirit of adventure alive,” she says.

And adventurous it certainly is. She recalls her first Dakar in 2013, not as an official, but managing two riders. “We were a group of about ten women, each supporting a team or rider. By Day 10, the fatigue, altitude, and endless logistics took their toll. We once joked that looking after our riders was like breastfeeding all over again – you’re on constant standby for their every squawk.”

Navigating rough terrain, encountering sandstorms, and finding sleep in various situations – including beneath a helicopter – Gilly’s experiences highlight the challenges faced in this line of work. But her love for the sport is palpable. “It’s a privilege I’ll never take for granted.”

“Rally riders,” she says, “are a special breed. The mental and physical toll is immense. Training includes hours dragging tractor tyres and biking for eight hours a day. By the second week, even the fittest athletes are sleep-deprived and mentally drained. And then there’s the distraction of social media, and the stress of penalties and regulations.”

As one of the few officials from Africa on the international circuit, she’s proud of how far South African riders have come. “Our terrain – from dunes to bushveld – forces riders to ‘read the road’ quickly, and that raw grit and survival instinct sets them apart.”

Her message to young officials and riders? “Do it! When you live with someone for two weeks during a rally, they become family – riders included. There’s camaraderie, there are debates, but it’s all part of the passion.”

She encourages newcomers to connect with their national federation, get involved, and start learning. “Read the regulations. Watch webinars. Attend seminars. Whether you’re riding or officiating, knowledge is power – it’s how you understand the rules, protect yourself, and maybe even win a protest. The sport evolves every year and I never stop learning.”

After all, Gilly knows firsthand that motorsport is not just about speed. It’s about resilience, evolution, and the human spirit that keeps coming back for more – dusty and tired – but still smiling.

And it’s a feeling echoed across the community. As South Africa revs up for May, all eyes are on its wide-open spaces, its rich racing culture, and the promise of Rally-Raid glory, African-style.

Issued for MSA and South African Safari Rally by Cathy Findley PR and Deploy Brand Management.