Ben Schoeman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Schoeman
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| Minister of Transport | |
| In office 30 November 1954 – 1974 |
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| Preceded by | Paul Sauer |
| Succeeded by | Lourens Muller |
| Constituency | Maraisburg |
| Minister of Labour | |
| In office 4 June 1948 – 30 November 1954 |
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| Preceded by | Colin Fraser Steyn |
| Succeeded by | Johannes de Klerk |
| Constituency | Maraisburg |
| Minister of Public Works | |
| In office 4 June 1948 – 30 November 1954 |
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| Preceded by | C.F. Clarkson |
| Succeeded by | P.O. Sauer |
| Constituency | Fordsburg |
| Member of Parliament | |
| In office 1938–1943 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 January 1905 Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Colony of Transvaal (now Gauteng, South Africa) |
| Died | 2 April 1986 South Africa |
| Political party | National Party (1948–1974) United Party (1938–1943) |
Barend Jacobus "Ben" Schoeman (born 19 January 1905 – died 2 April 1986) was an important South African politician. He was a member of the National Party. He was active during the time of Apartheid, a system of racial separation.
Ben Schoeman served as the Minister of Labour from 1948 to 1954. After that, he became the Minister of Transport from 1954 until 1974.
Early Life and Career
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Ben Schoeman was born in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, on 19 January 1905. His father was a train driver. After finishing high school, Ben started working in the railway industry.
He worked as a fireman and a driver. He moved up in his job over 16 years. Eventually, he became a station master in Paardekop.
Entering Politics
Schoeman became involved in politics at a young age. At 17, he was already a branch chairman for the National Party. He first entered Parliament as a member of the United Party.
He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Fordsburg in the 1938 election. At 33, he was the youngest member of the House of Assembly.
When World War II started, Schoeman supported Prime Minister J. B. M. Hertzog's idea of staying neutral. When Hertzog left his party, Schoeman also switched to the National Party. In 1940, he became a leader in the National Party.
He lost his Parliament seat in the 1943 election. But he returned to Parliament in the 1948 election. This time, he represented Maraisburg for the National Party.
Schoeman was asked to join some groups that were not democratic. He refused these offers. He believed in democracy for the Afrikaner people.
Leadership Race
In September 1966, Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd was assassinated. Many people thought Schoeman would become the next leader. He was seen as the favorite to lead both the National Party and the country.
However, the day before the election, he decided not to run. This meant B. J. Vorster became the new leader. Schoeman said he made this choice because of "gossip, even about my wife."
Ben Schoeman's Legacy
Some people believed Schoeman had a more balanced view on Apartheid policies. After the Sharpeville massacre, he suggested that some Apartheid rules should be relaxed. However, this idea was not accepted by the then-Prime Minister.
Several important public projects were named after Ben Schoeman. These include a large dock at the Port of Cape Town. Also, South Africa's busiest highway, the Ben Schoeman Freeway, is named after him. The East London Airport was also previously named after him.
During his time as minister, the Port of Richards Bay was built. This is Africa's largest coal export facility. It helped South Africa export more coal.
