Berdine Odendaal, the rumoured ex-lover of the late Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste, recently saw assets worth R60 million seized.
Berdine Odendaal loses R60 million assets in SARS seizure
The South African Reserve Bank has taken decisive action against Berdine Odendaal by seizing R42.1 million in cash and an R18 million property located in the prestigious Val de Vie estate.
The move comes as part of efforts to conclude proceedings against Odendaal, whose financial dealings came under scrutiny following her association with Markus Jooste.
These assets have been directed to the National Revenue Fund, following a forfeiture order detailed in a special gazette this Monday.
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Initially, Odendaal’s accounts were restricted in late April 2021 after investigations revealed she had received R60 million in loans from a company linked to Jooste.
Efforts to resolve her financial obligations through legal means deteriorated when demands for legal fee payments were not met, leading to this substantial asset forfeiture.
Who is Berdine Odendaal?
Berdine Odendaal, known for her connections to the late Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste, is a resident of the exclusive Val de Vie Estate in the Cape Winelands and a passionate polo player.
From a young age, Odendaal has had a profound love for horses, which blossomed into a passion for polo after she encountered the sport while developing residential properties on a polo estate.
In a 2022 interview with Polo Lady Magazine, Odendaal revealed her polo journey began under the guidance of her first coach, Kevin Rixon, the club manager at Val de Vie Polo Club.
Odendaal expressed deep admiration for her polo heroes, notably Lia Salvo, whose prowess on the field inspires her to excel.
Odendaal credits Gavin Chaplin for the best training advice she received, which has significantly improved her gameplay.
Her bonding with her horses involves spending individual quality time with each other, and enjoying nature on leisurely rides, which she considers crucial to their performance and well-being.
After intense matches, her care routine includes walking the horses and cooling them off with ice-cold water.
In polo, Odendaal prefers playing in the #4 position, where she can leverage her defensive skills and strategic playmaking. She values communication over trust within her team, viewing effective interaction as essential for on-field success.
Essential to her game is staying hydrated, and she ensures access to ice-cold water at every match.
“The worst polo misconception I have ever heard is that you must go as fast as you can to get to the ball. When you slow down and have time, your next play will be easier. Don’t rush,” she said.
When asked about experiencing the life of another polo player, Odendaal confidently stated her contentment with her current journey in polo, cherishing the opportunities to learn and grow within the sport.
She beautifully summed up her sentiment about polo:
“The magic of polo is the horse. Without the horses, the magic is lost,”
Latest updates on Mark Jooste’s death
Markus Jooste, the former CEO of Steinhoff International and a central figure in one of the biggest corporate scandals in South Africa, passed away on 21 March 2024, at the age of 63.
His death was reported as a suicide by the SABC and occurred shortly after the Financial Sector Conduct Authority levied a R475 million penalty against him for his involvement in Steinhoff’s accounting fraud.
This penalty was due just days after his passing.
In South Africa, there are many resourceful organisations that are ready to assist you and your loved one in dealing with suicidal triggers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is the country’s largest mental health advocacy group, and their 24-hour hotline is free to use if you or a loved one needs help. You can reach them on 0800 456 789 (24 hours a day), SMS 31393, or visit their website for more info and help.
