Paul has been active in the financial services sector since 1994 and has been with Investec Bank Limited since 2003.
He brings extensive experience in investment management and wealth creation, underpinned by a strong understanding of the South African banking landscape. In addition to his professional career, Paul has served on the boards of various schools and foundations, contributing his expertise in governance and strategic oversight.
He is known for his deep commitment to people, his insights into financial markets, and his ability to foster long-term relationships built on trust and integrity.
Outside of his professional commitments, Paul is passionate about environmental conservation. He has in-depth knowledge of the Drakensberg region and enjoys sailing in his leisure time. Paul is a private individual, married, and the father of three adult children.
Ruth Böhmer
Ruth has been actively involved with the Deutsche Schule Durban (DSD) since 1991—as a parent, a member of the Elternbeirat, and a long-standing dedicated board members of the DSD Trust. She was appointed Principal of the school in 1997 and held the position until 2014. During her leadership, she played a key role in the school’s successful relocation in 2005 from its former site on Stamford Hill Road to its current premises in Cowies Hill.
With her extensive experience in education, Ruth remains closely connected to the school community. She continues to contribute her expertise as a dedicated board member and is actively involved in supporting bursary students—providing them with additional teaching support even after they complete Grade 7. Ruth also remains committed to teaching and mentoring less privileged children to this day.
Wolfgang Beier
As a third-generation leader of the family-owned enterprise Beier Industries, he brings not only longstanding entrepreneurial experience but also a deep commitment to social responsibility and community development in South Africa. Under his leadership, the company has prioritized local value creation, actively supports initiatives to reduce youth unemployment, and is deeply engaged in the promotion of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE). He is also a strong proponent of maintaining a clear separation between business and personal relationships, ensuring integrity and transparency in all areas of his professional and community involvement.
Wolfgang has served for many years as a member of the Board of the DSD Trust and played a pivotal role as Chair of the Board of the Deutsche Schule Durban during a crucial period in the school's development: the relocation from the inner city of Durban to its current premises in Cowies Hill. This transition marked a new chapter for the school.
His connection to the DSD is both personal and cultural. Coming from a family with deep German roots, he and his family have long been dedicated to the preservation and promotion of German language, culture, and education in the Durban area. His children attended the DSD, and the family has consistently supported the school in idealistic and financial terms, strengthening the school’s mission and vision over the years.
Mark Schulze
Mark is an experienced commercial, sales and business development executive with a comprehensive background in the payments industry, across multiple verticals (retail, travel, gaming, charities). He has expertise in both local and cross-border payment systems and a strong focus on merchant acquiring and card processing with the major international card schemes. He operates a payments consultancy, supporting neobanks, payment service providers, acquiring banks, foreign exchange providers and merchants.
Mark has also served on a number of boards, including as director of a bespoke international travel operator, and as chairman of UKZN Rugby.
Previously, Mark was the UK Business Development Director at Paybox, the Deutsche Bank-funded mobile commerce pioneer. Prior to that he worked as Product Manager at an online stockbroker in Ireland, also had a stint in Treasury Product Management at SAP, based in their global headquarters in Germany.
Mark attended the Deutsche Schule Hermannsburg and holds a B.Com. (Hons.) Degree and a Higher Diploma in Education from the University of Natal. He has worked as a high school teacher in both South Africa and the UK.
A keen traveller and avid sports-lover, Mark played competitive rugby in South Africa, South America, the UK and Germany, and travelled to some far-flung locations with the German national team whilst playing in European competitions and the World Sevens Series.
All three of his children completed their entire primary schooling at the Deutsche Schule Durban.
Leon Buhr
Leon became involved with DSD when his first daughter enrolled in 2006. Both of his daughters completed their primary education at the school. He served on the DSD Board for eight years, holding the roles of Finance Manager and later Chairman. He has been a member of the Trust since 2019.
Leon runs his own marketing company in Durban and brings a valuable perspective to the work of the Trust Förderer of the DSD. He is deeply passionate about education and contributes meaningfully through his ability to think creatively and strategically—skills shaped by his professional background in marketing.
Susanne Karnasch Fundraising Manager
Susanne, originally from the Munich area, moved to Durban in 2022. She currently has three children attending the Deutsche Schule Durban and loves seeing how happily they learn, develop a passion for education, and build friendships. She appreciates how the school harmoniously combines German culture with the South African way of life. Susanne values the way German traditions and values are blended with modern teaching methods, helping children grow into independent, responsible, and respectful individuals. Since June 2025, she has been the primary contact person for all questions and concerns related to the school’s Trust and fundraising efforts.
Marcy Stone our DSD Brand Ambassador in Germany
A Personal Commitment to Giving Back As a parent whose son attended the Deutsche Schule Durban, she witnessed firsthand the lasting value of a high-quality, culturally rich education. Through his time at the DSD, her son received a solid foundation in three languages—an asset that continues to benefit him both academically and personally.
Now, she feels it is time to give back. By actively helping to connect the school with potential donors and supporters, she hopes to contribute to preserving the school’s high educational standards and to offering other children the same opportunities and cultural diversity her son experienced.
Even from afar, she is currently working in Germany, she remains committed to supporting the mission and future of the Deutsche Schule Durban—ensuring it continues to thrive and shape the lives of many more students to come.
Our vision is to provide a holistic education of a high standard in both German and English for all children of our society, in a Christian context, regardless of background, culture and religion, which will prepare them for a globalised world.
