Douw Steyn, the insurance titan who redefined the global insurance landscape, has passed away at the age of 72.

• Douw Steyn will be remembered not only as an exceptional entrepreneur but as a visionary whose influence extended far beyond financial services.
• His deep-seated commitment to South Africa and its people defined his legacy, shaping industries, communities, and even the very cityscape of Johannesburg.
• From pioneering telephonic insurance to building one of South Africa’s most prestigious residential estates, Douw Steyn’s impact will endure for generations to come.
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In 1975, Steyn embarked on a journey that would forever change the insurance industry, founding Steyn’s Insurance Brokers in Johannesburg. At a time when traditional insurance models dominated the market, he foresaw the potential of a combined monthly policy covering both car and home contents. Employing a hands-on approach, he personally championed this innovative concept, using door-to-door leaflet distribution to reach prospective customers.

His early success in South Africa fuelled ambitions beyond the country’s borders. Seeking new frontiers, Douw ventured into the US market, where he gained valuable insights before returning home in 1985. It was upon his return that he pioneered a global first – the sale of motor insurance over the telephone. This ground-breaking model not only disrupted the South African insurance industry but also set a precedent for global markets. The launch of Auto & General Insurance in Johannesburg was the beginning of a seismic shift in how insurance was bought and sold.

At a time when the idea of purchasing insurance over the phone was unheard of, Douw’s innovative thinking propelled Auto & General to success, laying the foundation for some of South Africa’s most recognisable financial service providers. Brands like Budget Insurance, 1st for Women, Dialdirect, 1Life, and hippo.co.za all owe their existence to Douw’s vision, operating under the TIH (Telesure Investment Holdings) umbrella.

His influence did not stop at South Africa’s borders. Expanding his footprint, Douw moved to the United Kingdom, where he founded the BGL Group, the parent company of the renowned price comparison website Compare the Market. In 2000, he took his business acumen to Australia, replicating the success of his previous ventures with the launch of Auto & General in the region. By the time he stepped down as Executive Chairman of his global business interests in 2012, his companies collectively employed over 10’000 people across more than 50 offices worldwide.

Beyond business, Douw’s legacy is inextricably linked with that of Nelson Mandela. When the former president was released from prison, it was Douw who opened his home in Johannesburg to Nelson Mandela, providing a sanctuary where he could complete his iconic autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. That same home later transformed into the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, an establishment that has consistently been ranked among the World’s Leading Boutique Hotels.

Douw’s passion for conservation and philanthropy was also evident in his creation of Shambala Private Game Reserve, nestled in the Waterberg mountains. Here, Nelson Mandela was gifted a dedicated villa where he could retreat in solitude, finding peace away from the demands of public life.

The bond between Douw and the former President of South Africa was profound. Douw once referred to Madiba as a father figure, and in turn, Nelson Mandela described Douw as “not only a great businessman and visionary, but one of this country’s most successful entrepreneurs who enriched South Africa with his business skills and who always believed in South Africa’s future as a country of opportunity”.

One of Steyn’s most ambitious projects was Steyn City, the 2’000-acre residential and lifestyle estate in greater Sandton. More than just a luxury development, Steyn City was envisioned as a city within a city, embodying his belief in South Africa’s potential for growth and prosperity.
From the outset, Douw ensured that the project would have a meaningful impact beyond its exclusive walls. During its construction, at Douw’s insistence, over 28’000 jobs were created, with many opportunities extended to residents from nearby Diepsloot and Cosmo City. His family and business associates remain dedicated to ensuring that his vision for Steyn City continues to thrive.

Douw’s success in business was matched by his generosity in philanthropy. Through the Douw Steyn Family Trust and the companies he founded, he pledged R370-million towards coronavirus relief efforts at the height of the pandemic. This included:
• R50-million to the National Solidarity Fund
• R250-million to feeding schemes in Diepsloot, Cosmo City, and beyond
• A R70-million relief fund to support small businesses impacted by the crisis

Steyn City, the development he nurtured into reality, released a heartfelt statement.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the visionary behind Steyn City, Douw Steyn. He will be remembered as an exceptional entrepreneur who built a global business of immense scale across seven countries, and a visionary with a deep-seated commitment to South Africa and its people. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Carolyn, his children, and their families during this difficult time. His legacy will live on through his sons and their fellow Board members and Shareholders, who remain deeply committed to the future of our unparalleled development.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation also paid tribute, highlighting the unique friendship shared between Mandela and Steyn

Douw was a larger-than-life character, someone Madiba regarded as a friend. He supported Madiba in numerous ways over many years. During 1992, Madiba lived in Douw’s home as he navigated his way through a very painful separation from Mum Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. And over the next two decades, Madiba frequently turned to Douw when he needed spaces for retreat or support for his projects. The Foundation will always honour the memory of their relationship.

The Sandton Times extends its heartfelt condolences to Carolyn Steyn, his three children, and their families during this difficult time. While Douw’s physical presence may be gone, his legacy of innovation, philanthropy, and belief in South Africa’s potential will stand the test of time.

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