South African billionaire Douw Steyn has died: 10 inspiring legacies he leaves behind

By Gift Sebiloane

Douw Steyn, the visionary force behind the iconic Steyn City, passed away on Tuesday, February 4 (2025) aged 72, after years of illegal health.

A titan of industry, Steyn was not only the founder of the sprawling luxury estate that bears his name but also a pivotal figure in the insurance sector, having established groundbreaking ventures like Auto & General and BGL Group.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the visionary behind Steyn City, Douw Steyn. Our thoughts are with his wife, Carolyn, his children, TJ, Louis and Tanya, and their families” Giuseppe Plumari, CEO of Steyn City Properties, said in a statement – confirming the news of his passing after a prolonged period of poor health.

“Douw will always 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.”

Steyn City, a testament to his boundless vision and unwavering commitment to excellence, stands as a beacon of innovation and luxury living in Johannesburg. This meticulously planned community, with its world-class amenities and focus on sustainability, has redefined urban living in South Africa.

Beyond his real estate endeavours, Steyn’s impact on the insurance industry is undeniable. His entrepreneurial spirit and keen understanding of the market led to the creation of industry giants that have shaped the landscape of insurance in South Africa and beyond.

“Douw will be remembered as an exceptional entrepreneur who built a global business of immense scale in seven countries and a visionary with a deep-seated commitment to SA and its people,” Auto & General and Steyn City Properties, said in a joint statement.

10 things South Africa and the world will cherish about his remarkable legacy

Douw Steyn, the visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, will be remembered for countless contributions that shaped industries, communities, and lives. Here are 10 things South Africa and the world will cherish about his remarkable legacy:

1. Revolutionising the South African insurance industry
   Born in Brits, North West, in 1952, Steyn embarked on his entrepreneurial path in 1975 by establishing Steyn’s Insurance Brokers. A decade later, he transformed the industry with the introduction of Auto & General, a company that broke new ground by adopting telemarketing sales strategies and introducing paperless insurance solutions. This success paved the way for the creation of some of South Africa’s most prominent financial service providers, such as Budget, 1st for Women, Dialdirect, 1Life, and Hippo, all of which operate under the TIH umbrella.
2. Building a global business empire
   From humble beginnings in Johannesburg, Steyn built a global business spanning seven countries, employing over 10,000 people across more than 50 offices. His companies, including the BGL Group, a UK-based insurance and financial services company that is also the parent of Comparethemarket.com.
3. Creating iconic brands
   Steyn’s vision gave rise to some of South Africa’s most trusted financial service providers, including Budget, 1st for Women, Dialdirect, 1Life, and hippo.co.za, which continue to serve millions of customers.
4. Steyn City: a dream realised
   His dream of building a “city within a city” materialised with the launch of Steyn City in the mid-2010s, a 2,000-acre residential and lifestyle estate in Johannesburg. This project not only redefined luxury living but also created over 28,000 jobs, empowering neighboring communities like Diepsloot and Cosmo City.
5. A Friend to the father of the nation; Nelson Mandela
   Steyn’s home provided refuge for the late South African President Nelson Mandela after his release from prison, where Mandela completed his autobiography, ‘Long Walk to Freedom‘. Their deep friendship and mutual respect symbolised Steyn’s commitment to South Africa’s future.
6. Visionary approach to property development
   Steyn’s profound love for property development is deeply intertwined with his reverence for nature and his flair for gaming-inspired innovation. This is exemplified in one of his most iconic creations: Shambala Private Game Reserve, a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary that also served as a serene retreat for Nelson Mandela. Steyn transformed his Johannesburg residence into the globally acclaimed Saxon Hotel, celebrated as the World’s leading boutique hotel, blending luxury with timeless elegance. Together, these projects reflect his unique ability to harmonize opulence, nature, and a visionary spirit.
7. Philanthropy and COVID-19 relief
   Steyn’s generosity shone during the pandemic when he pledged R370 million to support relief efforts. This included R50 million to the National Solidarity Fund, R250 million to feeding schemes, and R70 million to assist small businesses.
8. Job creation and economic empowerment
   Through projects like Steyn City, Steyn prioritised job creation and economic development, ensuring that thousands of South Africans had opportunities to build better lives.
9. A visionary with a heart for South Africa
   Steyn’s unwavering belief in South Africa’s potential drove his investments and initiatives. He was a proud South African who enriched the country with his business acumen and visionary leadership.
10. A legacy of family and values
    Beyond his professional achievements, Steyn was a devoted family man, survived by his wife, Carolyn, his three children (sons TJ and Louis and daughter Tanya), and their families. His values of courage, determination, and generosity will continue to inspire future generations.