Douw Steyn, a visionary South African businessman and founder of BGL Insurance, died at 77 after a lengthy illness. He was a close friend of Nelson Mandela, supporting him during turbulent times. Steyn’s significant business impact includes the development of luxury estates and his philanthropic work, leaving behind a wife and three children.
Douw Steyn, a prominent South African businessman and the founder of the BGL Insurance Group, passed away at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness. Recognized for his influence and contributions to the insurance sector, he was also a close associate of Nelson Mandela, having formed a friendship with the late leader shortly after Mandela’s release from prison. Steyn was celebrated for his entrepreneurial spirit, exemplified by the luxury estate development, Steyn City, initiated around 2010.
Steyn’s death was reported by Steyn City Properties, which highlighted his remarkable achievements in building a vast global business spanning across seven nations. According to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Steyn played a crucial supportive role in Mandela’s life, providing him shelter and companionship during challenging periods, including Mandela’s separation from Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. He was recognized as a visionary whose character and actions deeply impacted South Africa’s business landscape and beyond.
Beginning his career in 1975 with the establishment of Steyn’s Insurance Brokers, Steyn advanced to create significant companies, including Auto & General and BGL Insurance in the UK over the 1990s. His philanthropic efforts also included the founding of the Steyn Foundation, which aimed to assist impoverished communities in South Africa. Steyn leaves behind his wife and three children, marking the end of a remarkable life dedicated to business and social causes.
Douw Steyn was instrumental in revolutionizing the insurance industry in South Africa, providing significant innovations through his companies. His relationship with Nelson Mandela began in the early 1990s, shortly after Mandela’s release from Robben Island, and evolved into a deep friendship characterized by mutual respect and support. Steyn’s contributions to business and his philanthropic work reflect a commitment to improving the lives of South Africans, particularly in underprivileged areas.
Douw Steyn’s legacy is marked by his success in the insurance industry, his close friendship with Nelson Mandela, and his philanthropic efforts in South Africa. His impact resonates through both his business ventures and his dedication to social causes, leaving behind a significant imprint on the South African landscape. Steyn will be remembered as a visionary entrepreneur and a supportive friend to a nation’s leader.
Original Source: www.bbc.com