Nelson Mandela Foundation mourns 'larger-than-life' SA billionaire Douw Steyn

The Nelson Mandela Foundation has expressed sadness at the passing of South African billionaire Douw Steyn, who died at the age of 72 on Tuesday.

According to a statement by the foundation, the late former president Nelson Mandela regarded Steyn as a friend, describing the insurance mogul as a larger-than-life character. 

"It is with great sadness that the Nelson Mandela Foundation has learned of the passing of Douw Steyn. Our thoughts are with Carolyn, his family and his friends at this difficult time," the foundation said. 

"Steyn was a larger than life character, someone Madiba regarded as a friend and he supported Madiba in numerous ways over many years," said the foundation.

It was in 1992 when Madiba lived in Douw’s home as he navigated his way through a very painful separation from his ex-wife, Struggle stalwart Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.

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.

Douw Steyn, was the insurance mogul who was responsible for the reimagining and revolutionising the insurance landscape.

Steyn died at the age of 72. 

When the former president was released from prison, he found refuge in Steyn’s home in Johannesburg where he completed his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.  

Mandela was given a dedicated villa at the Shambala Private Game Reserve which Steyn owned where the former president could work uninterrupted in peace and solitude. 

Steyn referred to ‘Madiba’ as a father figure while Mandela counted Steyn as one of his most valued friends.

Steyn will be remembered as an entrepreneur who built a global business across seven countries, and as a visionary with a deep-seated commitment to South Africa and its people.

Tributes to the Steyn family can be sent to tocondolences@palazzosteyn.co.za, while donations can be made to the Diepsloot Food Security Programme.

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