Who was Douw Steyn? The Visionary Behind Global Business Empires and Luxury Developments

BY DAKALO NEKHUMBE
Feb 7
4 min read

Born in Brits, North West, Douw Steyn built an empire that reshaped industries from insurance to real estate. Educated in Johannesburg, he later earned a BSc in Quantity Surveying from the University of Pretoria, a foundation that would propel him into large-scale development and entrepreneurship.

On February 4, 2025, Steyn passed away at the age of 72, leaving behind a global legacy of innovation and success. While he remained largely private outside of his business ventures, his contributions to the insurance, real estate, and property development sectors cemented the Steyn name as a symbol of luxury and ambition.

Let’s explore how Steyn’s vision transformed industries and solidified his name among South Africa’s most influential business figures.

Before becoming a powerhouse in South Africa’s insurance and property sectors, Douw Steyn began his career with humble roots as a Quantity Surveyor at Eskom’s Mega Watt Park in Johannesburg. According to Urban Dev, Steyn spent 14 years at Eskom, honing his expertise in construction and infrastructure before transitioning to private enterprise.

In 1994, he joined forces with his brothers, Derek and Deon Steyn, at C-A-L-C Quantity Surveyors, a professional firm specializing in large-scale developments. The firm played a pivotal role in the construction of Medicross Clinics, contributing to South Africa’s healthcare infrastructure with a nationwide footprint.

This early experience in construction and development laid the foundation for Steyn’s future ventures, including Calgro M3, Auto & General, and Steyn City—businesses that would later reshape both the insurance and real estate landscapes in South Africa.

Douw Steyn’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1975 with the founding of Steyn’s Insurance Brokers—a venture that would lay the foundation for one of the most transformative shifts in the insurance industry. His groundbreaking approach to selling motor insurance over the telephone disrupted traditional business models and paved the way for Auto & General (A&G), a company that would become synonymous with innovation in direct-to-consumer insurance.

By the year 2000, Auto & General expanded into Australia, aiming to replicate its South African success in a new market. Today, the company has grown into a global powerhouse, extending its footprint across the UK, Turkey, France, Singapore, China, and Thailand. Steyn’s vision was not only to build a thriving business but to redefine how insurance services were marketed and delivered.

His influence extended beyond Auto & General. In the 1990s, he founded BGL Insurance in the UK, further cementing his role in reshaping the global insurance landscape. The success of Auto & General spurred the development of other leading insurance brands, including Budget, 1st for Women, Dialdirect, 1Life, and hippo.co.za—all of which operate under Telesure Investment Holdings.

Under Steyn’s leadership, Auto & General became a dominant force, employing more than 10,000 people across 50 offices worldwide. His strategic foresight and commitment to innovation positioned A&G as a benchmark for telemarketing-driven insurance sales, a model that has since been widely adopted across the industry.

In 2012, Steyn stepped down as Executive Chair, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence modern insurance practices. His pioneering strategies not only shaped the trajectory of Auto & General but also set a new standard for customer-centric insurance services, proving that adaptability and bold thinking are key drivers of sustained success in the financial sector.

In 1995 the Steyn brothers (Deon, Derek and Douw) established a residential property development company called Calgro Homes (Pty) Ltd in 1995. A partnership with the Malherbe brothers in 2003 led to the rebranding of Calgro Homes as Calgro M3. This move positioned the firm to serve both the affordable housing sector and the mid-income market, bridging the gap between economic accessibility and high-quality residential developments.

By 2007, Calgro M3 Holdings Limited had gained substantial momentum, leading to its listing on the AltX Board of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)—a milestone that underscored its growth and market confidence. The company has since played a pivotal role in large-scale housing developments across South Africa, cementing its reputation as a leader in integrated residential projects.

What began as an ambitious idea in 2007 became a reality in 2015 with the launch of Steyn City—one of South Africa’s most exclusive residential developments. Backed by an estimated R15 billion investment, this 2,200-acre mega-development, strategically positioned between Fourways and Lanseria, embodies the future of luxury living.

Designed as a “city within a city,” Steyn City offers a diverse range of residential options, including high-end apartments, cluster homes, and freestanding estates, catering to those seeking both privacy and prestige. More than just a real estate project, this development is a symbol of opulence, innovation, and urban expansion in Johannesburg.

Beyond its architectural grandeur, Steyn City has had a significant socio-economic impact—creating 28,000 jobs for local residents during its development phase. As one of the most prestigious addresses in South Africa, Steyn City is not just reshaping Johannesburg’s skyline but also redefining the standards of luxury and exclusivity in the region.

In 2024 Douw Steyn made the UK Sunday Times Rich List. Placed at 58, with a net worth of approximately R70 billion (£3 billion). Douw Steyn will be remembered for his versatile reputation in building companies from the ground up to reaching global esteem and creating jobs for people the world over.