Announcement – Passing of Mr Desmond Smith

A true example of our proud history of growing our own timber, Desmond received a Sanlam bursary to study for a BSc degree and joined the company in 1968 in the Actuarial department. He navigated the company, gaining valuable experience and knowledge across the business, becoming a key member of the management team until, at just 45 years old, he was appointed as Managing Director in 1993. He still holds the record as the youngest-ever MD of this company, and with a 50-year tenure.

Perhaps easily mistaken for being unassuming for his generally modest character who engaged easily with staff at all levels throughout his time at Sanlam, Desmond was a titan that formed a significant part of the foundations for the Sanlam we have today and on which we continue to build. Among many feats under his leadership, the company pioneered South Africa's first-ever broad-based black economic empowerment deal with New Africa Investments Limited (NAIL).

At a humanitarian level, he contributed to professional bodies and academic institutions. He had a passion for education and always took a personal interest in upskilling staff and following up on their children's studies. He championed the Sanlam Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism and was instrumental in the establishment of the awards in 1974, remaining passionate about the awards even when he was chairman of the Board.

Our current chair, Mr Elias Masilela, says of Desmond: "No words can explain the loss of Desmond, to his family, Sanlam, the actuarial fraternity and the broader business community. He touched and influenced many lives. I am one of those. His leadership as Chairman of Sanlam, when I was an employee, influenced me immensely. It is sad that I must bid him farewell, whilst standing in his shoes. May the family be comforted in this difficult time. Lala ngoxolo, Desmond."