Sanlam Healthcare history

In December 1917, a group of men, including National Party founders Willie Hofmeyr, Fred Dormehl, and Pieter Malan, joined together to establish a new mutual aid society.

Called Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Trust en Assuransie Maatskappij, or Santam, the new company was formally registered in March of 1918.

1922 Policies make history In 1922 Sanlam introduced the first disability cover and income protection in South Africa.

The first claim was paid in 1924 to AR Helsden, a railway worker who lost his eyesight in an accident.

1928: The company establishes a branch office in South West Africa (Namibia).

The first in-house magazine, Die Sanlam-Fakkel, with a striking cover featuring a horseman, a flaming torch and the corporate shield, launched in December 1932.

1935: Sanlam acquires African Homes Trust (renamed Metropolitan Life) from parent company Santam.

In 1940, Sanlam launched the Federale Volksbeleggings (FVB), which used the funds generated through the company's policy holders to invest in the country's industrial and commercial sphere.

In 1943, a formal independent branch office, which became Sanlam Namibia, was established there.

1946: Bonuskor investment vehicle is created.

The National Party gained control of the South African government in 1948, sparking a new era of growth for Sanlam.

Santam remained the controlling shareholder until 1954 when Sanlam became an independent mutual life assurance company, as well as the largest single shareholder in Santam.

The growth of Sanlam's Bonuskor business led it to create a second investment vehicle in 1960.

Land was reclaimed at Roggebaai to build the Sanlam Centre, which at the time of its official opening in 1962 was the tallest building in Africa.

1968 A gold anniversary In 1968 Sanlam turned 50 and the logo design took another new turn when a shield symbolising protection and security, featuring the letter ‘S’ for Sanlam, was introduced.

1985 Continuing to lead the market The high-profile launch of the One Policy in 1985 turned South Africa’s life assurance market on its head.

In 1993, the company transferred a controlling stake in Metropolitan Life to Metlife Investment Holdings, a black-controlled vehicle.

1995 Going global Sanlam made its mark on the globe, becoming the first South African financial institution to enable offshore client investments when Sanlam Unit Trust (now Sanlam Collective Investments) established OptiRandtrust.

In 1998, the company moved to simplify its structure, transferring its assets management business to Genbel Securities, or Gensec.

2003: Merchant Investors, a life insurance and assets management business based in Bristol, England, is acquired.

That restructuring was largely completed by 2004.

2006 Digitally aware The company launched Sanlam iTrade, the first online trading portal in the life insurance industry.

2008 Embracing changing times Sanlam LifePower was introduced in 2008 as the first comprehensive personal cover solution for people living with HIV, on whose behalf the red ribbon is a universal symbol of awareness and support.

2016 Going mobile Sanlam launched Go Cover, a first-of-its-kind mobile app that allows clients to buy accidental injury and death cover on demand for periods from 24 hours to 30 days.

2017 Using the power of WhatsApp In June 2017 Sanlam Sky Solutions launched South Africa’s first WhatsApp drama series to promote funeral insurance.