1 MAY 1918
The South African National Trust and Assurance Company Limited (Santam) first opens its doors in Cape Town. Within months the South African Life Assurance Company (Sanlam) is established as a full subsidiary of Santam, with its specific focus on life assurance.
1953
By a special Act of Parliament, Sanlam's share capital is cancelled and it is converted from a company to a mutual insurer.
1963
Santam launches its well-known Child Art programme to encourage children to find joy in art. This has since become one of the longest-running corporate social investment (CSI) programmes in Santam.
1974
Santam revolutionises the insurance industry by launching its Multiplex policy. For the first time, South Africans are able to have a single short-term insurance policy, covering all their assets under one umbrella.
1981
The yellow umbrella, which is synonymous with short-term insurance in South Africa, becomes Santam's official logo.
1990
A full subsidiary, Santam Namibia Limited, is established to look after all insurance activities in Namibia.
1999
Santam obtains Guardian National Insurance for R1,58 billion. The merger - one of the most successful in South Africa yet - secures a 25% share of the local short-term insurance industry for Santam
2003
Santam international is established. the group’s international diversification strategy is driven through its partnership with Sanlam Emerging Markets (SEM) in a series of general insurance businesses in emerging markets as well as the international operations of Santam re and Santam Specialist Business.
2005
Santam receives the Pioneer Award by the Financial Services Sector Council for bringing affordable short-term insurance to a previously uninsured market.
2008
Santam celebrates its 90th birthday. It also extends and diversifies its operations through a joint partnership with Sanlam and Shriram General Insurance Co Ltd in India, giving Sanlam a 26% shareholding in Shriram Life Insurance Co Ltd.
2009
Santam is the first South African insurer to join ClimateWise - an international network formed by leading insurers worldwide to influence debate and decision-making on climate change. Santam Crop Insurance turns 80.
Santam receives the following accolades:
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Deloitte Best Company to Work For as voted by staff in the large company category
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Top business-to-business short-term insurer in the Markinor Top Brand survey in 2009
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Deloitte Best Company to Work For as voted by staff in the large company category
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Top business-to-business short-term insurer in the Markinor Top Brand survey in 2009
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Best Personal, Commercial and Corporate insurer by the Financial Intermediaries Association (FIA)
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Winner in the short-term insurance industry category for two consecutive years in the Ask Afrika Orange Index Service Excellence Survey.
2010
FIA votes Santam the Best Personal, Commercial and Corporate Insurer. Santam re is formed. Santam’s new subsidiary Echelon, starts trading by offering tailor-made personal lines insurance solutions to professionals, business owners and executives.
2011
FIA once again votes Santam the Best Commercial and Corporate Insurer.
In March 2011, Santam acquires 55% of the voting equity in Mirabilis Engineering Managers (Pty) Ltd.
Santam acquires Regent Aviation and Riscor Underwriting Managers.
2012
In this milestone year Santam is voted FIA’s Insurer of the Year for Personal Lines and Commercial insurance. The brand receives locally and international recognition for innovation and service excellence as well as for its advertising campaigns, winning acclaimed Loeries, Cannes and Midas awards, amongst others.
Santam acquires Regent Aviation and Riscor Underwriting Managers.
2013
Santam was rated South Africa’s top insurer in the 2013 South African Customer Satisfaction Index (SAcsi) survey and exceeded the industry and competitor average in various categories including customer expectations, overall quality, and customer loyalty.
Santam acquires 100% of Travel Insurance Consultants (TIC).
2014
In June 2014, Santam was awarded both the commercial and corporate short-term insurer of the year by the Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa.
Santam acquires 100% of Hospitality and Leisure (H&L)
2015
Sanlam and Santam jointly acquire a 30% stake in Morocco-based Saham Group’s insurance business, Saham Finances.
2016
Santam acquires a 49% stake in PPS Short-term Insurance (PPS STI).
Santam acquires 100% of RMB-SI.
2017
Santam voted Best Personal and Corporate insurer by the Financial Intermediaries Association (FIA).