Steyn City billionaire owner passes away!
MZANSI billionaire and businessman Douw Steyn has passed away at the age of 72.
He died on Tuesday, 4 February.
The founder of BGL Group and visionary behind Steyn City leaves a legacy of entrepreneurship and commitment to South Africa.
He was ranked the 58th wealthiest man in Europe according to the Sunday Times Rich list in 2024.
His passing was confirmed in a statement by Giuseppe Plumari of Steyn City Properties.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the visionary behind Steyn City, Douw Steyn. Our thoughts are with his wife, Carolyn, his children, TJ, Louis, and Tanya, and their families.
“Douw will always be remembered as an exceptional entrepreneur who built a global business of immense scale across seven countries and a visionary with a deep-seated commitment to South Africa and its people.
“As a resident of Steyn City for over a decade, Douw was extremely proud of its evolution and ensured that its impact extended far beyond its gates. He leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled excellence, which will endure through his sons, TJ and Louis, and their fellow Board members and shareholders who remain deeply committed to the future of our development,” reads the statement.
The Steyn family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Steyn had strong ties to South African politics, notably providing housing for former president Nelson Mandela at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa.
Upon his release from prison, Mandela stayed at Steyn’s home in Joburg, where he completed his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom.
Douw’s widow, media personality Carolyn Steyn, proudly carried on Mandela’s legacy by founding the non-profit organisation 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day.
The foundation was started in 2013 when Nelson Mandela’s former assistant, Zelda la Grange, challenged Carolyn to knit 67 blankets to support the annual Mandela Day to be donated to those in need.
Details regarding his memorial and funeral service have not yet been announced.
