Focus Areas

The Sanlam Foundation focuses on education as our main area of intervention and activity with specific attention to financial literacy; HIV/Aids education and awareness; environmental education and awareness; and education in maths, science, technology and English.

The Sanlam Foundation’s projects – as a whole – change the way we think, feel and act. It creates better citizens, better citizens create better communities, better communities create a better society, and a better society creates a better country in every way.

Financial Literacy

South Africa’s saving rate, as a percentage of GDP, is just 16%. It’s 52% in China, 37% in India, and 22% in Russia.  Savings - through insurance, retirement annuities and medical aid - do more than protect people from unexpected events. They help us fulfill dreams without relying on easy credit and long repayments.

Our Sanlam employees know about money management; we know that wise saving, spending and investment are primary assets in growing the economy. Together with the global initiative, Operation Hope, Sanlam employees take high school learners through the basics of banking, the power of credit, budgeting, investment and entrepreneurship. In Universities, final year students are prepared for their careers by learning about budgeting, risk cover and protection of earnings.

At the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Sanlam has helped establish a B Com Financial Planning degree, planning the curriculum with the financial Planning Institute and other stakeholders, providing bursaries, and assisting in employment.
 These positive sparks can generate a positive, virtuous cycle of faster capital accumulation, job creation and technological advancement. A high savings rate would allow us to meet South Africa’s investment needs without international borrowing.
A better financial future starts with a financially literate society. At Sanlam, we start with what we hope for.

HIV/AIDS education and awareness

It’s estimated that some 40 000 children are infected with HIV every year. The epidemic is also responsible for half the country’s orphans: 1.9 million South African AIDs orphans have lost one or both parents.

Every family suffers lingering effects. In nearly 80% of cases families lose more than half of their per capita income when the highest earner dies.

In 2000, it was estimated that AIDS had reduced South Africa’s GDP by -0.7% per capita. That’s increasing.

It starts with increasing absenteeism and ends with a decline in available labour and the loss of skills.

It means more recruitment and training costs, reduced morale and low production for commerce. For the State, there are increasing medical costs, welfare, pensions, and the provision of other terminal benefits.

With fewer customers and suppliers, there’s a potential collapse of several markets and an inability to re-invest in the economy.

But education is bringing positive news. Over 60% are adults are now practising safe sex, with younger people showing the highest rates of condom use. HIV prevalence in teenagers is falling. Ignorance will not prevail.

Environmental Education

Since 2007, we’ve been thinking ahead for a blue planet. Building a future in which people and nature thrive.

The WWF Sanlam Living Waters Partnership works towards conserving Marine Protected Areas, challenging the fishing industry to reduce their catch of endangered fish, keeping seafood lovers informed about their food choices, and helping the entire supply chain to reduce their impact.

Through our support and involvement, the WWF can involve local communities in decision making. They lobby government to change policy. They work with business to ensure the sustainable use of resources.

Because the wise management of our water, and aquatic ecosystems, is one of the decisive factors that will influence the social-economic development of South Africa

Education on maths, science, technology and English

A good teacher can influence a child’s whole life; instilling a thirst for knowledge. Knowledge that leads to new discoveries, inventions, theorems and propositions.

With Protec, the Programme for Technological Careers, Sanlam mentors and guides learners with role models, through shadowing and experiential programmes. We show them the range of careers available with a background in maths, science, and technology: from architecture to engineering to financial careers.

South Africa needs technically trained people to move from a materials-based economy to one of knowledge and added value. To find sustainable answers to our challenges of food, water and energy sustainability. To reduce the poverty gap and inequalities in South African society.

 With more technologically skilled South Africans, we make our country competitive in the global marketplace. We add value to our natural resources and raw materials. We make a great country greater.