Ubuntu-Botho

In 2004, a broad-based black empowerment consortium led by businessman Patrice Motsepe bought a 10% shareholding in Sanlam, in what was to become one of the most far-reaching black empowerment transactions to date.

The Ubuntu-Botho* deal brought together various stakeholders that would empower small businesses at even the most rural level, through access to capital, business expertise, and helping them grow their businesses via a network of cross-selling opportunities.

The success of the venture has been remarkable – while the Ubuntu-Botho deal has contributed to a significant increase in Sanlam's share price, this far-sighted venture has helped us fast-track our transformation into a truly representative South African company.

Sanlam Group CEO Johan van Zyl said of the transaction that it represents Sanlam's firm commitment to meaningful transformation. "It represents the opportunity to service new and growing markets and to harness the full economic power of our diverse society."

Patrice Motsepe, Ubuntu-Botho chairman, says the value of the transaction is that it provides an opportunity for Ubuntu-Botho to participate in and contribute to making Sanlam the leading financial services group in South Africa. "Poor and unemployed South Africans will also benefit from the transaction through the Sanlam Ubuntu-Botho Community Development Trust."

The UB Transaction

The Ubuntu-Botho transaction was structured in such a way that it would extend Sanlam shareholding to grassroots level, through the Ubuntu-Botho consortium. For more information, click here.

Transaction Chronology

The Ubuntu-Botho transaction is marked by a series of shareholder events that date back to 2004 and which preceded the actual transaction itself. For more information on these events and for their accompanying press releases, click here.

Shareholder Benefits

Since the UB transaction extends its shareholding to micro- and small businesses, it gives Sanlam credible access to a significantly expanded base of potential customers. For more information, click here.

Immediate Gains

News of the Ubuntu-Botho deal was extremely well received. It contributed to a significant increase in Sanlam's share price, which translated into a considerable capital gain for the new shareholders within two years. For more information, click here.

Exceeding BEE Requirements

With Ubuntu-Botho, Sanlam has managed to exceed the stipulations of the Financial Services Charter (FSC). For more information, click here.

Communication to Shareholders

To view the presentation and/or circular distributed to shareholders, click here.

Value-Add Calculation

The Ubuntu-Botho (UB) transaction provides for the issue of deferred shares which will increase in value over time, based on a formula linked to the growth in Sanlam's new business. For more information, click here.

Contact Us

If you’d like to find out more about Ubuntu-Botho, contact Lebogang Monyatsi or Amandla Dougan. For their contact details, click here.