This week the Old Mutual Limited group celebrates a huge milestone on its journey from humble beginnings in South Africa, 175 years ago. The Old Mutual story is remarkable in that is demonstrates how the sheer passion to serve others and resilience can translate into an iconic brand with established footprints across the world. It is therefore worth considering how a brand achieves such longevity, especially in the context of a country, continent and world facing rapid and unprecedented change.

The secret to our success

The key to Old Mutual’s success, is that the company has always taken the long-term view and always understood that change, challenge and opportunity are the only constants. Since 1845, Old Mutual has provided unwavering support for individuals, businesses and communities through civil wars and world wars as well as the Spanish Flu pandemic, the Great Depression, and many political cri-ses and economic turbulence across the continent. Remaining true to our promise of being “a certain friend in uncertain times “has been the secret of our brand’s longevity and enduring relevance for 175 years.

Times change but what matters never will

As our world faces unprecedented health and economic challenges, Old Mutual is very conscious of the anxiety and pressure all our customers, investors, business partners, financial advisers and employees are experiencing. We are proud that we have the financial strength of many decades behind us, strength that enables us to once again reassure all our stakeholders that our business remains resilient and ready to support them. Having a strong liquidity position means we can honour all our obligations to our customers while still holding the capital levels required by regulators.

Our future

Today Old Mutual, serves millions of customers, operates in 13 countries across the African continent alone and employs over 30,000 people across the world. We continue to deliver on our brand promise by continuously endeavouring to remain relevant and future fit through innovative customer solutions, seamless processes and investing in a highly skilled and motivated workforce. Our people remain our most valuable asset.

I would like to extend a very warm thank you to you for your continued support for Old Mutual Botswana. Things change but one thing that will never change is our commitment to enabling positive futures in the communities in which we serve.