Old Mutual, a household name in South Africa, has a rich history and a broad presence across the financial landscape. As one of the largest financial services providers in the country, many people wonder: who owns Old Mutual? Let’s explore the ownership structure of this trusted institution, with a particular focus on its stakeholders in South Africa.
The Parent Company: Old Mutual Limited
Old Mutual Limited is the holding company of Old Mutual in South Africa. Established in 1845 in Cape Town, it started as a mutual life insurance company, gradually evolving into a multinational financial services group. Today, Old Mutual Limited is publicly listed on several stock exchanges, including the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), where South African investors can buy shares in the company.
Shareholders of Old Mutual Limited
Old Mutual is not owned by a single entity but is instead held by a broad range of shareholders, including:
- Institutional Investors: Large asset managers, pension funds, and insurance companies make up a significant portion of Old Mutual’s ownership. These institutional investors provide capital and play a role in influencing the company’s strategic direction.
- Public Shareholders: Since Old Mutual is a publicly traded company, ordinary citizens can also own shares. Many South Africans have investments in Old Mutual, either directly by purchasing shares or indirectly through their pension funds and savings accounts.
- Old Mutual Investments: A significant portion of Old Mutual is owned by Old Mutual Investments, which is wholly owned by Old Mutual Limited. This internal structure ensures that Old Mutual’s own investment teams are aligned with the company’s long-term growth goals.
- Senior Management and Staff: To align management interests with the long-term success of the business, a portion of the company is owned by senior management and investment staff. This ownership helps motivate and incentivize key leaders to prioritize sustainable growth and client outcomes.
- The Imfundo Trust: A portion of Old Mutual’s shares is held by the Imfundo Trust, which plays a significant role in the company’s ownership structure. The Imfundo Trust focuses on education and skills development in South Africa, representing Old Mutual’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and the upliftment of local communities.
Old Mutual’s Public Listing
As a publicly listed company, Old Mutual is accountable to its shareholders. These shareholders can attend annual general meetings, vote on key matters, and receive dividends based on the company’s performance. South African investors who hold shares in Old Mutual have a direct stake in the company’s success.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.