Solidarity
We stand together across teams, communities, and partnerships to achieve common goals.
Every family story has a unifying symbol, and for the Survé family, it is the family crest, inscribed with the Latin words “Communis Humanitas”, meaning a shared future for humanity. This is not ornate — it is philosophy made visible. It is a declaration that their journey, from activism for social justice, to medicine, to business and statesmanship, has always been about more than individual success.
Symbolism
What The Crest Represents
The lions represent Africa in strength, resilience, empowerment and prosperity. The phoenix, drawn from Greek mythology, speaks of renewal, rebirth and transformation — the emblem of innovation and technology, the promise that from adversity new life can emerge. Together, these symbols capture the family’s mission: to build prosperity that is resilient, transformative and human-centred.
The crest also speaks to the family’s own origins, with the maternal and paternal lines having immigrant roots in northern Europe (Danish-German), southern Europe (Greece) and Southeast Asia (India), before finally settling in Cape Town, South Africa.
The “S” represents Survé, Sekunjalo and Survé Philanthropies. For the family, though, it carries a much deeper meaning: set at the heart and centre of the crest, it encapsulates the family value statement.
The “S”
The Family Value Statement
The family and its investment entities and companies are guided by the family value statement — a commitment to shared humanity: the understanding that ethical, sustainable and inclusive business practices form the foundation of enduring success. We recognise that the strength of Survé Holdings’ enterprise lies in the collective well-being, integrity and purpose of our people and partners.
Shared Humanity in Business
The “S” Values Statement
At the heart of our organisation lies a commitment to shared humanity — the belief that business thrives when people do. We lead with Solidarity, standing together across teams, partners and communities. Through Synergy, we combine our strengths to create outcomes greater than any one of us could achieve alone.
We act with Support and Sensitivity, ensuring that every voice is valued and every contribution respected. Our Stewardship guides us to manage resources responsibly, and our Sustainability focus ensures that progress today never compromises tomorrow. We serve with Sincerity and Selflessness, upholding integrity in every decision and interaction.
With Social Responsibility and Service, we aim to create lasting value — not only for shareholders, but for society at large. We build Stability through trust, Safety through care, and Spirit through shared purpose. By sharing our knowledge and standing steadfast in our values, we affirm that success is most meaningful when it uplifts us all. We respect the sacred sanctity of faith and values, fostering religious diversity and the belief that all religions and persuasions have a right to coexist in peace and harmony.
Our Principles
We Uphold The Following Principles
Fourteen commitments, each carrying the “S” at its heart, that guide how the family and its businesses operate.
Synergy
We foster collaboration and innovation that amplify collective potential.
Support
We cultivate an environment that empowers individuals through empathy, respect, and encouragement.
Sustainability
We are committed to responsible growth that balances economic performance with social and environmental impact.
Stewardship
We manage our resources with accountability and a long-term perspective for the benefit of future generations.
Sincerity
We conduct our business with honesty, transparency, and authenticity.
Sensitivity
We respect diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness in all engagements.
Service
We seek to create meaningful value for our clients, communities and society.
Social Responsibility
We align our operations with ethical practices that advance human dignity and shared prosperity.
Stability
We build trust through consistency, reliability and sound governance.
Safety
We prioritise the physical, emotional, and ethical well-being of all stakeholders.
Sharing
We promote open communication and knowledge exchange across all levels of the organisation.
Steadfastness
We remain committed to our values, even amid change and challenge.
Sacred
We deeply respect religious diversity and its importance in guiding our decisions.
Through these principles, we affirm that success is not only measured in profit, but in the positive impact we have on people and society. Our purpose is to build a future where business serves as a force for shared progress, collective dignity and human advancement.
Philosophy
Gratitude Into Legacy
This is the essence of the Survé family’s philosophy: gratitude transformed into action, capital transformed into service, and business transformed into humanity.
The privilege then was to witness resilience, humility, and sacrifice. Today, our privilege is to transform that sacrifice into a shared future for humanity.
A Crest, A Motto, A Mission
Communis Humanitas
A shared future for humanity.