Want to know more

About us

About

Savannah Marine

Savannah Marine started operating in the South African and Namibian markets in 2000 under the auspices of the first two black owned insurance companies namely Lion of Africa and New National Assurance Company Ltd.  The company is independently owned by Granville & Renette La Vita who have served the insurance industry for 47 and 36 years respectively.

Our Principals

We have been in association with New National Assurance Company Ltd for the past 15 years and this relationship with the first black owned insurance company is built on mutual trust and honesty. Our principals have been in business since 1971 and the company currently holds an “A” Rating reaffirmed by Global Credit Rating Agency (GCR) the internationally recognised credit rating agency. The rating is based on New National’s sound liquidity metrics, the company’s stable investment returns, overall profitability and ability to pay claims.

New National also attained a BBBEELevel 2 Status

These solid credentials are commendable and Savannah Marine is proud to be in partnership with New National Assurance Company in providing uniquely dependable service with good old fashion values to its customers.

Our Security

Seventy percent of all our insured risks are reinsured to the Munich Reinsurance Group a world class international company with financial strength and strong leadership. Munich Re of Africa is a substantial shareholder in New National and represented the company’s board.

Our Partners

The Shipowners’ Mutual Protection & Indemnity Association (Luxembourg) operates as a mutual insurance association. The company offers P&I (protection and indemnity) against liabilities in relation to cargo, collision, damages and loss of property, people, pollution, towage, and wreck removal. Additionally, it provides personal accident, legal assistance, and defense covers. The company also offers underwriting, claims handling, and loss prevention services. Additionally, it provides P&I (protection and indemnity) liability insurance for barges and tankers, dry cargo vessels, fishing vessels, offshore vessels and passenger vessels.

Our Market

In accordance with the FAIS Act our market is limited to registered Financial Service Providers (FSP) within Republic of South Africa and Namibia

 our amazing

team members

  GRANVILLE LA VITA

GRANVILLE LA VITA

MANAGING MEMBER

Founder and Managing Member of Savannah Marine.

Holds a Post Graduate Business Management Diploma completed through Henley Management College, UK and a Small Business Development Course Certificate attained through Wits Business School.

Associate Member of the Maritime Law Association of South Africa and past Executive Member of the Association of Marine Underwriters of South Africa. Honorary Life Member of Gauteng Insurance Institute.

Successfully completed the Financial Services Board RE1 and RE5 examinations.

  RENETTE LA VITA

RENETTE LA VITA

MANAGING MEMBER

Renette is a FAIS compliant Executive Member of Savannah Marine.

She is also the Company Accounting Officer, Company Compliance Manager and Deputy POPI Information Officer.

Renette has 40 + years’ experience in the Insurance industry.

Renette successfully completed the Financial Services Board RE1 examinations.

An outdoor GAL who enjoys outdoor picnics, braais, socialising, and meeting people.

A devoted Granny who loves music, singing in the church choir and dancing with Joy.

ILEANA FRESWICK

ILEANA FRESWICK

OFFICE MANAGER

Started at Savannah Marine in 2001

Loved spending time with family and friends. When she was not reading an interesting book, she was baking with kids.

Sadly, missed departed 22.12.2020

MARIO LA VITA

MARIO LA VITA

BROKER ASSISTANT

Joined Savannah Marine on the 01 August 2010

Studied small business management, economics and accounting at Cape College.

He is a go-getter, with seven years proven track record of success in sales and marketing

LLEWELLYNE RODRIGUES

LLEWELLYNE RODRIGUES

CREDIT CONTROLLER

Joined 23 March 2009 and currently facilitates the role of a credit controller.

He has attained a Ministry and Community Service Certificate (UNISA 2013 and in-house certificates with Dion & FNB

His hobbies are playing golf, playing different types of reed instruments, and listening to different types of music genre.

MARGARET  LA VITA

MARGARET LA VITA

CLAIMS FACILITATOR

Joined Savannah Marine in 2016.

Margaret has been in the insurance industry for 10 years as a claims administrator. She has a strong work ethic, strong ability to work under pressure is punctual and reliable.

She loves spending time with her family.

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

Our Services

 Savannah Marine offers a wide range of marine insurance products backed by many of the leading reinsurers. Our skills, knowledge and innovative approach allows for a variety of solutions to be offered to our customers. With a deep understanding of self-insurance we are able to offer structures over and above such self insured levels.