FNB has restored most branches and ATMs affected by July unrest

FNB has restored 80% of its branches that were affected by the July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. The Bank has also restored nearly 70% of its ATMs that were decommissioned for repairs or replacement because of damage during the unrest.  

FNB CEO, Jacques Celliers, says, “The better-than-expected momentum of our rebuilding efforts is due to strong collaboration between local communities, industry, landlords, vendors and our teams on the ground. In keeping with our holistic approach to helping society, we also allocated R21.5 million to support social relief programmes and humanitarian organisations to provide essential care and support to people, businesses, schools and greater communities in the affected areas. Furthermore, we commend efforts by the public sector and other civil society partners who continue to play their part in alleviating hardship in the affected communities.”

CEO of FNB Points of Presence, Lee-Anne van Zyl, says, in areas that were worst-affected, the Bank will keep its temporary mobile branches and mobile ATMs that were deployed as an interim measure to enable access to essential financial services. She adds that FNB has also redeployed staff from closed branches to the closest operating branches to service customer needs and increased volumes.

“In some areas, we rely on the reconstruction of malls or shopping complexes before restoring our bricks-and-mortar branches. We are, however, working closely with all stakeholders where this may be the case. Currently, we have temporary mobile branches at KwaMashu (Bridge City), Dalton, Edendale, Umzinto, Esikhawini and Esikhaleni Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal as well as Orange Farm (Eyethu) in Gauteng. Our aim is to ensure that communities can still access our in-branch services as we continue rebuilding some of the infrastructure,” explains van Zyl.

“While our customers can always access most of our services via our digital channels such as the FNB App, Online and Cellphone banking, our branches and ATMs play a very important role in our relationships with local communities. We are delighted to have restored most of the affected infrastructure ahead of the festive season to improve access to financial services in communities,” concludes van Zyl.  

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