Following the announcement of relief measures for its individual and business customers affected by the unrest, FNB commenced its roll-out of mobile ATMs to KwaZulu-Natal communities, starting with Dalton and Harding while other units will be at Jozini and Richmond. FNB is also deploying mobile ATMs to Vosloorus, Sebokeng, Diepkloof and Orange Farm in Gauteng.
Lee-Anne van Zyl, CEO of FNB Points of Presence says currently over 90% of the Bank’s ATMs around the country are available. However, in areas where there was unrest, some of the infrastructure may take time to repair. As a result, in partnership with industry, communities and local government structures, FNB is expediting plans for alternative mobile solutions in the affected areas.
“Our immediate plans have focused on mobile ATMs to help communities and SASSA grant recipients with cash needs, and we are simultaneously working to deploy mobile branches in a matter of days. In line with the earlier industry commitment announced by BASA, we’re also working with other banks to ensure that customers can use any bank’s ATMs without incurring Saswitch fees.
We have 10 mobile branches on standby to be potentially placed in the affected areas as and when we secure site
where it is feasible to have a mobile branch. Our mobile branches will offer more services that our customers ordinarily access in a brick and mortar facility. We believe that these alternative measures will provide significant relief to communities as we continue to rebuild and restore the impaired infrastructure,” says van Zyl.
Notwithstanding these efforts, FNB continues to encourage its customers to use its digital channels for most service which do not require an ATM or branch. Customers are encouraged to use the FNB App, Online and Cellphone Banking for day to day banking.
“As a corporate citizen, we have overcome historical challenges and crises working in partnership with stakeholders across our society. At this juncture, we also realise that the unrest affected other essential community infrastructure beyond our own. Therefore, we are working with NGOs and community leaders on the ground to identify areas where we can lend our support to restore essential services likes clinics for instance, which offer invaluable services to communities,” concludes van Zyl.
