B-BBEE
Our purpose is to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic transformation of our society through the Black Economic Empowerment
Absa Group Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Report
Corporate Governance
The principles by which companies are managed and
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Empowerment Financing
Absa provides financing to multiple BEE initiatives. In one of its BEE transaction financing initiatives, Absa underwrote a project finance revolving facility for R300 million for the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority for the Berg Water Project. This financing is going towards the construction of a dam with a gross storage capacity of 130 million m3 on the Berg River and a supplemental scheme on the Dwars River outside Franschhoek.
Absa has also underwritten a revolving project finance facility for R1 billion and a bridging facility for R100 million. These funds will be used for the Vaal River Eastern Subsystem Augmentation Project, which involves the construction of a 122 km pipeline to deliver water from the Vaal Dam to the Knoppiesfontein diversion structure, which discharges into either the Trichartsfontein or Bosjesspruit dams near Secunda.
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A culture of growth
Absa’s growth is partly linked to our ability to identify and address the requirements of the emerging market, while growing shareholder value.
Through working with the Financial Sector Charter (FSC) and the Codes, we aim to achieve and exceed where possible:
- True representation in our customer base
- A culture, underpinned by the Absa values, in which all employees can engage and feel a part of
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Human Resources
We believe that the key to success lies in highly capable, empowered and motivated employees who, as stakeholders, help shape our group’s sustainable future. As we strive towards a high-performance culture, our key objectives are to value and build diversity (both internally through employment equity and externally through leadership programmes), and to empower all employees to reach their full potential through skills development initiatives.
Due to historical factors, there are people who still experience vestiges of inequality and disadvantage due to gender, disability and other factors. The previous economically-misaligned education system has contributed to the labour market still lacking the adequate supply of appropriately qualified and skilled people, particularly among the disadvantaged groups.
We have therefore committed ourselves to contribute towards redressing this through a comprehensive and robust employment equity and diversity management programme.
Talent pipelines are to be aligned with the employment equity and transformation strategy, and there is a 10-point executive committee plan that seeks to change and make the culture and environment inclusive of all employees. There is also active support to ensure there is accommodation for employees with disabilities, to name but a few.
There is no doubt that transformation and employment equity has taken the centre stage within Absa. The group is currently enjoying the success of not only embracing diversity, but leading it.
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Procurement Partners
Absa supports preferential procurement as a lever for economic transformation and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE). We are committed to working with our existing suppliers to transform themselves, as well as sourcing products and services from new suppliers that embody the principles of transformation.
For transformation to be sustainable, prices and service levels need to be competitive. Absa therefore assists its suppliers to be competitive through local and global benchmarking and sourcing processes where the entire supplier offering is evaluated, including B-BBEE contribution level, price, service and quality.
By using its buying power, Absa has also assisted many of its suppliers to produce their own B-BBEE scorecard. The number of new verification certificates and the improvement in our own preferential procurement score demonstrates that suppliers have an improved understanding of their current standing and how they can take further steps to improve.
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Enterprise Development
Absa is committed to assisting emerging black small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa to grow and prosper through our various Enterprise Development (ED) initiatives. ED is an integral part of our Shared Value Strategy and contributes to the wider national agenda to promote a thriving SME sector to enable economic and social development in the country.
SMEs face numerous challenges in achieving sustainability and success, the most notable of these being:
• Access to finance
• Access to markets
• Business management skillsAbsa, together with our various partners, seeks to assist SMEs to overcome some of these barriers.
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Ownership and Control
In 2004, we allocated 10% stake to black partners through the Batho Bonke consortium. The deal was partly unwound in 2009 (4.99%) and the remainder in 2012 (5.01%), after the consortia sold their equity. Our current ownership score is an aggregation of (i) once empowered always empowered principle, (ii) indirect ownership and (iii) equity equivalent arising from surplus of BBBEE transaction financing.
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Consumer Education
Consumer Education is the process of transferring knowledge and skills to consumers, future consumers and potential consumers for individual well-being and the public good. The intended outcome of the process is the development of consumer’s knowledge and understanding of the financial sector and its products and services. Consumer Education will include programmes that are aimed at empowering consumers with knowledge to enable them to make more informed decisions about their finances and lifestyles.
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Socio-Economic Development
Absa Group is a strong, diversified financial services group, committed to making a difference to the communities which we serve and dedicated to unlocking the future potential of our continent. Shared Value is the evolution of our Citizenship agenda that supports our values, purpose and customer centric focus. Central to Shared Value is the idea of creating a virtual link between our own success and society’s progress. We are committed to Shared Value which, for us, means using our core assets and expertise to develop commercial scalable solutions to societal problems whilst deriving shareholder value.
Our Shared Value strategy is aimed at facilitating and creating platforms for contributing to nation-building by delivering on the Group’s mandate through supporting broad-based economic growth, fostering employability and innovation. We have defined three focus areas where we will play a leading role in managing predictable socio-economic risks and challenges:
- Education and Skills Development — To support increased employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods by enabling increased access to better quality education
- Enterprise Development — Support and enable enhanced formation, growth and inclusion of small and medium enterprises within the economy
- Financial Inclusion — To provide greater, more convenient access to appropriate financial services to the financially excluded, unbanked and underbanked
Shared Value is a business imperative that contributes to Absa’s goals, to the country’s socio-economic development and to making a difference in the lives of the communities where we operate.
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Basel Rating
Headquartered at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) in Basel, Switzerland, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) is the primary global standard setter for the prudential regulation of banks. Its 45 members comprise central banks and bank supervisors from 28 jurisdictions, providing a forum for regular cooperation on banking supervisory matters.
The genesis of this series of regulation began with Basel I, originally attracting the title of the Basel Capital Accord. This was approved by the G10 Governors and released to banks in July 1988. With an initial focus on credit risk, it expanded later to incorporate market risk and a revised capital framework was released in June 2004 – generally known as Basel II.
The Basel III framework is the BCBS’s response to the global financial crisis. It addresses several shortcomings and provides a foundation for a resilient banking system that’s aimed at avoiding the build-up of systemic vulnerabilities.
Initially, it focused on strengthening the qualitative and quantitative aspects of capital supply, enhancing risk capture, specifying a minimum leverage ratio backstop, and mitigating excessive liquidity build-up though the introduction of key ratios. Absa has maintained compliance with Basel III since January 2013.
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National Financial Ombud Scheme
At Absa, we take pride in providing excellent service as one of the South Africa's leading banks. We follow the Code of Banking Practice and agree to the rules set by the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO). NFO is an independent organization established through the Financial Sector Regulation Act that helps resolve complaints between customers and financial institutions independently and fairly.
If you have a problem with our services, you can choose to use the NFO to resolve it, or you can take legal action or use other dispute resolution methods.
The NFO has the power to decide what's fair and reasonable in resolving complaints. It considers laws, previous rulings, industry practices, and applicable codes. Its decisions are legally binding on us and other financial institutions.
How the complaint process works
- If you make a complaint the NFO will check if you've already tried to resolve the issue with Absa first.
- If your complaint hasn’t been resolved by Absa, the NFO will ask you to try Absa’s internal complaints process before they get involved, unless they believe there's a good reason to help you right away.
- If the NFO finds that you've tried our process or decide to handle your complaint anyway, they'll let Absa know and work with us to resolve it.
- They may use different methods to resolve your complaint, like mediation or making a recommendation.
The NFO can help finalize any agreement you and Absa reach during the process.
There are monitory limits to claims that the NFO can handle, unless we agree to the higher claim or you agree to limit your claim.Lodging a complaint with Absa
- Should you have a complaint, please feel free to contact us via your nearest Absa branch or by contacting us directly via email or telephonically.
- Should the complaint not be resolved immediately, Absa will register your complaint and provide you with a reference number.
- Within three business days, you will be provided with a resolution or the estimated time required to resolve the complaint. In the unlikely event we cannot resolve your complaint within 20 business days, you will receive a letter of resolution/conclusion on our position or an indication of when we expect to reach resolution. If you are not satisfied with the resolution/conclusion, you are invited to escalate your complaint as indicted in the escalation process.
Internal dispute resolution
The following are required of the banks with regard to internal dispute resolution:
- The bank's IDRP must comply with the standards determined by the Ombuds Scheme.
- The bank must acknowledge a client's initial complaint within a set time period.
- The bank must indicate to the client how long it will take to respond more fully to the complaint.
This will happen when the bank acknowledges receipt of the complaint and/or negotiates a resolution date acceptable to the client.
- If a client requests it, the bank must provide him/her with information of the IDRP.
- If a client wants to lodge a complaint, the bank must inform him/her how to do so.
- If the client is not satisfied with the outcome of a complaint, the bank must inform the client
what he/she can do next.
- The bank must ensure that all staff in branches, client care staff or call centre staff assist a client with any queries and/or complaints.
- The client can use the bank's website to obtain more information or to lodge a complaint.
- Before the client lodges an official complaint with the NFO’s Office, he/she should first contact the bank to attempt to resolve the issues.
- The bank must give the client a reference number for the complaint.
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Code of Banking Practice
The Code of Banking Practice (COBP) is a voluntary code that sets out the minimum standards for service and conduct customers can expect from the bank with regard to the services and products it offers, and how the bank would like to relate to customers.
Absa is committed to meeting the standards set out in this Code. Our relationship with customers will be guided by four key principles, namely fairness, transparency, accountability and reliability. The Code aims to promote good banking practices by:
- Setting minimum standards for banks when dealing with their customers
- Increasing transparency so that customers can have a better understanding of what they can reasonably expect of the banks’ products and services
- Fostering confidence in the banking system
Although the COBP is based on self-regulation and exists as a voluntary code of conduct, there is other legislation, which has an impact on the relationship between a bank and its clients, and therefore has an impact on the COBP.
Acts that have a bearing on the COBP include:
- Consumer Protection Act (2008)
- National Credit Act (2005)
- Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS) of 2002
- Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) of 2001
- Financial Services Ombud Schemes Act of 2004
- Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act of 2000
- Promotion of Access to Information Act of 2000
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Dispute Resolution
Should you have any comments, complaints or compliments regarding our service or our dispute resolution process, please let us know. This feedback helps us to learn and to improve our service.
What you can expect:
- To have your concerns and complaints heard
- To be treated with dignity and respect
- To have your concerns and complaints treated with fairness
- To receive a quick and appropriate response to any complaints
- To have your concerns or complaints escalated where necessary
- To be thanked for raising your concern/compliment/complaint
Lodging a complaint
Should you have a complaint, please feel free to contact us via your nearest Absa branch or by contacting us directly via email or telephonically.
Should the complaint not be resolved immediately, Absa will register your complaint and provide you with a reference number.
Within three (3) business days, you will be provided with a resolution or the estimated time required to resolve the complaint. In the unlikely event we cannot resolve your complaint within 20 business days, you will receive a letter of resolution/conclusion on our position or an indication of when we expect to reach resolution. If you are not satisfied with the resolution/conclusion, you are invited to escalate your complaint as indicted in the escalation process.
Internal dispute resolution
Section 10 of the Code of Banking Practice (COBP) deals with:
- The undertakings of the bank with regard to dispute resolution
- The bank's Internal Dispute Resolution Procedures (referred to as IDRP)
- The Ombudsman for Banking Services (referred to as OBS)
- Reference to FAIS
All the banks that are members of the Banking Association have adopted IDRP, which became effective on 1 April 2003.
The IDRP is in line with the requirements of the complaints procedures as defined in FAIS and specifically in the FAIS General Code (referred to as FAIS GC).The following are required of the banks with regard to internal dispute resolution:
- The bank's IDRP must comply with the standards determined by the Banking Association.
- The bank must acknowledge a client's initial complaint within a set time period.
- The bank must indicate to the client how long it will take to respond more fully to the complaint. This will happen when the bank acknowledges receipt of the complaint and/or negotiates a resolution date acceptable to the client.
- If a client requests it, the bank must provide him/her with information of the IDRP.
- If a client wants to lodge a complaint, the bank must inform him/her how to do so.
- If the client is not satisfied with the outcome of a complaint, the bank must inform the client what he/she can do next.
- The bank must ensure that all staff in branches, client care staff or call centre staff assist a client with any queries and/or complaints.
- The client can use the bank's website to obtain more information or to lodge a complaint.
- Before the client lodges an official complaint with the OBS Office, he/she should first contact the bank to attempt to resolve the issues.
- The bank must give the client a reference number for the complaint.
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The National Credit Act
The National Credit Act (NCA) requires any person who grants credit within the ambit of the National Credit Act, irrespective of the principle debt, must apply to be a registered credit provider with the National Credit Regulator (NCR) before giving a loan or granting credit.
Overview of the National Credit Act
The NCA protects your rights as a consumer by regulating the granting of loans or credit. In short, it makes responsible lending a shared responsibility between you and your credit provider. By making your credit or loan applications transparent, fair and easy to understand, it gives you the knowledge and power to manage your debt effectively and pay it back comfortably.
The Act reminds you that you have both the right and responsibility to understand and question how your credit agreements are structured, what payments you will be required to make, and what the terms and conditions involve.
Which credit agreements are regulated by the Act?
Banks:
- Loans
- Mortgages (Bonds)
- Overdrafts
- Credit cards
- Vehicle finance
- Any other personal finance
Retailers:
- Furniture finance
- Clothing accounts
- Any other retail finance
Other Categories:
- Micro-loans and pawn transactions
- Any other type of credit or loan provided to you
How does the NCA benefit you?
The National Credit Act ensures that:
- You are not discriminated against when you look for credit
- You will be getting all the information
- You understand all the terms used
- You understand all fees, costs, interest rates, the total instalment and any other details
- You are offered the best products for your needs and the most responsible lending options
- Your interest rate is reasonable
- You can speak to a debt counsellor should you experience difficulty with your repayments
- You can say no to increases on your credit limit
- You decide whether or not you want to hear about products or services from credit suppliers via telephone, SMS, mail or email campaigns
What can you do to borrow affordably and wisely?
- Avoid buying goods on credit just because you can. Make sure that you really need them and that you can afford to pay for it over the long term
- Always pay off your monthly instalments on or before the due date to keep interest rates to the minimum and maintain a good credit record
- Always pay off the loan with the highest interest rate first. This helps you to save on interest payments in the long run
- Only apply for credit from a registered credit provider, such as Absa
- Give the credit provider all the information they ask for to help them understand how much credit you can comfortably afford to pay back
- Avoid turning short-term debt (like credit cards) into long-term debt (such as your home loan) simply to increase your cash flow now. You don’t want to repay last month’s grocery bill over the period of your home loan, as you pay more interest over a longer period of time
- Live within your means by not spending more than you earn
- Find out what your credit rating is and update your information regularly
What is Absa’s Language Statement of Intent?
The National Credit Act provides that a customer has the right to receive documents in plain and understandable language. The National Credit Regulator has approved for Absa to make these documents available in English and Afrikaans, but should a customer require assistance in another official language, this can be reviewed.
Email: languagepolicy@absa.co.za
Call the Credit Regulator on: 0860 62 76 27
Call us toll-free on: 0800 41 41 41
Email Credit Regulator at nca.customers@absa.co.za
Web address: https://www.ncr.org.za
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Downloadable PDFs
codisection
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What is CODI?
CODI’s primary objective is to manage South Africa’s Deposit Insurance Fund, which became effective in April 2024.
Why do we need depositor insurance?
While South Africa has a resilient financial sector, deposit insurance brings further confidence and stability to the sector. In the past, when a bank failed the government used taxpayers’ money to compensate depositors on a case-by-case basis. With deposit insurance, qualifying depositors will be given reasonable access to their covered deposits should their bank fail. More than 100 countries in the world have a deposit insurance scheme (DIS) similar to the one South Africa has adopted.
Do I need to pay CODI to be covered?
No. Depositors will not make any payments to CODI for deposit insurance protection. CODI will establish and build a Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) with financial contributions from member banks.
Who qualifies for this protection?
- Individual depositors, including minors
- Non-financial corporate depositors, including sole proprietors
- Foreign individual and non-financial corporate depositors
- Deceased qualifying depositors
- Charitable or non-profit organisations
- Religious entities
- Trade unions
- Consumer associations.
Download your CODI brochure
For an in-depth overview of CODI, visit SARB or watch this video.
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Frequently asked questions
What is CODI?
The Corporation for Deposit Insurance (CODI) is South Africa’s Deposit Insurance scheme that ensures depositors have reasonable access to their covered deposits, should their bank fail.
Who does CODI cover?
CODI protects individual and non-financial corporate depositors with accounts in qualifying products such as savings, transactional accounts, fixed and notice deposits.
How much does it cover?
CODI protects up to R100 000 of account balances in qualifying products per depositor per bank.
Where do I register for CODI?
CODI’s protection is automatic for all qualifying depositors with accounts in qualifying products. You do not have to register to be covered by CODI.
Who are the members of CODI?
By law, all banks are members of CODI.
When does CODI’s protection start?
CODI became operational on 1 April 2024.
Where can I find out more?
Visit the CODI section on the South African Reserve Bank website.
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Registered Office
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Transfer secretary
Computershare Investor Services Proprietary Limited
Address:
Rosebank Towers 15 Biermann Avenue Rosebank 2196 South Africa
Postal address:
PO Box 61051, Marshalltown, 2107
Telephone:
+27 11 373 0033
Fax:
+27 11 688 5217
Email:
Web.Queries@Computershare.co.za
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Group Secretary
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Auditors
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Sponsors
JP Morgan Equities Limited
(Lead independent sponsor)Address:
No 1 Fricker Road, Cnr. Hurlingham Road, Illovo, Johannesburg, 2196
Postal address:
Private Bag X9936,
Sandton, 2146Telephone:
(+27) 011 507 0300
Fax:
(+27) 011 507 0353
Corporate and Investment Banking
(Joint sponsor)Address:
15 Alice Lane, Sandton, 2196
Postal address:
Private Bag X10056, Sandton, 2146
Telephone:
(+27) 011 506 7951
(+27) 011 895 6821
Fax:
(+27) 011 895 7809
Need more help?
Let one of our consultants assist you.
Call us on: 0800 41 41 41
Email us at: actionline@absa.co.za
