SASSA: Bank to roll out mobile ATMs to help with cash needs

FNB is rolling mobile ATMs to KwaZulu-Natal communities, starting in Dalton and Harding, while other units will soon be set up in Jozini and Richmond to help SASSA grant recipients and other customers with their cash needs, the bank announced on Monday.

FNB is also deploying mobile ATMs to Vosloorus, Sebokeng, Diepkloof and Orange Farm in Gauteng. 

FNB Points of Presence CEO  Lee-Anne van Zyl said that more than 90% of the bank’s ATMs  are currently available around the country. However, she said that in areas impacted by the unrest, some of the infrastructure may still take some time to repair.

Van Zyl said the bank had partnered with the banking industry, communities and local government structures to expedite its plans for alternative mobile solutions in these affected areas. This will enable SASSA grant recipients to access their money in local communities.

 “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 (Banking Association of South Africa), we’re also working with other banks to ensure that customers can use any bank’s ATMs without incurring Saswitch fees,” she said.

“We have 10 mobile branches on standby to be potentially placed in the affected areas as and when we secure sites 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.

She said FNB would continue to encourage its customers to use its digital channels for most services, which do not require an ATM or branch activity. Customers have been 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,” van Zyl said.

SOURCE: THESOUTHAFRICAN / Lyse Comins