FILE PHOTO: [Left] Ithala Board Chairperson Inkosi Sibonelo Mkhize and MEC of EDTEA, Mr Siboniso Duma officially opening the Anton Lembede Branch in Durban. PICTURE: Supplied
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0 DURBAN: The bank has finally opened its state-of-the-art technology full-service branch named after the former ANCYL president, Anton Lembede.
On Tuesday, Ithala SOC Limited finally launched the much-anticipated branch in the busy street of Durban. The state-of-the-art technology branch is one of the 36 branches Ithala has in KwaZulu-Natal and the 5th of its kind.
Officially opened by the new MEC of Economic Development, Tourism and Environment Affairs (EDTEA), Mr Siboniso Duma and Ithala board deputy chairperson as well as board members. Interestingly, the event was also attended by the sister and granddaughters of the great Anton Lembede.
In a statement issued by the bank, “[t]he Anton Lembede branch is one of the new-look branches aimed at combining physical transacting and digital integration to create a unique customer experience. The facilities offered in the branch allow existing clients to adopt digital channels and help Ithala to attract young clients who are digitally savvy to start banking with the institution.”
“The Anton Lembebe branch was officially opened by the Honorable MEC of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Mr Siboniso Duma. Amongst others in attendance from EDTEA and Provincial Government was Mr Zamo Ndovela, Head of the Ministry,” the bank said in a statement.
“Ithala remains grateful for the continued support of Mr Duma and all KZN premiers, past and present. Ithala hopes this event will reinforce the commitment to banking the unbanked rural and semi-urban clients and helping ordinary South Africans to create wealth,” said the statement.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Sboniso Duma, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, said, “I hope that the branch named after the towering giant, Anton Lembede, will bring so much change in the lives of Africans and the African continent.”
“The Anton Lembede branch is necessitated by our commitment to rebuilding and repositioning the province’s economic position which was harmed by the triple unfortunate events of Covid, the civil unrest, and the floods in the past three years,” the statement said.
“Lembede was not known as a Zulu person but an African because of his contribution to the liberation struggle and the unity of Africans,” said Mr Duma.
“We are very pleased that Ithala has done an incredible job where it assists black people who will walk into a financial institution and be afforded services that other banks usually decline because of lack of collateral. Ithala remains the embodiment of a progressive financial institution in our diaspora, in our country and our province,” Mr Duma added.
These sentiments were also echoed by Ithala SOC Limited Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thulani Vilakazi who has been playing an instrumental role within Ithala SOC Limited. According to Dr Vilakazi, “the state-of-the-art facility will usher in a new era for Ithala SOC Limited and thanks to all those that made it happen from internal and external stakeholders.”
“We remain focused on the path to redefining wealth for every South African through our exciting offerings at the Anton Lembede Branch. We want to urge everyone to open their accounts and start enjoying the benefits that come with it,” he said.
Ithala hopes and believes that clients will enjoy the state-of-the-art technology banking experience with its new addition. Existing and potential customers are urged to make their way to the newly launched branch.
Ithala SOC Limited is the only state-owned entity that provides full banking services; is fully regulated by the South African Reserve Bank and other banking industry regulators and is fully committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.
A current distribution network of 36 branches in KZN provides convenient transacting facilities. Ithala offers a comprehensive portfolio of corporate and personal banking solutions.
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