Absa unveils mobile branch in Eastern Cape

There are several dimensions to Absa’s financial inclusion plan through innovative technologies and an expanding network of banks,

Absa.jpg” width=”300″ height=”300″ /> The mobile branch has the full functionality of an entire bank branch.

Absa has embarked on its first operational trial of a ‘Branch-on-the-move’ in Idutywa in the Eastern Cape.

Explaining Absa’s ‘Branch-on-the-move’ concept, Absa’s Head of Retail Markets Arrie Rautenbach says it is designed to simulate the functionality of an entire bank branch in the form of a large container on wheels, that can be set up to be fully functional anywhere in the country within 24 hours of arrival.

Absa says its mobile branch serves as an emergency branch and does not require technology or equipment to be dissembled before being transported. The Idutywa pilot was built in only six weeks to serve the community while a new bank branch is being planned.

“It will move to areas of the country to extend its banking services where renovations, fire damage, water damage, ATM bombings or even construction interrupt normal branch operations,” continues Rautenbach. This service will especially be felt in remote rural villages. As we invest in our community, Branch-on-the-Move makes it possible for us to make our customers’ lives easier, through a facility that addresses the financial needs of these isolated rural communities.”

Rautenbach noted that there were several dimensions to Absa’s financial inclusion plan adding that through innovative technologies and an expanding network of banks, Absa was continuously addressing the financial needs of isolated rural communities with basic transactional services accommodated through Absa’s In-store banking model, the mobile phone, an extensive network of ATMs and point-of-sale devices, among others in rural markets.

Branch-on-the-move offers full banking services with two tellers, two sales consultants, a branch manager and an ATM. It also includes a kitchen and a bathroom for staff members.

“The introduction of the new branch concept not only ensures that Absa continues to operate in Idutywa, but more importantly continues to service the community without any interruptions or inconvenience,” says Rautenbach.