By Celani Sihkakhane
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal wants the government to move its R150-billion budget from Standard Bank to Ithala Bank to benefit rural communities in the province.
Speaking at a media briefing on Friday at the party’s provincial headquarters, ANC KZN secretary Bheki Mtolo criticised Standard Bank’s fees, saying they don’t help the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
He pointed out that when Standard Bank handled the R600-million back pay for headmen and women, rural and township communities didn’t benefit.
“The ANC believes KZN’s government should start banking with PostBank and Ithala. This will require meeting certain national standards, but it’s the direction we should take,” Mtolo said.
“In the future, all public entities, government departments, and municipalities in KZN should bank through PostBank and Ithala.”
The ANC also called on Ithala’s leaders to focus on good governance to build respect and trust in the bank.
Earlier this month, Ithala’s licence was suspended, and it was told that its services should be moved to other banks.
However, Reverend Musa Zondi, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, told clients that Ithala is still operating as usual and that their accounts are safe, although no deposits can be made at this time.
Pictured above: KZN ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo and spokesperson Mafika Mndebele addressing the media on the Ithala Bank issue.
Source: Mfanafuthi Nxumalo/ANC
