Absa Group

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we celebrate the power of your unique story. Every step you take, every challenge you overcome, shapes the future we are building together. We are committed to empowering you — because #YourStoryMatters. Let’s continue to write our stories, one by one, as we create a brighter tomorrow for Africa.

What an unforgettable year it’s been. Throughout 2024, we’ve been driven by one belief: Your Story Matters. This guiding principle has shaped everything we’ve done. Through sport, we inspired greatness and brought people together. Technology empowered us to innovate and create smarter, safer solutions. In classrooms, we supported future leaders, and in the arts, we celebrated creativity and culture. Every campaign and initiative was a reflection of our commitment to making a meaningful difference. It’s been a year of listening, learning, and showing up for the people and communities we serve. Together, we’ve created opportunities, fostered resilience, and amplified the stories that truly matter. As we reflect on this incredible year, we look ahead with gratitude and optimism. The future is bright, and together, we’ll continue shaping it because #YourStoryMatters

As we come to the end of the series #Amaqhawe (Our Heroes), which is brought to you by ZeeZonke and proudly sponsored by Absa, we recognise and celebrate all 30 heroes who we’ve come to know over 15 episodes. Looking back on the lives of these remarkable individuals, we’re reminded of the strength of resilience, the value of giving back and the belief that your story is unstoppable – because your story matters. Our sponsorship of Amaqhawe continues to reflect our unwavering commitment to empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together … one story at a time, through supporting, celebrating and honouring the stories of heroes and the meaningful difference they make. We’re incredibly proud of our role in celebrating these heroes and supporting the next generation of leaders who’ll continue this important work. To learn more about Absa’s commitment to being a force for good, visit https://brnw.ch/21wPBlz #Amaqhawe #YourStoryMatters #AbsaXZee

The #AbsaIGrewIt Series Watch Party was more than just a gathering, it was a space for connection, learning, and empowerment. Through insightful sessions on budgeting, spending, borrowing, and credit management, participants gained practical tools to take control of their financial journeys. The day also provided opportunities to network, ask questions, and share experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual growth. We believe in empowering individuals to rewrite the story of their finances, one small step at a time. Together, we’re driving meaningful change and building a brighter future for the communities we serve. #YourStoryMatters

Faisal Mkhize Chief Executive of Absa Relationship Banking, delivered a compelling address at the Absa Transport Expo 2024, emphasising the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability in the transport and logistics sector. Mkhize’s reflections on both current challenges and future opportunities highlight Absa’s commitment to driving growth and innovation within the industry. Watch his insights on the sector’s future and Absa’s role in shaping it. Watch the video for more. #YourStoryMatters

Women in manufacturing bring resilience, vision and a dynamic force that amplifies job creation, economic growth and industrial progress. At Absa, we support women entrepreneurs in manufacturing by first understanding the unique needs and then developing tailored, holistic solutions. We aim to enable growth and expansion, unlocking value while building the resilience needed to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Contact us at manufacturing@absa.africa to learn more.

Challenges in South Africa’s transport and logistics sector are evident, but the solutions are within our reach. Thandi Kabini, Head of Commercial Asset Finance at Absa, took the stage at the Absa Transport Expo 2024, outlining key strategies to address the critical infrastructure gaps in South Africa’s freight systems. Thandi highlighted the importance of collaborative solutions across public and private sectors, such as investing in rail infrastructure and reducing road congestion. At Absa, we believe that long-term investment in transport infrastructure will unlock the growth potential of South Africa’s freight sector.

At the Absa Transport Expo 2024, Abdool Kamdar, Chief Innovation Officer at KDG Logistics, delivered a powerful message on the critical importance of the transport sector. As Abdool emphasised, “Without transport, nothing happens. It’s time to recognise its pivotal role and reduce its environmental impact for a sustainable future.” His insights focused on the need for innovation and collaboration in the transport industry to reduce its environmental footprint. By introducing greener solutions and improving efficiency, Abdool believes the transport sector can play a key role in driving economic growth and sustainability. At Absa, we share Abdool’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and building a future-proof transport and logistics sector. Together, we can create long-term solutions for South Africa’s transport challenges.

As we close out this year’s Learning Impact Story series, we’re excited to bring you our third story from within AVAF Product Solutions: Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow - The Business of Nurturing Young Talent.   Hear directly from our learners about how this investment has impacted their lives, helping them grow both personally and professionally. Through the AVAF Learnership, we’re not only cultivating future leaders; we’re giving our young learners a foundation for advancing their careers.   This programme equips our young talent in the Collections environment with the relevant skills to easily adapt and thrive in what would ordinarily constitute as a tough environment and also enables the cultivation of a talent and succession pipeline that is invested back into the business. #YourStoryMatters

Absa colleagues recently took to the streets of Johannesburg for the annual EmpowerWalk, an event commemorating the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The event symbolises Absa’s commitment to raising awareness and fostering change in the fight against GBV across South Africa. As a purpose-led and values-driven organisation, we have always supported initiatives that drive positive change and a large part of what defines us as an organisation is how we show up in the communities in which we operate. This year, Absa transformed the initiative into a unified, group-wide campaign to rally colleagues across the organisation and to date have raised R437,660.00. Joining this year’s event were Sasha-Lee Laurel Olivier, former Miss South Africa and gender activist dedicated to supporting GBV survivors through her Beauty with a Purpose campaign, #ItsNotYourFault, Refiloe Mohale, General Manager at Youthstart Foundation and senior member of “What About The Boys?”, a movement dedicated to redefining masculinity, and Ntokozo Mlaba, a filmmaker and winner of the Young Voice Award at the 2024 Joburg Film Festival  who recently released his film Project ‘The Passage’ focused on gender based violence and masculinity with township communities. The proceeds from this year’s EmpowerWalk and EmpowerAuction will go to Home of Hope for Girls and People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), two organisations dedicated to combating GBV and supporting survivors. #YourStoryMatters #ForceForGood #16DaysOfActivism