Absa Rewards up to no good

I was surprised to learn that Checkers, Shoprite & USave will no longer be part of the Rewards program as from the 16 Mar 2020. I contacted Checkers to voice my disappointment with them for exiting the Rewards program. The feedback that I got from Checkers marketing is that they have absolutely nothing to do with this, it is all Absa's doing. This move by Absa is very suspicious because firstly it will reduce the amount of rewards I earn as I do a lot of shopping at Shoprite & Checkers and secondly I see it as a type of grooming to get me to shop at remaining rewards partners (eg. Pick n Pay). Shame on you Absa for this dubious behavior.