DS
Dineo S
1 reviews | Active since Jul 2016
08 Aug 2025, 21:20
#ABSAComplaint #BankingOmbudsman #ConsumerRights
ABSA Pushing Sale of My family Home After I Paid R150k to Save It on the 18 June 2025 before auction time. In a desperate effort to save my family home from auction, I paid R150,000 to ABSA — money I fought hard to raise. This payment stopped the first sale, and I believed it would give me the chance to get back on my feet. Instead of working with me, today the 8th August 2025 ABSA has now authorised a second sale date and is moving ahead with legal action in less than a month,refusing to give 90day grace period to secure tenants and pay my bond OR consider my affordability. This is not only just a property but a family home inherited from our late parents. I have already lodged a complaint with the Banking Ombudsman on the 6th August refence no ***. I strongly believe proceeding with the sale while the matter is under investigation would be prejudicial and undermine the Ombudsman process.
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Replies (4)
Absa's replyOfficial
11 Aug 2025, 09:33Dear Customer Thank you for bringing this unfortunate matter to my attention and please accept my sincere apology. Your reference number is C-***2. I will review and provide you with my specific contact details as well as an expected time frame for further updates/ feedback via email or by contacting you telephonically during the day. Looking forward to being of service to you. Kind regardsNthabiseng SibandeCustomer Value ManagementAbsa Bank Ltd
Best regards,
Absa's reply11 Aug 2025, 09:33
Official
Dear Customer Thank you for bringing this unfortunate matter to my attention and please accept my sincere apology. Your reference number is C-***2. I will review and provide you with my specific contact details as well as an expected time frame for further updates/ feedback via email or by contacting you telephonically during the day. Looking forward to being of service to you. Kind regardsNthabiseng SibandeCustomer Value ManagementAbsa Bank Ltd
Best regards,
DS
Dineo S's updateReviewer Update
18 Aug 2025, 12:46Dear Nthabiseng Sibande
I acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated 15 August 2025, referencing complaint number C-***2. I appreciate the summary of the bank’s position; however, I must strongly dispute certain aspects and note critical omissions, since you insist on selling my family home.
1. Significant Good Faith PaymentOn 18 June 2025, I made a once-off payment of R150,000.00 to prevent the sale of my family home. This was not a token payment but a substantial effort to demonstrate commitment to settling the account. Your response acknowledges the payment but fails to recognise it as grounds for reasonable negotiation.
2. Affordability and Restructuring RequestsI did not “refuse” to pay. I made a formal affordability submission supported by a motivation letter requesting:
A 90-day grace period to secure tenants;a reduction in the repayment instalment to align with my current rental income capacity (R8,00.00).A review of the +2.4% interest rate.Extension of the bond term to reduce monthly obligations.These requests were not frivolous — they are genuine, reasonable measures aimed at achieving a sustainable repayment arrangement.
3. Active Engagement with Bank Departments.Following your own Legal Department’s advice, I engaged the Interest Rate Department in writing. At the time of your letter, I am still awaiting their response. Proceeding with a second sale while this review is pending is both premature and prejudicial.
4. Ombudsman Case in ProgressOn 6 August 2025, I lodged a formal complaint with the Ombudsman for Banking Services (reference ***).
Still awaitin for the relevant department to respond to my complaint logged with the Ombudsman. Your decision to proceed with the 22 October 2025 sale date disregards the Ombudsman process and undermines the opportunity for independent resolution.
5. Misrepresentation of My PositionYour letter states that “no payment was received” since the variation agreement was presented. This fails to mention that I made a good faith payment of R150,000 just prior to these discussions, and that my request for adjusted instalments was a direct response to affordability constraints — not an unwillingness to pay.
I am requesting that ABSA:Suspend all legal action and the 22 October 2025 sale in execution date pending the outcome of the Ombudsman’s investigation;
Reopen genuine negotiations on affordability-based restructuring;
Provide a written explanation as to why the affordability and interest rate review requests have not been actioned.
I remain committed to resolving this matter amicably and sustainably, but proceeding with a sale under these circumstances is unreasonable and contrary to the principle of fair customer treatment.
Kind regards,Dineo ***
I acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated 15 August 2025, referencing complaint number C-***2. I appreciate the summary of the bank’s position; however, I must strongly dispute certain aspects and note critical omissions, since you insist on selling my family home.
1. Significant Good Faith PaymentOn 18 June 2025, I made a once-off payment of R150,000.00 to prevent the sale of my family home. This was not a token payment but a substantial effort to demonstrate commitment to settling the account. Your response acknowledges the payment but fails to recognise it as grounds for reasonable negotiation.
2. Affordability and Restructuring RequestsI did not “refuse” to pay. I made a formal affordability submission supported by a motivation letter requesting:
A 90-day grace period to secure tenants;a reduction in the repayment instalment to align with my current rental income capacity (R8,00.00).A review of the +2.4% interest rate.Extension of the bond term to reduce monthly obligations.These requests were not frivolous — they are genuine, reasonable measures aimed at achieving a sustainable repayment arrangement.
3. Active Engagement with Bank Departments.Following your own Legal Department’s advice, I engaged the Interest Rate Department in writing. At the time of your letter, I am still awaiting their response. Proceeding with a second sale while this review is pending is both premature and prejudicial.
4. Ombudsman Case in ProgressOn 6 August 2025, I lodged a formal complaint with the Ombudsman for Banking Services (reference ***).
Still awaitin for the relevant department to respond to my complaint logged with the Ombudsman. Your decision to proceed with the 22 October 2025 sale date disregards the Ombudsman process and undermines the opportunity for independent resolution.
5. Misrepresentation of My PositionYour letter states that “no payment was received” since the variation agreement was presented. This fails to mention that I made a good faith payment of R150,000 just prior to these discussions, and that my request for adjusted instalments was a direct response to affordability constraints — not an unwillingness to pay.
I am requesting that ABSA:Suspend all legal action and the 22 October 2025 sale in execution date pending the outcome of the Ombudsman’s investigation;
Reopen genuine negotiations on affordability-based restructuring;
Provide a written explanation as to why the affordability and interest rate review requests have not been actioned.
I remain committed to resolving this matter amicably and sustainably, but proceeding with a sale under these circumstances is unreasonable and contrary to the principle of fair customer treatment.
Kind regards,Dineo ***
DS
Dineo S's update18 Aug 2025, 12:46
Reviewer Update
Dear Nthabiseng Sibande
I acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated 15 August 2025, referencing complaint number C-***2. I appreciate the summary of the bank’s position; however, I must strongly dispute certain aspects and note critical omissions, since you insist on selling my family home.
1. Significant Good Faith PaymentOn 18 June 2025, I made a once-off payment of R150,000.00 to prevent the sale of my family home. This was not a token payment but a substantial effort to demonstrate commitment to settling the account. Your response acknowledges the payment but fails to recognise it as grounds for reasonable negotiation.
2. Affordability and Restructuring RequestsI did not “refuse” to pay. I made a formal affordability submission supported by a motivation letter requesting:
A 90-day grace period to secure tenants;a reduction in the repayment instalment to align with my current rental income capacity (R8,00.00).A review of the +2.4% interest rate.Extension of the bond term to reduce monthly obligations.These requests were not frivolous — they are genuine, reasonable measures aimed at achieving a sustainable repayment arrangement.
3. Active Engagement with Bank Departments.Following your own Legal Department’s advice, I engaged the Interest Rate Department in writing. At the time of your letter, I am still awaiting their response. Proceeding with a second sale while this review is pending is both premature and prejudicial.
4. Ombudsman Case in ProgressOn 6 August 2025, I lodged a formal complaint with the Ombudsman for Banking Services (reference ***).
Still awaitin for the relevant department to respond to my complaint logged with the Ombudsman. Your decision to proceed with the 22 October 2025 sale date disregards the Ombudsman process and undermines the opportunity for independent resolution.
5. Misrepresentation of My PositionYour letter states that “no payment was received” since the variation agreement was presented. This fails to mention that I made a good faith payment of R150,000 just prior to these discussions, and that my request for adjusted instalments was a direct response to affordability constraints — not an unwillingness to pay.
I am requesting that ABSA:Suspend all legal action and the 22 October 2025 sale in execution date pending the outcome of the Ombudsman’s investigation;
Reopen genuine negotiations on affordability-based restructuring;
Provide a written explanation as to why the affordability and interest rate review requests have not been actioned.
I remain committed to resolving this matter amicably and sustainably, but proceeding with a sale under these circumstances is unreasonable and contrary to the principle of fair customer treatment.
Kind regards,Dineo ***
I acknowledge receipt of your correspondence dated 15 August 2025, referencing complaint number C-***2. I appreciate the summary of the bank’s position; however, I must strongly dispute certain aspects and note critical omissions, since you insist on selling my family home.
1. Significant Good Faith PaymentOn 18 June 2025, I made a once-off payment of R150,000.00 to prevent the sale of my family home. This was not a token payment but a substantial effort to demonstrate commitment to settling the account. Your response acknowledges the payment but fails to recognise it as grounds for reasonable negotiation.
2. Affordability and Restructuring RequestsI did not “refuse” to pay. I made a formal affordability submission supported by a motivation letter requesting:
A 90-day grace period to secure tenants;a reduction in the repayment instalment to align with my current rental income capacity (R8,00.00).A review of the +2.4% interest rate.Extension of the bond term to reduce monthly obligations.These requests were not frivolous — they are genuine, reasonable measures aimed at achieving a sustainable repayment arrangement.
3. Active Engagement with Bank Departments.Following your own Legal Department’s advice, I engaged the Interest Rate Department in writing. At the time of your letter, I am still awaiting their response. Proceeding with a second sale while this review is pending is both premature and prejudicial.
4. Ombudsman Case in ProgressOn 6 August 2025, I lodged a formal complaint with the Ombudsman for Banking Services (reference ***).
Still awaitin for the relevant department to respond to my complaint logged with the Ombudsman. Your decision to proceed with the 22 October 2025 sale date disregards the Ombudsman process and undermines the opportunity for independent resolution.
5. Misrepresentation of My PositionYour letter states that “no payment was received” since the variation agreement was presented. This fails to mention that I made a good faith payment of R150,000 just prior to these discussions, and that my request for adjusted instalments was a direct response to affordability constraints — not an unwillingness to pay.
I am requesting that ABSA:Suspend all legal action and the 22 October 2025 sale in execution date pending the outcome of the Ombudsman’s investigation;
Reopen genuine negotiations on affordability-based restructuring;
Provide a written explanation as to why the affordability and interest rate review requests have not been actioned.
I remain committed to resolving this matter amicably and sustainably, but proceeding with a sale under these circumstances is unreasonable and contrary to the principle of fair customer treatment.
Kind regards,Dineo ***
Absa's replyOfficial
18 Aug 2025, 15:57Dear Dineo
The Ombudsman as a higher office are already engaging with the Home loans team under reference C-***7 and they will respond to you.
This case from our side will be closed.
The Ombudsman as a higher office are already engaging with the Home loans team under reference C-***7 and they will respond to you.
This case from our side will be closed.
Best regards,
Absa's reply18 Aug 2025, 15:57
Official
Dear Dineo
The Ombudsman as a higher office are already engaging with the Home loans team under reference C-***7 and they will respond to you.
This case from our side will be closed.
The Ombudsman as a higher office are already engaging with the Home loans team under reference C-***7 and they will respond to you.
This case from our side will be closed.
Best regards,
DS
Dineo S's updateReviewer Update
18 Aug 2025, 16:15Thank you for your response. However, I would like to note that instead of resolving my complaint here, Absa has chosen to close this case on HelloPeter and shift it to the Ombudsman’s office.
This shows that meaningful resolution has not been provided directly to me as the customer here on this platform, and I am still left without a workable repayment solution on my home loan. The Ombudsman is now handling the matter, which means Absa could not or would not resolve it on their own.
For transparency, I am sharing this so that other customers can see how Absa handles such serious matters — by referring them elsewhere rather than taking accountability here.I wish to escalate my complaint regarding Absa’s handling of my home loan matter. While I lodged this complaint with your office (Ref: C-***7), Absa has continued to act unreasonably and is now closing complaints on their side without proper resolution.
Most concerning is that Absa is hiding behind the fact that this matter is with the Ombudsman, rather than actively engaging in good faith to find a solution. I believe this shows disregard for both the customer and the Ombudsman process.
Below is a timeline for your record:
This shows that meaningful resolution has not been provided directly to me as the customer here on this platform, and I am still left without a workable repayment solution on my home loan. The Ombudsman is now handling the matter, which means Absa could not or would not resolve it on their own.
For transparency, I am sharing this so that other customers can see how Absa handles such serious matters — by referring them elsewhere rather than taking accountability here.I wish to escalate my complaint regarding Absa’s handling of my home loan matter. While I lodged this complaint with your office (Ref: C-***7), Absa has continued to act unreasonably and is now closing complaints on their side without proper resolution.
Most concerning is that Absa is hiding behind the fact that this matter is with the Ombudsman, rather than actively engaging in good faith to find a solution. I believe this shows disregard for both the customer and the Ombudsman process.
Below is a timeline for your record:
DS
Dineo S's update18 Aug 2025, 16:15
Reviewer Update
Thank you for your response. However, I would like to note that instead of resolving my complaint here, Absa has chosen to close this case on HelloPeter and shift it to the Ombudsman’s office.
This shows that meaningful resolution has not been provided directly to me as the customer here on this platform, and I am still left without a workable repayment solution on my home loan. The Ombudsman is now handling the matter, which means Absa could not or would not resolve it on their own.
For transparency, I am sharing this so that other customers can see how Absa handles such serious matters — by referring them elsewhere rather than taking accountability here.I wish to escalate my complaint regarding Absa’s handling of my home loan matter. While I lodged this complaint with your office (Ref: C-***7), Absa has continued to act unreasonably and is now closing complaints on their side without proper resolution.
Most concerning is that Absa is hiding behind the fact that this matter is with the Ombudsman, rather than actively engaging in good faith to find a solution. I believe this shows disregard for both the customer and the Ombudsman process.
Below is a timeline for your record:
This shows that meaningful resolution has not been provided directly to me as the customer here on this platform, and I am still left without a workable repayment solution on my home loan. The Ombudsman is now handling the matter, which means Absa could not or would not resolve it on their own.
For transparency, I am sharing this so that other customers can see how Absa handles such serious matters — by referring them elsewhere rather than taking accountability here.I wish to escalate my complaint regarding Absa’s handling of my home loan matter. While I lodged this complaint with your office (Ref: C-***7), Absa has continued to act unreasonably and is now closing complaints on their side without proper resolution.
Most concerning is that Absa is hiding behind the fact that this matter is with the Ombudsman, rather than actively engaging in good faith to find a solution. I believe this shows disregard for both the customer and the Ombudsman process.
Below is a timeline for your record: