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Sibabatso N

1 reviews | Active since Aug 2026

18 Aug 2026, 11:24

Complaint About ABSA Maponya mall branch

Complaint About ABSA Maponya mall branch Charges and Customer Service

I would like to lodge a formal complaint regarding my recent experience with ABSA.

I originally used ABSA to receive Western Union money. Previously, I was able to collect Western Union funds at an ABSA branch without having an ABSA account. Later, I was told that I had to open an ABSA account in order to receive the money. Although I explained that I did not want to open an account, I felt pressured to do so because I urgently needed the money.

Recently, I received approximately R799 from Western Union. When I went to the ABSA branch, I was told to withdraw the money from an ATM instead of receiving it from a bank teller.

A staff member assisted me initially, but directed me to an ATM that was only for deposits and did not have cash available. He then left me to complete the transaction myself.

I eventually withdrew R500. When I checked my account afterwards, I noticed that approximately R200 had been deducted. I asked the bank teller to explain where the money had gone and what fees had been charged.

Unfortunately, I did not feel that I was treated respectfully. The explanation I received was unclear, and when I asked to speak to a manager, I was directed from one staff member to another without receiving a proper explanation or resolution.

This account is primarily used for receiving Western Union funds, and I have hardly used the card for other transactions. Therefore, I am very concerned about these charges.

I am requesting that ABSA provide me with a complete, itemised breakdown of the approximately R200 deducted from my account, explain why each charge was made, and refund any charges that were not properly disclosed or were incorrectly app****.

I would also like ABSA to investigate the customer service I received at the branch.

I believe I deserve a clear explanation of what happened to my money and a fair resolution to this complaint.

Regards, Sibabatso N.

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Replies (2)
Absa
Absa's reply18 Aug 2026, 14:15
Official
Dear Sibabatso Ntsala, Thank you for bringing this unfortunate matter/incident to my attention and please accept my sincere apology. I will review and provide you with my specific contact details and the expected timeframe for further feedback/resolution via email. The reference number for your complaint is C-***2.   RegardsMarvellus ChaukeAbsa Bank Group Customer Care 
Absa
Absa's reply21 Aug 2026, 09:13
Official
Dear Miss Ntsala, Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We confirm that our investigation into your complaint has been concluded, and we wish to provide our formal response as follows: Complaint Theme: You advised that you were informed by the Absa branch that it would be necessary to open an Absa account in order to receive Western Union funds. While the account was successfully opened, you indicated that the associated account fees were not adequately explained. On 17 August 2026, you received a Western Union payment of R799.60 and subsequently noted a debit of R175.50 in account fees. You requested clarification regarding these fees and a reversal thereof. Our Response:Please note that we attempted to contact you telephonically to discuss your complaint; however, our attempts were unsuccessful. We further noted that the email address provided during the complaint process is not currently reflected on your Absa profile. We kindly request that you visit your nearest Absa branch at your earliest convenience to update your contact details to facilitate future communication. Our office received confirmation from the Branch Manager, Queen Nxumalo, that contact was made with you on 19 August 2026. During this engagement, the applicable account fees were explained, and information was provided regarding the self-service options available for Western Union transactions. As an account holder, you may perform Western Union transactions independently through our digital banking channels at any time, without the need to visit a branch. The benefits of digital banking, together with Absa’s digital migration initiatives, were also explained to enhance your banking convenience and accessibility. Furthermore, we confirm that the account fee debit of R175.50 was reversed on 20 August 2026, and the refunded funds are now reflecting in your account. Please note that your Transact account remains active. Should you no longer require this account, we encourage you to contact us or visit your nearest Absa branch to arrange for its closure and avoid any future monthly account fees. We kindly request that you confirm whether you are satisfied with the resolution provided. Should we not receive your response by 24 August 2026 at 10:00, we will proceed with the closure of this complaint. Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please accept our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused. Regards,Marvellus Chauke