Fare thee well

I remember writing a complaint a few backs, 18 May 2016, to be exact. If I said I was disgruntled while typing that complaint I cer*****y had no idea how the manner in which that complaint would be handled would make me feel.

Now, I understand how "insignificant" that complaint of mine may have been to a corporation as humongous as ABSA. But that was not the point. It was a matter of principle. Period. But that kite has since flown and i, thus will not dwell much on it.

What brings me here, again, is what transpired today.

As I said I would, I went and grew my business with ABSA. Thanks to very friendly staff at Fourways Mall, I'm now an owner of a cheque account, on top of the two savings accounts. Maybe I should refer to that in past tense because I probably would have closed off all my accounts by the time you read this.

My woes began the day I lost my first card. After blocking it telephonically, I was instructed to go to the branch to collect a new one, which I did. I managed to put through one transaction the same evening. The following day, I tried to increase my limits by dialling the ********** 600 number. After setting first the daily POS limit, the voice prompt advised I couldn't be verified and thus couldn't set a new ATM limit. Fine, i thought. I'd just go withdraw that R1000 and then swipe my rent. But did I?

I got an error message from ATM, advising I needed to consult the branch. Saturday. 14h00. Branch. You do the Math.

I called into customer services and spoke to a very unwilling-to-help, robotic, unimaginative, useless and devoid of empathy being who only served to make it worse. It was only after I called again and spoke to a lady that I saw a glimmer of hope. Apparently, my chip was blocked and I could have it unblocked, she said, at a selected number of branches that open till late and some that open on Sunday. I chose not to, however.

I went to the branch during the week to collect my new cheque card and also requested that the chip be unblocked, which, given the fact that I could transact afterwards, it's safe to say they did.

Today, however, I was appalled to be told the chip is again blocked. i called in again and was told I needed to go to the branch but, since it was closed, I could the Cashsend facility. FYI, I needed the funds in order to pay school fees. Now, dear ABSA,tell me.. which Unisa module costs R200. 00? I'd love to do that module! And..if I wanted to go to the branch for every transaction, do you not think I'dhave had the mind to request a bank book?

But.. just like my earlier complaint was irrelevant, this one probably is too. My "whole" business is probably that little and insignificant too. Thus I will take it elsewhere and leave you to fry the bigger fish.

I thank you.