Frustrating Experience Handling Deceased Estate

As the executor of an estate, I needed to transfer a nominal balance from a deceased’s personal account to the estate late account, and close the account. What should have been a straightforward task has turned into a frustrating process filled with inefficiencies.

I first visited the Summerstrand branch, only to be told they couldn’t assist because they have no tellers – even though I wasn’t requesting cash, just a transfer. I was referred to the Walmer Park branch.

At Walmer Park, I was told they also couldn’t close the account directly. Instead, all the relevant documents had to be emailed to the estates department at ***ca. The branch did this on 25 June 2025, and I was copied in the email.

Today is 14 July 2025 – nearly three weeks later – and I have received no response whatsoever. This complete lack of feedback is delaying the winding up of the estate and causing unnecessary stress.

It’s deeply concerning that such a critical department appears to be unresponsive and poorly monitored. I sincerely hope ABSA takes note of this and urgently improves their deceased estates process.