Shocking service and rude employees

I have never experienced such unacceptable customer service from someone representing Absa Group.

My late mother’s estate has been under administration for 14 months. Although the nominated executor is independent, Absa was appointed as the administering agent.

Despite the estate being straightforward and sufficiently liquid, I have not received any inheritance to date. Absa’s failure to release my inheritance in accordance with my mother’s wishes has caused me significant financial distress.

The assigned administrator has consistently demonstrated a lack of compassion, accountability, and professionalism. Communication is frequently defensive and, at times, unnecessarily rude.

Of serious concern is the apparent lack of proper financial controls. Payments to creditors have not been adequately verified against supporting invoices, nor have payment details been properly confirmed. In one instance, a payment was made based on a letter from the City of Cape Town without verification against an official statement or invoice. Incorrect payment references were used, and the funds are now unaccounted for.

From the outset, the administration has been plagued by ongoing delays, with little to no proactive effort to resolve outstanding matters. Instead, the responsibility for follow-ups has effectively been shifted onto the heirs, who are forced to repeatedly chase progress and action.

There appears to be a complete disconnect between the service being delivered and the standards one would reasonably expect in the administration of a deceased estate. The lack of ownership, urgency, and basic diligence is deeply concerning, particularly given the sensitive nature of this process.

Based on this experience, I would strongly caution others against appointing Absa as an estate administrator. This situation has caused unnecessary stress during an already difficult time.