Shockingly Poor Business Banking Service – ABSA Mooirivier Potch

I decided to open new business accounts with ABSA under my registered company and contacted the Mooirivier Potchefstroom branch on 29 May.

I was referred to Pelo Kole, a business banker. After calling her twice and sending an SMS, she finally returned my call and very bluntly told me she was too busy to assist and that I should “use another banker.” Unacceptable and unprofessional.

I reported this to the branch, and they apologised and gave me another contact, Laome.

I sent all required documents to Laome on 29 May, and met her in person on 3 June. Despite this, my accounts dragged on without progress.

On 9 June, I followed up and was told Laome was “feeling under the weather” and had taken time off — no courtesy communication, no continuity.

By 12 June, I had to escalate the issue to Sidney Khotseng, a manager . Even while out of office, Sidney showed what real customer service looks like and stepped in to assist. Within minutes, one account was activated, and I received the second one shortly after — though even then, the wrong account type had initially been opened.

Sidney advised that I should reconnect with Pelo since she’d now be the right person to assist going forward.

On 17 June, I called Pelo to explain the full background. She told me to email her, which I did — only for her to immediately forward the email back to Laome, once again passing me around instead of taking responsibility.

From the very first day (29 May), Pelo has shown zero interest in assisting me. She passed me off then, and now again, despite a manager’s instruction. I even sent her a direct email asking what her issue is — no reply.

This is not just poor service — it is dismissive, unaccountable behaviour from business bankers who are supposed to enable entrepreneurs, not frustrate them.

If not for Sidney, I would likely still be without account numbers, however is am still without working app services.

ABSA: You need to seriously assess how you assign business bankers. If Pelo and Laome are unwilling or unable to assist clients with basic efficiency and professionalism, then they are not fit to represent your business banking division.