Overseas payments

I need to transfer money regularly overseas. I called customer care to find out what the process is. Customer Care told me I need to open a NedTreasury Account if I would like to do transfers via online banking and I need to go into the bank to do so.

On 15 May I went to Nedbank Menlyn Maine, where I found a notice to say they are closed indefinitely due to COVID-19. Unfortunately I had to return to work as I am a Healthcare Worker at a hospital so I could not go to the Menlyn Branch.

On 16 May I went to Nedbank Menlyn branch where I stood 30min in a que (due to social distancing) only to be told that the Forex Banker was only going to be at work again on Monday. I explained that I am working in a hospital and cannot just slip away from work to be told that I cannot be helped because there is no one on duty. I then asked if there was anyone at another branch that could help me as I was willing to travel to another branch. After phoning around they could not find anyone at an open branch to help me.

After getting permission from my workon the afternoon of 20 May, I was able to go to Nedbank The Grove where they told me I need to talk to a Forex Banker and that there is not one at their branch, but I would have to go to the Menlyn branch. I then went to Nedbank Menlyn . I took my Essential Worker's Pass with me to the bank as I was supposed to return to work ASAP. When I got to the bank I showed the person at the door my pass and was asked if there is anyone that could help me. I was told to stand in the que and someone will help me.

I stood in the que for more than 20min before being allowed in. I then had to take a number and wait my turn. I waited for more than a hour and a half before I could see a Forex Banker. Please note that I am an Essential Worker and have an Essential Worker's Pass. Apparently there is only 1 Forex Banker in the Nebank Menlyn Branch.

While I was waiting and watching people go in and out of the bank and being helped before me that came in after me I noticed that there was no social distancing inside the bank. People were sitting on the benches next to each other. We were crammed in like sardines until another customer pointed out that no social distancing rules were being adhered to.

Another thing that I found completely unacceptable was that customers as well as some staff members were not wearing their masks properly... they were wearing their masks on their chin. Now can someone please tell me how the hell are you protecting yourself and others by covering up that which needs not being covered?!?!? It is like a man wearing underpants halfway up and his ***** is still hanging out!

When it was eventually my turn, and I spoke to the Forex Banker explaining my situation and enquiring about a NedTreasury account the person had no clue of what I was talking about and said that there is no such product. (I have you know that I can find the NedTreasury brochure on Google). The person also notified me that they are the ONLY person at the branch that deals with Forex transactions. After a brief conversation and trying to find out what my options are, I was told I need to fill in a form and bring it back to the bank with all the necessary information and that I would have to do this every time I need to transfer money overseas, unless I am overseas then I can send an email and the Forex Banker would do the transfer on my belhalf.

The problem I have with this is: 1. I cannot take off work to just come into the bank to stand to wait 2 hours to be helped by someone that cannot actually help me! 2. Why do I need someone to do overseas payments for me if there is an option for me to do it via online banking?!?!?! 3. What is the use of companies advertising that they are willing to help essential workers first if it is not practiced?

stand in a super long que