BM
Brian M

1 reviews | Active since Jan 2025

14 Jan 2025, 10:49

Estate of Thuso Marake - Request for Assistance

To: Standard Bank South Africa

From: Mpho Marake

Date: 14 January 2025

Contact Information:

ID number: *** Address: 52 Mpetsheni Street, Ilitha Park, Khayelitsha, 7784 This letter constitutes a formal complaint regarding the estate of my late son, Thuso Marake, who was employed by Standard Bank South Africa for approximately 20 years prior to his passing in 2016.

My son, in his will, clearly instructed Standard Bank to facilitate the transfer of his property to my name. This instruction, a simple and straightforward request, appears to have been disregarded by the bank.

The failure of Standard Bank to fulfill this crucial aspect of my son's will has created significant hardship for me. As a senior citizen, I am now burdened with the responsibility of paying property taxes and other associated expenses for a property that rightfully belongs to me. This financial strain is immense and has even led me to consider selling the property to alleviate the financial pressure.

I believe that Standard Bank has failed to honor the service and legacy of my son by neglecting to fulfill the clear instructions outlined in his will.

I request that this matter be investigated and resolved promptly. I expect a swift and satisfactory resolution that honors my son's wishes and provides me with the necessary documentation to transfer the property into my name.

Sincerely,

Mpho Marake

0
Replies (5)
Standard Bank
Standard Bank's reply14 Jan 2025, 10:56
Official
Dear Brian, 

Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. As Standard Bank, we are committed to providing you with the best possible service and will ensure that this issue is taken care of. 

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or unwarranted frustration this has given you. 

Kindest regards, 
Standard Bank Hello Peter Team 
***
BM
Brian M's update22 Jan 2025, 09:18
Reviewer Update
Dear Standard Bank South Africa,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the treatment of long-serving employees and their families by Standard Bank South Africa. It is disheartening to see that employees who have dedicated many years to the bank are often forgotten, particularly senior citizens who may not be well-versed in South African laws and regulations.

My son, who was an employee of Standard Bank, passed away in 2016. Since then, I have been seeking clarity and resolution regarding the entitlements due to his family. Despite numerous attempts to address these issues from 2017 to 2025, I have not received satisfactory responses or support. I request a detailed account of the actions taken by the bank regarding my son's funds and assets, as he entrusted Standard Bank to uphold principles of equality and fairness.

Additionally, I am currently facing municipal bills still listed under my son's name, despite his will clearly outlining the necessary actions. This matter requires urgent attention and resolution.

I urge Standard Bank to address these concerns promptly and ensure that similar situations do not affect other families. It is crucial for the bank to demonstrate its commitment to all its employees and their families, regardless of their background.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Standard Bank
Standard Bank's reply23 Jan 2025, 17:00
Official
Dear Brian 

Thank you for writing back to us.

We will follow up with our team and we will be in touch.

Please be on the look out for further communication.

Kindest regards, 
Standard Bank Hello Peter Team 
*** 
BM
Brian M's update09 Mar 2025, 10:02
Reviewer Update
Dear Standard Bank Lawyers,

I am writing to express my profound dissatisfaction with Standard Bank's protracted handling of Mama Marake's estate matter, which has been ongoing since 2016.

It is deeply concerning that, after nearly a decade, this matter remains unresolved, raising serious questions regarding Standard Bank's commitment to fulfilling its deceased employee's last wishes. I believe there is a clear indication of discriminatory practices based on the beneficiary's socioeconomic status, geographic location, and educational background.

The suggestion that a senior citizen residing in Khayelitsha should be subjected to such prolonged delays is unacceptable. It appears that Standard Bank is deliberately delaying the process, potentially with the intent of rendering the beneficiary unable to receive her due inheritance.

I possess records of communications indicating that Standard Bank repeatedly requires Mama Marake to enter into payment arrangements for water and municipal fees. This is fundamentally flawed, as the ownership of the property remains in dispute and is directly attributable to Standard Bank's failure to expedite the transfer of ownership as per the deceased employee's wishes.

Given the beneficiary's age and circumstances, it is imperative that Standard Bank ceases imposing undue financial burdens upon her. Community resources, including support from organizations like the EFF and MK, as well as community leaders, are available to assist elderly residents with municipal account management. Standard Bank should not be attempting to delegate its responsibilities to Mama Marake, who is the rightful beneficiary of the property according to her son's wishes.

I will only engage in communication through this channel to ensure transparency and accountability. I implore South African citizens and Standard Bank employees to recognize the injustice being perpetrated.

I demand immediate action and resolution to this matter.

Sincerely,
Standard Bank
Standard Bank's reply09 Mar 2025, 11:09
Official
Good day Brian, 

Thank you for alerting us to this. 

We would like to make sure your matter is resolved as a priority. 

We have reached out to the relevant team so that we can ensure a speedy resolution. 

Please be on the look out for a call from our team. 

Kindest regards, 
Standard Bank Hello Peter Team 
***