The worst service a bank can offer

I recently went to open a business bank account, but there were amendments to the directors that hadn't yet reflected on Experian. Consequently, Ellen couldn't release the account, which I completely understand. However, before leaving, Ellen assured me she would keep me updated regularly, making me feel like my business was important to her. It was comforting to know I had my own banker who would look after me.

However, it turned out that all that talk was just talk. From the moment I left the bank, I seemed to be the last thing on Ellen's mind. I had to follow up numerous times, only to be told that nothing had changed and offered no alternatives. I accepted this, as I understood that if the changes weren't reflected, nothing could be done.

Then, out of the blue, a lady named Linda Sithole called me with good news. She assured me that she had a way to get my account activated. When I mentioned Ellen's previous assertion that this wasn't possible, Linda promptly rep**** that she didn't know why Ellen was even handling my account, effectively passing the buck to her colleague. Nonetheless, I was hopeful and grateful.

Linda confirmed that if my ex-partner, who is still listed on Experian, was willing to sign for the account, it would be acceptable, and she could release my account. I contacted my ex-partner, who had no issues helping me out, and we were making progress again. My hope and expectations were now sky-high.

Unfortunately, that's where the story ends. The last I heard from Linda was an email she sent on the 12th, stating that she had attempted to contact me, which is a blatant lie that current technology would easily disprove. I rep**** to this email as well, but received no response. And now, I find myself with a registered business but no bank account.

I have never experienced such poor service in my life, and I've been fed cardboard before. Now, I have to seek this service from another bank, and I'm certain they will be able to assist. I don't know why I ever thought Standard Bank was a good idea, but I gave them a chance, and they instantly proved to me why everyone uses either FNB or Absa.