Durban: The country's major banks have reopened their branches and ATMs which were not vandalised during the recent looting and vandalism in KZN.
The banks have revealed that customers can now access cash in various ATMs and opened branches, while repairs were being done on the vandalised infrastructure.
First National Bank spokesperson Lee-Anne van Zyl said most of FNB ATMs in the province were now operating normally and had also been replenished with cash as and when necessary.
"We expect more of our ATMs to be restored to full functionality by the end of the week," Van Zyl said.
She added that they were working with all stakeholders to repair the damaged infrastructure within a reasonable period.
"Our aim is to minimise the inconvenience on our customers by providing access to our services in a safe and convenient manner," she said.
Van Zyl encouraged customers to continue using digital channels including the FNB app, online and cellphone banking for most transactions.
"The safety of our employees and customers remains our utmost priority,“ she said.
Standard Bank spokesperson Ross Linstrom said they would be resuming some of their banking activity in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng this week.
"While every effort is being made to ensure that we can offer full banking services in the branches that are open, due to potential damage or other logistical constraints there may be some delays," Linstrom said.
He urged clients to be patient and understanding.
"As the situation improves, and transport links become more reliable, we are in a position to start facilitating in person banking."
He advised that Standard Bank clients should visit the website for updates and a full list of operational branches.
"Sadly, some of our branches will not be opening in the near future as the necessary repairs need to be done to ensure your banking safety," he said.
He added that due to the disruption and protests in KZN and Gauteng, the bank had limited its in-person banking facilities until it was safe.
Capitec Bank said employees from affected areas would be placed at nearby branches to assist with increased foot traffic.
"The affected branches will be repaired urgently, but some of them will, unfortunately, take months to restore due to extensive damage," Capitec said in a statement.
Capitec said their ATMs would also not be supplied with cash or accept deposits until it was safe to do so. It said over 90 branches had been affected by vandalism during the unrest.
"We encourage our clients to do their banking on our app, pay by card, and if need be, to draw cash at Shoprite, Checkers and PnP till points," Capitec said.
The Daily News