Audacity to grow: Sizwe’s Top Employer story

A Top Employer accolade is about more than just bragging rights. It’s about creating a place where
people can achieve their audacious goals, positively impacting their own careers and the lives of those
around them. Empowering people to reach their potential is an important part of our heritage and
something we pride ourselves in. That’s what it means to be a Top Employer.

It is an idea that resonates with the heart of proud African Banker, Sizwe Ngiba. A Quality Analyst in the
Collections team, Sizwe recently celebrated his 10th anniversary with the bank. He vividly remembers his
early days.

“On the day of my interview, the lady at reception took my CV and told me that they will call me,” he
recalls. “They called me after an hour and invited me for an interview the next day. I was hired the next
day and I joined the African Bank Collections team on a learnership.”

What makes African Bank a Top Employer?

Reflecting on what he believes makes African Bank a Top Employer, Sizwe says it’s all about culture.

“We spend 60% of our time at work, and you form friendships which transform your colleagues into
family. You’re able to take care of one another and you’re able to upskill one another. We’ve created a
culture of family in the Contact Centre.”

Culture of family in the contact centre

According to Sizwe, it’s the quality of leadership that really inspires African Bankers to reach their full
potential. “Today, change is inevitable and no one should be left behind,” he explains. “We have
managers who really want to see us achieve our true potential, both at work and at home.”

Sizwe fondly remembers two of his managers – Mountain Ndlovu and Bilkish Mohamed – each of whom
had a profound impact on his life. They both had similar pieces of advice for him, and understood not
only the importance of striving for excellence at work, but the mental wellbeing that goes with being
able to support your loved ones. According to Sizwe, Mountain Ndlovu told him: “Go to school, take care
of your family, and buy a house.” That advice was echoed by Bilkish Mohamed, as Sizwe fondly recalls.
“She has always stuck with me and she always says one thing: go to school and take care of your family.”

Working in an environment that’s supportive has really paid off for Sizwe. “Being valued by African Bank and by management has really helped me,” he says. “We have access to resources that help make our jobs
easier. Tools like Udemy, and health and wellness classes empower you to do your job to the best of your
ability.”

Sizwe was also able to achieve his audacious goals in his personal life, thanks to the benefits he enjoys as
an African Banker. “Switching to African Bank as my primary bank has helped me get an affordable loan
to help me buy my house at a time when the repo rate meant that loans from other banks were not
affordable.”

Audacity to grow

One of the major themes in the story of African Bank is growth. At the heart of our vision of a bank for
the people, by the people, serving the people, lies the desire to help South Africans grow and excel.
That’s our ambition for our loyal customers and employees alike! African Bank strives to ensure that its
human capital policies and people practices are continually aligned to the purpose of the bank, which is
to advance lives through financial and related services. Our Top Employer accolade is testament to our
commitment to this purpose. In doing so, we have been able to create a culture in which African Bankers
feel valued, where their diversity is celebrated, and where a holistic suite of solutions are available to
assist them in every sphere of life.