Latest news with #Fihla
TimesLIVE
31-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Absa merges retail banking offerings as a building block for growth
Absa Group interim CEO Charles Russon says the bank is combining its three South African retail banking businesses into a single retail bank as part of a building block for its retail banking ambitions. Absa on Friday announced leadership and operational model changes for its retail banking business. The group is merging Everyday Banking, the Product Solutions Cluster and Private Wealth Banking segment into a new retail segment known as Personal and Private Banking. It named Christine Wu and Geoffrey Lee, the former CEOs of Everyday Banking and the Product Solutions Cluster respectively, as interim co-CEOs of the newly formed entity. Relationship Banking will now operate as Business Banking, paving the way for a focused approach in serving SMEs and commercial clients in a targeted sector. Business Banking will be led by Faisal Mkhize, who headed up Relationship Banking. The appointments come two weeks before Kenny Fihla, the former Standard Bank deputy CEO, joins Absa as the second black CEO on June 17. Russon told Business Times that Fihla would make the final appointment of a permanent Personal and Private Banking CEO. 'We all agreed it makes sense to continue with the process. The logic does not change, he (Fihla) can make the final appointment. Clearly it is a key process for him. We are starting the process but we are not constraining him to an outcome that he cannot work with.' An Absa insider who spoke on condition of anonymity said many employees doubted the rationale of appointing two interim CEOs for the retail business. 'Many of us internally see the reconfiguration as a positive step. But we are sceptical about the appointment of the co-CEOs even though it's on an interim basis. The old retail and business bank had a terrible performance in 2023.' Russon said the appointment made sense as Wu and Lee were running 95% of the business cluster. 'They are logical people to run it on an interim basis while we run the process in the background of appointing a CEO. The real crux is to appoint the permanent CEO, not the interim CEOs who are leading the business for a period of time.' He said a week ago that the group had completed the selection process for the cluster's vacancies with no job losses during the process. 'At this stage there are no job losses, we are not doing this to cut costs and remove roles. That was not the motivation. The motivation for this is that we wanted to bring our retail business together to ensure we showed up in the right way for our customers,' he said. Russon said the move to combine the businesses followed feedback from stakeholders last year including shareholders, regulators, investors and clients who had flagged the effectiveness of the cluster under its previous structure. 'The single item that was flagged and raised was why are you running your retail South African business as three separate businesses? Some were as precise as to say we don't understand it and we cannot invest in you, it is too confusing. As part of the strategy with the board last year as an executive committee we agreed this was a building block that had to be done, and you cannot wait for the permanent CEO of the group. It is something that was obvious and anyone coming in would bring this business unit together. We then communicated it to the market in December last year,' he said. Absa, which has 12.7-million customers, reported a 10% increase in headline earnings in the year ended December 2024. Russon said there is still a lot of work to do in the retail segment of the market where there is a lot of disruption. 'I think it is incredibly competitive — not just with banks. You have telcos, you have insurance companies, you've got consumer retailers all playing in and around the financial services space for the retail consumer. This is setting us up in the right way. Ultimately, with the right leader at the end of this process we should be set up for success,' he said.
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Road closures, traffic disruptions as protest rages in Diepkloof
The JMPD has urged motorists to be aware of the ongoing traffic disruptions. Protestors have barricaded the road with rocks and burning tyres. Picture: X/@Takatso_Moloi As the new working week begins, road closures and traffic disruptions are occurring in Diepkloof, Johannesburg. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has urged motorists to be aware of the ongoing traffic disruptions caused by protest action at the Diepkloof Interchange in Diepkloof on Monday. Traffic delays JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla warned that severe traffic delays are being experienced and are expected to worsen in the vicinity of the Diepkloof Interchange and surrounding areas due to ongoing road closures. The following roads are closed: N12 Eastbound and Westbound at the split with the N1. N1 Northbound and Southbound at the split with the N12 'Dangerous driving conditions persist near the Diepkloof Interchange due to vehicles making U-turns and travelling against the flow of traffic. Exercise extreme caution in this area.' ALSO READ: Get your blankets out: Cold front to hit Gauteng, emergency services on high alert Looting Fihla said the JMPD is attending to reports of protests, and there are further reports of truck looting. 'Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the Diepkloof Interchange completely. Consider using alternative routes such as Rand Show Road and Golden Highway to avoid the Diepkloof Interchange. 'Please note that these alternative routes are also likely to experience increased traffic volume and delays. Plan your journey accordingly and allow for extra travel time,' Fihla said. ⚠️ALERT : #ProtestAction on the N1 at the Diepkloof Interchange in Soweto. ⛔ Road closed with rocks and burning tyres 🔥. Morning peak time #JHBTraffic will be impacted.#TrafficAlert. — 𝕋ℍ𝔼 𝕋ℝ𝔸ℕ𝕊ℙ𝕆ℝ𝕋 𝔾𝕌𝕐 – 𝕏 🇿🇦 (@Takatso_Moloi) May 19, 2025 EFF VAT march Meanwhile, the EFF is expected to hold will what it calls 'a VAT victory march' in Pretoria on Monday morning. The march is set to begin at the Union Buildings and proceed to the National Treasury. It takes place a day before Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana tables his third Budget for this year in Cape Town, Western Cape. 'This marks a decisive victory for the people of South Africa, particularly the poor, the working class, and the unemployed, who would have borne the heaviest burden of such an unjust measure. Having defeated the VAT hike, we now intensify the struggle against student debt and austerity,' the EFF said. ♦️1 Day To Go ♦️ On 19 May 2025, the EFF will lead the #VATVictoryMarch to the National Treasury in celebration of the people's victory against the anti-poor, proposed VAT increase. This marks a decisive victory for the people of South Africa—particularly the poor, the working… May 18, 2025 Streets affected Streets that will be affected by the march include Stanza Bopape, Madiba, Paul Kruger and Lilian Ngoyi. Motorists have been urged to exercise caution and use alternate routes. ALSO READ: EFF to march to Kleinfontein: These roads will be affected
IOL News
15-05-2025
- IOL News
'A dark day for the JMPD' : Joburg metro cop killed in line of duty during robbery shootout
JMPD officer was shot and killed in line of duty while responding to a robbery. A Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer was shot and killed while responding to an armed robbery in Vlakfontein, in the south of Johannesburg, on Wednesday. Officer Matome Mokoena, 33, who served in Region G Operations, was described as a dedicated officer committed to his work. According to JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, Mokoena and two colleagues were patrolling the area when they responded to a robbery report and received a description of the suspect vehicle - a white Volkswagen Polo. 'The officers successfully located the vehicle and initiated a stop,' said Fihla. While the driver initially failed to comply, the officers eventually brought the vehicle to a halt. 'As Officer Mokoena approached the driver's side of the suspect vehicle, which had five occupants, he was met with gunfire from within,' said Fihla. The officers took cover, but the suspects pursued Mokoena to a nearby residence, where he was fatally shot. The suspects then stole Mokoena's official JMPD firearm and the marked patrol vehicle, which had been idling at the scene. The vehicle was later disabled remotely by the metro police's Fleet Services and found abandoned in Lehae. Fihla said authorities also received information about the fatal shooting of a member of the public in the same area. 'Preliminary observations suggest that this tragic incident may be linked to the same individuals involved in the attack on our officer.' Tributes poured in for Mokoena. 'His untimely passing is a profound loss to our department and the community,' said Fihla. 'We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Mokoena's family, friends and colleagues.' JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca said the murder was an attack on all law-abiding citizens. 'This is a dark day for the JMPD and the entire city. We will not rest until those responsible for this cowardly act are brought to justice.' The JMPD condemned the killing as a 'senseless act of violence'. A full-scale investigation has been launched. 'We are working tirelessly with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended swiftly and brought to justice,' Fihla said. [email protected] IOL News
The South African
14-05-2025
- The South African
JMPD cracks the whip on delivery bike drivers
Following a surge in delivery bikes operating unlawfully, obstructing traffic, and engaging in reckless driving behaviours, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has intensified its operations in the Rosebank area to address these concerns. These efforts are part of a broader citywide initiative to ensure traffic safety, compliance with municipal bylaws, and the protection of pedestrians and motorists. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said recent observations highlight a sharp increase in delivery bikes operating unlawfully, often obstructing traffic and pavements, parking illegally, and engaging in reckless driving behaviours such as speeding, weaving, and ignoring traffic signals. In addition, many riders lack valid driver's licenses, vehicle license discs, and, for foreign nationals, proper immigration documentation such as passports and permits authorising commercial operations in South Africa. Fihla said these practices pose significant safety risks, impede pedestrian movement, especially for persons with disabilities, and contribute to traffic congestion. The lack of proper documentation also raises concerns about accountability and regulatory oversight of these delivery services. 'In response, the JMPD has conducted targeted operations under the leadership of Director Angie Mokasi. To date, 15 motorbikes have been impounded for violations including obstruction and lack of licensing. Additionally, one individual was arrested for dealing in dagga, and ten others for contravention of the Immigration Act. 'Prior to enforcement, the JMPD Community Outreach Unit engaged with delivery operators through awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of legal compliance, responsible driving, and proper documentation. Despite these efforts, persistent violations necessitated stricter enforcement measures,' Fihla explained. Fihla said verifying the validity of driver's licenses for all operators, inspecting vehicle license discs for compliance, confirming passports and permits for foreign national riders and enforcing parking regulations to prevent illegal parking and impounding vehicles when necessary are some of their key focus areas. 'The JMPD urges all delivery bike operators to operate within the law, ensure their documentation is valid, and adopt safe driving practices. We also call on the companies and delivery platforms to ensure their riders comply with all relevant legislation and prioritize road safety. 'These operations aim not to disrupt legitimate businesses but to promote a safe, legal, and respectful environment for all residents and visitors of Johannesburg. The JMPD remains committed to monitoring and addressing violations to maintain order and safety across the city,' he added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
05-05-2025
- IOL News
PICS: JMPD recovers Ford Ranger moments after motorist was brutally attacked by hijackers
The white Ford Ranger double cab bakkie was recovered by the JMPD Tracing Unit in collaboration with the SAPS Flying Squad. The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has recovered a hijacked Ford Ranger double cab bakkie in Alexandra. JMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla, said on Friday, members of the JMPD Tracing Unit and South African Police Service (SAPS) Flying Squad successfully located and recovered the hijacked white Ford Ranger at Mapule Komape Street and Mary Themba Street in Alexandra. 'The recovery followed a report received by JMPD officers while en route to control traffic along Pretoria Main Road. Officers encountered security personnel at a Sasol garage, where a Fidelity Tactical Team member informed them about a recent hijacking incident,' said Fihla. The victim of the Ford Ranger bakkie had been 'brutally injured' during the hijacking, which occurred in Ebony Park. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 'JMPD officers promptly contacted emergency medical services for the victim,' said Fihla. 'Simultaneously, JMPD officers circulated the stolen vehicle's details and utilized Vuma Cam (cameras) to trace its last known location. With the valuable assistance of members from the SAPS Flying Squad, the vehicle was successfully located in Alexandra.' The recovered Ford Ranger was seized and taken to the Aeroton vehicle pound for further processing.
