Latest news with #Niehaus
Yahoo
05-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fifth Third, expanding to Alabama, aims to ‘show up differently'
This story was originally published on Banking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Banking Dive newsletter. Fifth Third has selected a location for, and in some cases already built and opened, 80% of the 200 branches it said it would open by 2028, said Shawn Niehaus, the lender's head of consumer banking. This month, the bank is set to enter its 12th state, Alabama, to capitalize on the South's ongoing boom: It was the only region that saw population growth through domestic migration in 2024, according to Census data, which found that Alabama in particular attracted over 26,000 new residents from elsewhere in the U.S. It's a trend Fifth Third's been watching, heavily focusing its expansion on the southeast. 'The growth that we are having as a company – the ability to be in new communities, to serve customers that were from the Midwest or the north and have moved to the south, and were waiting for branches – it's exciting,' said Niehaus, who is based at Fifth Third's Cincinnati headquarters. 'It's always fun, when I walk into a branch, to have someone say, 'I banked with you and in Cincinnati or Michigan, and I'm so glad you came here.' 'That's been exciting to see how transient customers are and how excited they are that we are coming just as much as we're excited to be here,' he said. Fifth Third last entered a new state in 2020, when it opened its first South Carolina branch in the growing city of Greenville. Thirteen branches have since followed, with Charleston and Columbia metro regions gaining steam this year. Its first Alabama location, in Huntsville, is slated to open Aug. 12. Birmingham will soon follow. 'Next-gen' growth Its new branches, dubbed its 'next-gen' financial centers, are smaller, more tech-forward (even in how they're located) and more casual in feel than legacy branches. The way they're laid out is one way Fifth Third shows up differently for its customers, Niehaus said. 'Most of the time I never see anyone using the office,' Niehaus said of the next-gen branches' sole closed-door setting. Instead, he said, customers and employees are using open-air spaces – there's a booth, a 'tech table' with a television, a transaction bar – often working side by side. 'It's about showing up how customers want us to show up, not building barriers between [them and] you, shutting a door and making you feel like you're locked in to have someone pitch you something. That is not who we want to be,' Niehaus said. 'We're all about relationship banking, serving you how you want to be served.' Fifth Third also 'shows up differently' with other services it offers customers, Niehaus said, like the identity protection product it offers through SmartShield, or the free wills and discounted trusts it began offering its members in May through a partnership with estate planning fintech Trust & Will. 'We have a responsibility to help customers not just thrive and grow and build for their retirement or whatever their goals and dreams are, but also protect that,' he said. More 'consultative' than ever Banking is different from when Niehaus became a part-time teller at Fifth Third in the late 1990s. Back then, he said, it was all deposits and withdrawals – direct deposit wasn't yet commonplace – and a bank might have $1 million on hand. 'Today, it's more, 'How are we being consultative and helping our clients, giving them advice and getting them through, whether it's tough times with fraud or disputes,' or, 'What should I do? I bought a home equity line, or I bought a car, and I feel like I got a high rate. Help me.'' But despite times changing, Niehaus is still guided in part by his time as a teller. 'The thing for me is, I know when I walk into a branch, just by the way it feels, the openness of the employees, how they're building relationships, how they're greeting customers. I can tell what the experience is like just because I did it,' he said. 'But for me, being a teller and working all the positions in the branches, I think makes me relatable to all the employees,' he said. 'It allows me to say [I worked] in the same realm with them, and they're willing to take the coaching and willing to take the help, because they know I've done it alongside them. When I say to put the customer first, they know that I've done that as well.'
IOL News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Ntshavheni's silence on arms exports raises concerns over international obligations
Allegations of South African weapons in global conflicts prompt urgent inquiry Image: Supplied Fifty-one days have passed since the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) requested a response from Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni regarding allegations that South African-made weapons are being used in conflicts abroad, yet no official reply has been received. The controversy began during a JSCD meeting on April 4, 2025, when Carl Niehaus, the EFF's permanent representative on the committee, raised concerns about South Africa's arms exports. Niehaus accused the government of neglecting its responsibility to monitor and regulate weapons sales to conflict-affected countries, including Israel and Ukraine. In response to these serious allegations, Ntshavheni requested additional evidence to support Niehaus's claims. Subsequently, on April 14, Niehaus submitted a comprehensive 11-page letter outlining South Africa's obligations under key international treaties, such as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNRCA), and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). He stated that these treaties prohibit arms sales to conflict zones and countries accused of human rights abuses, specifically naming Israel and Ukraine. Niehaus pointed out Rheinmetall, a German arms manufacturer with operations in South Africa, is reportedly expanding ammunition production at its RDM plant in South Africa to support Ukraine and replenish NATO stockpiles. He indicated that from July 2024, RDM increased its capacity from 100,000 to 150,000 shells annually, operating around the clock. Moreover, he added that Rheinmetall operates warehouses in Germany and Hungary, from which South African-manufactured shells are re-exported to Israel and Ukraine. Despite the clear evidence, over seven weeks have passed without a formal reply from Ntshavheni or the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC). When asked about this delay, Malusi Gigaba, Co-Chairperson of the JSCD, told IOL that the committee's oversight visit to Rheinmetall and other military equipment manufacturers had been postponed due to Parliament's busy schedule and ongoing BRICS forums. Gigaba acknowledged the delay but emphasised that the committee had urged the Minister to respond urgently, citing the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, which mandates truthful and comprehensive disclosures to Parliament. Niehaus expressed frustration with the silence, stating, 'I provided detailed information on April 14, and yet, 51 days later, there has been no response. I take this silence as a form of consent—or complicity.' He further highlighted that the lack of response undermines South Africa's international commitments and raises serious questions about the country's role in global conflicts. He added, 'South Africa's failure to address these allegations effectively makes a mockery of our international legal obligations and suggests that we are indirectly complicit in the ongoing genocide in Palestine through the continued export of weapons to Israel.' Niehaus contends that by failing to respond, the government signals tacit approval of arms sales that may be contributing to human rights abuses and violence in conflict zones.
IOL News
30-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
The silence of the NCACC: A call for accountability in South Africa's arms trade
As the investigative spotlight shines on RDM, the deafening silence from NCACC for nearly two months now only amplifies the urgency of the situation. Image: Supplied It has now been nearly two months since the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) held its quarterly briefing on April 4, a meeting that failed to provide real answers but made one thing painfully clear: the cracks in South Africa's arms oversight regime are widening. Multiple Members of Parliament expressed sharp criticism that day, urging the NCACC to take more responsibility for South African weapons potentially finding their way into global conflict zones. Among them was MP Carl Niehaus, who didn't just speak; he acted. He submitted a formal written request demanding clarity on how locally produced munitions are being exported to countries at war, particularly Israel and Ukraine. Since then, no formal response has been received from the NCACC. The Committee has neither acknowledged the inquiry nor provided any clarification regarding the allegations. The concerns raised by Niehaus came in the wake of serious investigative reporting. In early 2024 and into 2025, platforms like Investigate Europe and Open Secrets published detailed exposés on Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), a South African-German joint venture operating shell factories whose exports appear to bypass scrutiny and accountability routinely. The stories link RDM to weapons shipments ending up in Ukraine, Israel, and, previously, Yemen. It's a stark reality that South Africa's own legislation, which prohibits arms exports to countries in active conflict, is being blatantly disregarded. This silence not only underscores a deeper institutional issue but also highlights the alarming lack of accountability in the arms trade. Without clear penalties or deadlines, the NCACC's response to parliamentary inquiries becomes optional, and crucial issues like Niehaus's risk being swept under the rug without any consequences. At a time when the world is scrutinising the arms trade more than ever, South Africa's unregulated export of artillery shells to conflict zones sends a deeply troubling message. As a country that claims to champion peace and neutrality, this undermines South Africa's credibility on the global stage and places it in a morally ambiguous, if not outright condemnable, position. Even more disturbing is the complete lack of response from RDM itself. The company has made no effort to address the accusations or even issue a public statement clarifying its compliance with the NCACC's export regulations. This is not a minor oversight. When your company is being named in connection with possible arms exports to war zones, the absolute minimum response should be transparency. Instead, RDM has chosen the same path as the NCACC complete silence. It's worth asking why. The refusal to engage only deepens suspicions. If there is nothing to hide, then why not speak up? If the company is indeed acting within the legal framework, a brief statement would be enough to at least reassure some of the public and parliamentarians who are now rightfully concerned. If the NCACC cannot respond to a parliamentary inquiry promptly, especially under such circumstances, then what exactly is it doing? Who is it protecting? The public? Or the arms industry? Parliament deserves an answer. * Bayethe Msimang is an independent writer and analyst. ** The views expressed herein are not necessarily those of IOL or Independent Media.
IOL News
28-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
‘I warned this chap,' Carl Niehaus laughs at Mzwanele Manyi's axing
EFF MP, Carl Niehaus, has reacted to removal of MK Party Mzwanele Manyi as chief whip in Parliament. Image: KAREN SANDISON/AFRICAN NEWS AGENCY (ANA) Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Carl Niehaus has fired shots at his former comrade, the axed MK Party chief whip, Mzwanele Manyi, calling him an opportunist, and warning that instability and ideological decay will continue to plague the party's ranks. In a social media comment on IOL's report, Niehaus laughed off Manyi's dismissal, stating that more should be expected. Niehaus said: 'LOL, I warned this chap. Anyhow he - and the other opportunists like him - made their bed of thorns, now let them sleep on it. 'Mark my words: the musical chairs will continue there in the merry-go-round party, there is no ideological centre that holds.' Manyi has been dismissed from his position in parliament, IOL reported on Tuesday morning. Colleen Makhubele has been appointed as the new Chief Whip of MKP. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The announcement began circulating on MK Party WhatsApp groups but has now been confirmed to IOL by the MK Party's Deputy Chief Whip, Muzi Ntshingila. The WhatsApp message reads: "Please be informed that Hon. Mzwanele Manyi has been relieved of his duties as Chief Whip with immediate effect. We thank him for his service and dedication to the MK Party and wish him the very best in his future endeavours. "We are pleased to announce that Hon. Colleen Makhubele has been appointed as the new Chief Whip of the MK Party. We are confident that she will lead with strength and vision as we continue to advance our collective mission". One senior party official told IOL that his arrogance finally caused him to fall on his sword. 'He fails to listen and protect his caucus and wants to shine in the media alone and not give anyone a chance,' the party official said. According to Niehaus, such acts will be carried out through the same process. IOL Politics
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Limitations on parole revocation for assassin Janusz Walus
Minister Pieter Groenewald says assassin Janusz Walus benefited from a Constitutional Court ruling known as the Van Vuuren judgment, which changed how prisoners sentenced for life before 1994 could be considered for parole. Image: Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers Correctional Services Minister Pieter Groenewald said his hands are tied in revoking the parole of Janusz Walus, who killed former SACP general secretary and Umkhonto weSizwe chief of staff Chris Hani. This emerged when Groenewald made a presentation on the process leading to the revocation of parole for parolees to the Correctional Services on Tuesday. EFF MP Carl Niehaus said the release of Walus meant that he was not placed under permanent control of the Correctional Services system. Niehaus noted that he was allowed to be deported to his home country in Poland within two years after his release. 'If he breaks the parole condition as any other lifer would have done and is returned to prison, that would not happen.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Niehaus also said Walus had, in an interview after his release, stated that if he got a chance to do what he did, he would do it again, in what he described as his not being rehabilitated. 'Would the minister consider, under the circumstances, to approach the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and also the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation and request to make a formal request to the government of Poland for extradition of Walus back to South Africa on the basis he had broken South African law, and if he was still in South Africa after that interview would he be taken back to prison?' asked Niehaus. Patriotic Alliance MP Marlon Daniels said his party was in full support of checking the prospects of extraditing Walus to South Africa because he had shown no remorse. 'He never deserved to be let out on parole,' Daniels said. In response, Groenewald said Walus benefited from a Constitutional Court ruling known as the Van Vuuren judgment, which changed how prisoners sentenced for life before 1994 could be considered for parole. The judgment had ruled that prisoners imprisoned for a life sentence could serve a minimum of 10 or 15 years in exceptional cases before being considered for parole, as opposed to the initial 20 years. 'As a minister, I can only comply with court findings and the law. In the Walus case, that was before my time. It was a Constitutional Court decision. I am not to argue with the Constitutional Court decision.' He said the court had determined that Walus, after three years of serving the minimum period, it meant he was eligible for parole, and it was the responsibility of the department to comply. 'It is out of our hands, and that is why he was deported to Poland,' Groenewald said. Cape Times
