FROM left Nedbank Lesotho MD PJ Bouwer, CBL Governor Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane and Accountant-General Sam Mphaka cut the ribbon to officially open the TY branch
Bereng Mpaki
NEDBANK Lesotho has opened a new branch in Teyateyaneng, Berea as part of its ambitious plan to widen its reach to customers across the country.
The new branch is the financial services provider’s 10th in the country, and boasts a state-of-the-art office design which the bank has adopted for future projects. Nedbank Lesotho also has branches in Mohale’s Hoek, Mafeteng, Maseru (four), Leribe (two) and Butha-Buthe.
In his remarks during the launch ceremony that was attended by Central Bank of Lesotho Governor Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane and Accountant-General Sam Mphaka among others on Monday, Nedbank Lesotho Managing Director PJ Bouwer said the new branch was meant to bring the bank’s services closer to customers.
“Nedbank Lesotho’s first ‘Branch of the Future’ officially opens its doors today in Mofolo Street, Teyateyaneng,” he said.
“This branch is part of Nedbank Lesotho’s strategy of expanding our footprint through the strategic placement of branches and ATMs.
“It is also crucial in ensuring growth for the bank and bringing our suite of services to communities where we see market opportunities.”
Mr Bouwer said the branch would offer “enhanced customer service” in an open-plan design and allowing greater interaction between the staff and clients.
“This branch presents itself with unique selling points such as lavish seating areas and meeting rooms for clients, personalised service cubicles, queue management systems and friendly staff keen on making the banking experience at Nedbank Teyateyaneng enjoyable,” he added.
The bank’s Marketing Manager, ‘Mampine Rabatho, said they decided to open a branch in Teyateyaneng because of the numerous business opportunities in the town.
“Teyateyaneng is a growing town teeming with business opportunities and a growing population. That is why it was identified as the best place to launch our first ‘Branch of the Future’,” she said.
Dr Matlanyane lauded the bank for opening the new branch, adding that it would stimulate the growth of the town.
The governor also implored Nedbank Lesotho staff to take their time in explaining the steps needed for their clients to obtain loans.
“You have an obligation to explain the conditions of your services to customers so they make informed loan applications,” Dr Matlanyane said.
“Banks also need consistency and loyalty from their clients in order to continue serving them. This issue is very important because it can force banks to stop offering loans to their customers.”
On his part, Mr Mphaka said the opening of bank branches would create job opportunities in light of the high unemployment rate.
“It is our belief that this is not the last branch Nedbank Lesotho is opening. The bank should open more branches around the country as a way of to partnering with the government in creating jobs,” he said.
