Colleague volunteering has matured from a “good-to-have” initiative, into a strategic lever for culture, capability and community impact. By the end of Q3 2025 Absa’s colleague volunteering programme shows that this shift is real: more colleagues are participating, more communities are being reached, and each rand invested is working harder.

Benchmarked against the Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP) Giving in Numbers 2025[1] benchmark, Absa sits at the leading edge of Colleague volunteering participation and within global ranges on skills-based volunteering. This is a clear signal that the bank’s model is aligned with emerging global practices.

The strategic question now is no longer whether the programme is scaling. It is how to convert that scale into deeper, measurable value.  This can be achieved  by growing skills-based volunteering, launching paid volunteer leave underpinned by sharpened impact measurement.  The Absa Social Impact Awards then also become a catalyst for culture change.

Corporate volunteering has evolved from a discretionary employee benefit into one of the most visible expressions of the “S” of ESG delivery. Leading companies now position structured volunteering as a strategic capability, one that deepens employee engagement, develops leadership behaviours, and creates tangible and measurable value for communities and non-profit organizations (NPO) delivery partners.

Absa’s own Corporate Citizenship agenda reflects this shift. As Group Chief Marketing & Corporate Affairs Officer Sydney Mbhele highlighted at the inaugural Social Impact Awards, “being a force for good is not an act of charity, but an act of leadership.” In this context, colleague volunteering is not a side activity, it is one of the most practical ways in which purpose shows up in the everyday life with an organisation.

CECP’s latest findings reinforce this trajectory. Companies that embed formal volunteer leave, create structured pathways for skills-based volunteering, and invest in clear programme governance, consistently outperform their peers on participation, impact quality, and long-term programme resilience.

Three patterns stand out from the CECP benchmark:

1. Corporate participation: CECP’s global benchmarking indicates an average volunteer participation rate of 25%, with smaller organisations and certain industries reaching materially higher levels of engagement. The distribution makes clear that structural enablers including among others, paid volunteer leave and visible executive sponsorship are decisive in shifting volunteering from a good-to-have activity to an embedded cultural practice.
2. Skills-based volunteering (SBV): CECP defines skills-based volunteering as activities where employees deploy their professional expertise from mentoring, financial literacy and digital skills support. While the report does not quantify SBV hours, it identifies Pro Bono Service as one of the most prevalent programme types, offered by 66% of surveyed companies, signalling a shift toward deeper, expertise-based models that build partner capability and support employee development. In the South African context, the Trialogue Business in Society Handbook 2025[2] reports a comparable but slightly lower prevalence of 58% reinforcing the growing uptake of skills-aligned volunteering across markets.
3. Programme features: paid volunteer leave, matched funding, recognition platforms and dedicated programme management teams are increasingly standard. Where these features are in place, volunteering is more predictable, more inclusive, and easier to sustain at scale.

For Absa, the implication is straightforward: the fundamentals are in place. The opportunity lies in deliberately tilting towards skills-based engagements and embedding the right programme features.  These include  skills-based volunteering pathways and paid volunteer leave so that the bank’s scale translates into distinctive measurable value.

Absa Q3 2025 YTD snapshot: scale with improving efficiency

The preliminary year-to-date results show a colleague volunteering programme that has both grown and become more efficient.  Our results speak for themselves.  Participation has climbed to 32.4%, from 20.5% in 2024. Absa now sits at the upper end of the CECP participation range, indicating strong mobilisation and clear leadership signalling.

Hours volunteered have increased to 86,300, up 41% from 61,000 in 2024, reflecting more colleagues choosing to give their time.

Skills-based volunteering accounts for 18% of all hours within CECP norms but below Absa’s own ambition to reach 25 – 30%. This is the critical lever for deepening value.

The number of people reached has almost doubled to 110,000 (from 60,000 in 2024), signalling improved programme efficiency and stronger leverage of partner networks.

In summary, Absa has grown participation and expanded the reach, creating  a strong platform from which to pursue more targeted, value-focused impact.

To build on this foundation, three strategic pathways emerge:

1. Intentionally expand skills-based volunteering

The most powerful volunteering now happens where colleagues apply their core strengths. For Absa, this means tilting the portfolio towards activities such as financial literacy and money management masterclasses, entrepreneurship coaching labs, as well as youth digital skills immersion sessions through the ReadyToWork programme.

Operationally, this requires a clear SBV pathway: mapping skills, scoping short-term projects with defined outcomes, setting impact expectations with partners, and creating an internal “marketplace” that links colleague capability to social demand.

2. Launch Paid Volunteer Leave as a culture-change lever

Paid Volunteer Leave (PVL) is more than an HR benefit. When launched with visible executive participation and manager support, it normalises volunteering as part of how Absa works, not something colleagues fit in after hours.

Early PVL allocations can prioritise high-impact SBV pilots, with stories and results shared widely. This provides compelling proof that time invested in volunteering can simultaneously advance Absa’s purpose, colleague development and partner impact.

3. Use the Absa Social Impact Awards as a storytelling engine

The inaugural Absa Social Impact Awards have already showcased the depth of commitment and innovation across markets. Framed strategically, the awards can become the primary storytelling platform for colleague volunteering – spotlighting skills-based projects, partner outcomes and colleague learning journeys, as well as positioning volunteering as a powerful component of Absa’s talent and leadership proposition.

Case studies drawn from award finalists and winners can then be repurposed to recruit new volunteers, brief senior leaders, and support Absa’s external positioning as a purpose-led pan-African bank.

Colleague volunteering is an investment in people, the communities they serve and institutional capability. Absa’s challenge and opportunity is to translate its growing scale into sustained value: for partners, for the communities it serves, as well as for the colleagues who want their work to matter. Done well, the volunteering programme becomes more than a corporate citizenship initiative. Colleague volunteering becomes a core mechanism for talent development, building brand trust and long-term, systemic social impact.

[1] https://mycecp.cecp.co/s/article/Giving-in-Numbers-2025-Edition

[2] https://trialogue.co.za/businessinsocietyhandbook/

Absa colleagues raise over 1.7 million and contribute 17 400 volunteer hours to impact 40 000 lives across Africa

Absa recently unveiled its inaugural Social Impact Awards, a landmark platform that celebrated colleagues who advanced the bank’s purpose of being a force for good through their commitment to volunteering across the continent. The awards recognised individuals and teams who dedicated their time, expertise and resources to deliver lasting, inclusive impact in the communities Absa serves.

Designed to highlight colleagues’ individual and collective journeys toward social impact, the initiative reinforced Absa’s commitment to responsible citizenship and its ambition to empower Africa’s tomorrow, together one story at a time. The awards also highlighted the strength of the bank’s partnerships with non-profit organisations, where employees played an active role in delivering high-impact volunteer programmes.

This recognition is grounded in significant effort by colleagues across the continent. Absa employees collectively raised more than ZAR 1 700 000 for community initiatives and dedicated over 17 400 hours of volunteer service, reaching and benefiting more than 40 000 community members. These contributions reflect both the scale of the bank’s volunteer movement, and the passion colleagues bring to supporting the communities we operate in.

Speaking on the significance of the awards, Clement Motale, Managing Executive GMCA Strategic Transformation and Partnerships at Absa, said colleague volunteering remains a powerful driver of the bank’s social impact ambitions. “Colleague volunteering is a key part of the execution and scale of our strategic ambition to be an active force for good in everything we do. Through this pillar, colleagues across our markets are empowered to make a difference in the communities in which we operate by volunteering for causes aligned to their passions and interests. This is enabled through practical mechanisms such as volunteering grants, matched funding and the facilitation of responsible and responsive citizenry while leveraging the bank’s full ecosystem across its business units and functions,” Motale said.

In addition to allocating funds toward these initiatives, the bank empowers employees to volunteer during working hours. This embodies the spirit of humanity in action and demonstrates how purpose becomes an integral part of our daily contributions,” said Motale

In 2024, Absa strengthened its citizenship agenda by aligning volunteering efforts to the Corporate Citizenship strategy of Financial Inclusion Through Entrepreneurship. This saw the introduction of entrepreneurial volunteering, allowing colleagues to apply their specialised skills to support emerging entrepreneurs and help stimulate local economic development.

The inaugural Social Impact Awards showcased the depth of purpose within our organisation. With nine categories celebrating excellence across markets and disciplines, we were proud to present 27 awards on the night. Each category honoured three remarkable winners whose dedication reflects the spirit of service that defines our colleague community.

Category 1: Colleague as a Force for Good

Samalie Ainebyona took first place for her outstanding commitment to community upliftment in Uganda. Over the past three years she dedicated 135 volunteer hours to environmental conservation, financial empowerment and youth development. Her leadership and consistency have helped drive sustainable change and reflect the true spirit of responsible citizenship.

Category 2: Best Skills-Based Volunteering Effort

Crystabel Vorgbe led an eight-member team in Ghana through a two-year skills-based volunteering initiative that reached more than 10 000 youth across 60 schools this year. Together they delivered 45 hours of practical financial literacy training, equipping young people with essential budgeting, saving and investing skills that support long-term financial independence.

Category 3: Leading Country Volunteering Efforts

Colleagues in Seychelles were recognised for their strong commitment to environmental protection and community wellbeing. Their involvement included coastal clean-ups, support for conservation partners and participation in social outreach programmes. Their consistent presence strengthened community relationships and demonstrated a culture of care and stewardship.

Category 4: Best Volunteering Champion

Katleho Mokoena earned third place for her sustained leadership of the Fraud Solutions Force for Good programme. Since 2017 she has mobilised 400 colleagues, driven 38 volunteer hours and raised R30 000 this year. Her work has transformed volunteering into a structured movement that inspires ongoing participation and meaningful impact.

Category 5: Best Performing Business Unit / Corporate Function

Personal and Private Banking colleagues were celebrated for their broad contribution to community development through partnerships with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, schools, youth programmes and social support centres. Their initiatives spanned classroom upgrades, financial literacy drives, care campaigns and environmental projects, reflecting a people-centred culture committed to strengthening families and uplifting vulnerable groups.

Category 6: Force for Good Leader

Leon Spies was honoured for leading the Absa Charity Golf and Padel Day for more than 18 years. This year he mobilised 120 colleagues and supporters, helping raise a record R1.7 million and bringing total contributions to over R14 million. More than 50 charities have benefited from this flagship initiative, which continues to make a profound difference nationwide.

Category 7: Leading Social Impact Partner

Amref Health Africa in Uganda was recognised for its impactful work in gender mainstreaming, WASH, maternal health and sexual and reproductive rights. By engaging 300 community champions and seven Absa volunteers, the organisation reached 4 200 beneficiaries, including 2 140 adolescent girls. Its programmes have improved school attendance, strengthened community health systems and supported long-term change through digital tools and local capacity building.

Category 8: Leading Community Hero

Patrick, Managing Director of NSSF Uganda, was celebrated for driving large-scale national impact through financial literacy, youth empowerment and strategic volunteering. Under his leadership, 245 volunteers contributed to initiatives that reached millions, including 450 000 students through the Career Expo. His long-term vision enabled a three-year MOU with Absa and positioned NSSF as a leader in economic inclusion and job creation.

Category 9: Client Development Organisation

World Vision Ghana was recognised for more than 40 years of advancing sustainable community development. Through water, education, child protection, health and livelihood programmes, the organisation continues to deliver measurable, lasting impact driven by volunteerism, faith-based values and strong local leadership.

“We are immensely proud of the 27 colleagues, NPO leaders, and clients recognized this year, whose contributions exemplify purpose-driven impact,” says KG Bako, Managing Executive for Talent Management and Transitions at Absa. Beyond meaningful careers, colleagues increasingly seek opportunities to participate in social impact initiatives wanting to be part of organizations that lead change. These awards reflect that commitment and the collective impact we aim to deliver.”

“Congratulations to all the winners. We look forward to sharing even more inspiring stories in the year ahead. Meaningful change begins with each colleague who chooses to act, and these awards honor those who champion purpose-driven impact across our markets. Their efforts demonstrate what is possible when passion meets collective action. This recognition also reinforces Absa’s belief that sustainable progress is built through collaboration among corporations, communities, and partners to shape a better future,” Motale concluded.

Absa Group has opened a new Regional Office in Gqeberha, as it continues to enhance its customer-centric approach to banking. The development reinforces Absa’s long-term commitment to the Eastern Cape and supports the bank’s ambition to advance inclusive growth and community empowerment in the province, having invested R180 million in the Bay area.

Located at 274 Cape Road, the new office establishes a dedicated hub for local businesses, corporates, and customers, bringing Absa’s specialist teams closer to the metropolitan area’s growing commercial base and expanding access to financial services, enterprise support, and regional economic partnerships.

“This office is so much more than a physical expansion. By establishing a stronger presence in Nelson Mandela Bay, we are creating a platform that brings our services closer to communities, supports local enterprises, and strengthens our partnership with the industries and institutions that drive the provincial economy,” said Shane Agnew, Interim Provincial Executive: Eastern and Southern Cape Province.

Absa recently engaged Honourable Babalwa Lobishe, the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, to reaffirm its commitment to a meaningful partnership that advances economic participation, financial inclusion and long-term regional development, highlighting a shared ambition with the mayoral office to collaborate for future growth and prosperity of the region.

The 274 Cape Road development, from where the former Newton Park Absa bank branch has also commenced trading, integrates a range of sustainable design and engineering principles and is being assessed for ‘Green Star SA – Interiors’ certification, positioning it among the most environmentally advanced commercial properties in the province. The interior design prioritises energy and water efficiency through high-performance lighting, smart control systems, and low-flow fixtures, supported by materials selected for low emissions and responsible sourcing.

In assessing the building for certification readiness, the project was evaluated against multiple criteria, including building management, energy and water performance, indoor environmental quality, resource conservation, transport access, land use and ecology, and innovation.

“Absa has set a target for 33% of its South African property portfolio to be certified as green spaces by 2030. Sustainability is central to how we operate, and we continue to reduce our environmental footprint, support South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy, and promote more responsible building practices across the market. This office allows us to lead by example and demonstrate what environmentally conscious investment can achieve,” said Marachel Bessenger, Absa’s Head of Occupational Health & Safety and CRES Risk.

 

Absa is proud to bring the 23rd edition of the Absa Champagne in Africa Festival to Cape Town for the very first time. Following an extraordinary Johannesburg celebration earlier this month, the festival now takes its next national step, debuting this Saturday, 22 November 2025 at the Norval Arts Foundation in Tokai.

This historic Cape Town edition marks the beginning of a broader vision: expanding the festival into multiple regions across Africa in 2026, taking French champagne culture and African luxury to new audiences across the continent.

Guests can look forward to discovering a curated selection of over 20 authentic French champagne houses, alongside two special moments introduced for the first time in Johannesburg and now brought to Cape Town:

• Chef Wandile Mabaso’s French-made champagne, launched exclusively at this year’s festival, will be available for guests to taste, a milestone for African culinary innovation.
• Limited-edition Rich Mnisi silk scarves and pocket squares, designed for the 2025 festival, will be available to purchase on-site as collectible expressions of contemporary African design.

With live music, art, and the signature Absa hospitality, the festival promises an evening that blends refinement, culture, and the joy of shared celebration.

As Absa continues to grow this experience nationally, and soon, across Africa, Cape Town becomes the next chapter in a story where French heritage meets African creativity.

Tickets for the Cape Town edition can be purchased via quicket here.

Stay connected and share your experience using #AbsaChampagneInAfrica

Raise a glass. Honour the craft. Celebrate the story.

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI), in partnership with Absa Bank, continues to drive national engagement and development through the #AbsaMSME Summit Series, a collaborative initiative dedicated to strengthening South Africa’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector.

Following a successful rollout across multiple provinces, including the most recent gatherings in Klerksdorp and Empangeni, the next #AbsaMSME event is set to take place in Gqeberha on 18 November 2025, marking another key milestone in this impactful partnership.

The #AbsaMSME platform serves as a dynamic meeting point for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policy stakeholders, providing practical insights, networking opportunities, and tools designed to enhance SME resilience and growth. Through these events, SACCI and Absa continue to reaffirm their shared commitment to empowering small businesses as engines of economic transformation, job creation, and local innovation.

Speaking on the initiative, Absa’s Executive: SME Region, Mr. Tasville Cloete, emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration:

“Our focus is on enabling small businesses to thrive by creating access to knowledge, finance, and partnerships that matter. The #AbsaMSME Series is a reflection of Absa’s ongoing commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth and building stronger, sustainable enterprises across the country.”

The initiative is part of SACCI’s broader strategic framework to champion economic development through partnerships that enhance business capacity, stimulate trade, and promote innovation across industries.

The Gqeberha leg of the series will continue to highlight local entrepreneurship stories, digital transformation opportunities, and pathways to market access, reinforcing the summit’s core message: Empowering MSMEs for Sustainable Growth.

For more information and registration, visit https://absasaccimsmesummit.co.za

Issued by: The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) In partnership with Absa Bank Media Enquiries: Communications Office – SACCI tshidin@sacci.org.za

Absa is proud to announce the 23rd edition of the Absa Champagne in Africa Festival, the continent’s most distinguished celebration of authentic French champagne and luxury culture. Returning on Friday, 14 November 2025 at the iconic Summer Place in Sandton, the festival will expand its footprint for the first time with a second edition in the Western Cape at the Norval Arts Foundation, Tokai, Cape Town on Saturday, 22 November 2025, marking a new era in its legacy of refinement, storytelling, and sensory excellence.

As title sponsor, Absa once again invites discerning guests, collectors, and lovers of refined experiences to step into a world where French heritage meets African artistry.

“The Absa Champagne in Africa Festival is more than a luxury experience, it’s a platform that honours craft, culture, and the stories that shape who we are,” says Sydney Mbhele, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa Group. “This year’s expansion reflects the demand for experiences that bring people together in ways that are meaningful, elegant and unforgettable.”

Curated in partnership with the Ambassadeur Dignitaire of L’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, Shaun Anderson, the festival remains the largest dedicated authentic French champagne showcase on the continent, with over 40 distinguished houses represented, from legendary maisons to rare and boutique producers.

2025 will introduce a new dimension to the festival experience with an exclusive fashion moment headlined by globally acclaimed designer Rich Mnisi, whose work has redefined contemporary African luxury.

“Champagne is a language of celebration, and fashion is a language of identity,” says Rich Mnisi. “Bringing the two together is a way of honouring African excellence in a global conversation. I’m excited to create something that feels timeless, modern, and unapologetically ours.”

A world-class champagne experience:
Taste, compare and discover iconic and limited-release cuvées from more than 50 authentic French champagne houses.

A premium culinary journey:
An expertly curated gastronomic pairing menu elevates the champagne tasting experience, designed to reflect the artistry behind each pour.

Chef Wandile’s Champagne & Canapé Experience, Exclusive to 14 November:
Celebrated culinary artist Chef Wandile Mabaso will present an exclusive canapé pairing that introduces guests to his personal authentic French champagne selection, a rare opportunity to taste, learn and experience champagne through the lens of modern African gastronomy.

A Rich Mnisi runway moment:
An exclusive fashion showcase at the Johannesburg edition, created for this year’s festival, a fusion of authentic French champagne culture and contemporary African design.

Immersive luxury culture:
Live music, art, fashion, and refined hospitality in a setting designed to honour elegance and “joie de vivre.”

Event Details

Johannesburg
Location: Summer Place, Sandton
Date: Friday, 14 November 2025

Western Cape Edition – New for 2025
Location: Norval Arts Foundation, Tokai, Cape Town
Date: Saturday, 22 November 2025

Tickets: R2250 per person. Ticketing via Quicket
Special Offer: Absa Rewards members can enjoy up to 30% in real cash back on champagne purchases during the festival, adding even more value to their experience of this luxurious celebration.

Now in its 23rd year, the Absa Champagne in Africa Festival continues to evolve from a champagne tasting event into a cultural moment rooted in excellence, connection, and shared celebration.

“Every glass poured is also a story shared,” adds Mbhele. “This festival is a reminder that luxury is not just what we consume, but what we create together, in conversations, in culture, and in the moments that stay with us.”

As part of Absa’s commitment to sustainability, guests are encouraged to keep the  champagne corks used during the festival. These corks will form part of a sustainability project Absa is supporting, helping give new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste. Simply collect and store them in a small bag or box; details on collection points will be shared soon.

Thank you for supporting this simple yet impactful initiative, and for being part of the Absa Champagne in Africa story.

Stay connected and share your experience using #AbsaChampagneInAfrica
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Instagram: @absa.africa

Raise a glass. Honour the craft. Celebrate the story.