The session held at the heart of one of Cape Town’s most vibrant community hubs, marked a significant step in equipping the residents, particularly women and youth, with the tools to thrive in the digital era.

The workshop was designed as a technical lesson and as a platform for empowerment. Participants were guided through the practical applications of AI, exploring how technology can be leveraged to solve everyday challenges, enhance small businesses, and unlock new economic opportunities. By breaking down barriers to entry in the tech space, Absa and Women in Tech SA are actively fostering a more inclusive digital economy that directly benefits the surrounding Phillipi community.

This initiative is a powerful expression of Absa’s purpose – empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time – our deliberate intent to create shared value and ensure sustainable impact. The programme goes beyond skills transfer; it is fundamentally about enabling communities to tell their own stories. By providing access to cutting-edge technology and training, Absa is helping to ensure that Phillipi’s future narrative is written by its own residents using technology and innovation as a transformative agent.

“We believe that true transformation happens when we empower communities to shape their own destinies,” said Joy van Heerden, Chief Information Officer, Functions Technology at Absa Group. “True impact happens when innovation meets lived experience. By making emerging technologies accessible and practical, we’re helping communities move from participation to ownership—using digital tools not only to build businesses and livelihoods, but to tell their own stories and shape their own futures.”

The focus on women and children remains central to the partnership ethos. The workshop provided a supportive environment for female entrepreneurs and young learners to engage with AI, ensuring that the benefits of the digital age are equally distributed. “We are proud to partner with Absa Group for the fourth consecutive year ensuring that young people from the surrounding communities such as Nyanga, Mandalay, Crossroads, Philippi and Gugulethu have access to opportunities in the digital economy,” said Melissa Slaymaker, Africa Regional Director, Women in Tech, Global.

“This centre provides a safe, free space where youth can access computers, internet connectivity, and digital skills training, resources that many would otherwise not have. Each year, more than 6,500 young people benefit from programmes focused on digital literacy, AI awareness, entrepreneurship and job-ready skills,” Melissa commented.

She concluded: “Our mission is simple; we are ensuring that no young person is left behind in the digital age. Through this partnership with Absa, we are helping to unlock potential, build confidence and create pathways for youth to participate meaningfully in the future of work.”

From left – Right

Brigitte Muller, Absa

Jill Bachan, Absa

Melissa Slaymake, Women in Tech

Sandiswa Gwele, Ukhanyo Foundation

Janine Paulsen, Absa

For many South African students, completing a qualification does not automatically mean stepping into the next chapter of life.  Each year, thousands of students finish their studies but cannot graduate because of unpaid university fees from previous academic years.

This unpaid balance, known as historical debt, refers to outstanding student fees owed to universities that prevent students from receiving their certificates, accessing official transcripts, or formally graduating. Without these documents, employment opportunities are delayed and years of academic effort remain stalled, not because students lack ability, but because debt stands in the way.

Through the Absa’s partnership with the Feenix Trust, Absa is addressing this final obstacle by clearing historical student debt at selected public universities. By settling verified debt directly with participating institutions, the partnership removes the final barrier preventing capable graduates from transitioning into  economic activity.

This initiative forms part of Absa’s commitment to being a purpose led pan African financial institution committed to developing Africa’s youth.

“When debt is lifted, we unlock economic opportunity which is critical considering the high youth unemployment rate,” says Clement Motale, Interim Managing Executive for Corporate Citizenship at Absa Group. “Graduation becomes possible, and economic inclusion  is unlocked . Through this partnership, we are deliberate about impacting the youth of our nation.”

This intervention applies strictly to historical debt and does not cover current-year tuition fees. Applicants must have completed their qualification, and the outstanding balance must be the sole reason they are unable to receive their graduation certificate.

How to Apply

Students who believe they may qualify are encouraged to visit  https://bursaries.feenix.org/absa/apply-now/ to begin the application process.

On the website, applicants can review the full eligibility criteria, download the required documentation, including the EEA1 form, follow the step-by-step application guidance, and submit their completed application online.

Through this partnership, Absa and Feenix are coming alongside our youth to enable a different future for them.

Absa has reinforced its leadership in South Africa’s capital markets with the successful issuance of R3.2 billion Financial Loss-Absorbing Capacity (Flac) notes, all linked to ZARONIA. This landmark transaction marks Absa’s first Flac issuance, representing a major step in building the bank’s loss absorbing capacity in alignment with evolving regulatory requirements.

“Investor interest was particularly strong. Against a target of R3 billion, the auction received R8.41 billion in bids, resulting in the notes being oversubscribed 2.65 times,” says Richard Klotnick, Group Treasurer.

As part of the transaction, Absa offered notes with 4, 6, 8, and 11‑year maturities, each featuring a one‑year call option prior to maturity. This results in first call dates at years 3, 5, 7, and 10, enabling the notes to qualify as Flac up to the respective call dates.

The strength of this issuance illustrates Absa’s leadership in accelerating the adoption of Flac instruments and promoting market efficiency through competitive pricing across tenors. In fact, we expect most senior bank paper will transition to Flac over time,” says Klotnick.

“It also highlights the bank’s continued focus on regulatory readiness and the advancement of instruments that underpin systemic stability,” he adds.

Absa is committed to driving progress in South Africa’s financial markets by continuing to contribute meaningfully to the growth and resilience of the broader financial ecosystem.

Basketball takes centre stage this February as the 2026 St Stithians Under 16 Basketball Tournament brings together some of the most exciting young talent for a weekend where competition, culture and community collide.

For the second consecutive year, Absa returns as partner and anchor sponsor of the St Stithians Under 16 Basketball Tournament, deepening its commitment to youth empowerment through sport and growing a platform that connects competition with opportunity and purpose.

From 13 to 15 February 2026, St Stithians College will host more than 40 under 16 boys’ and girls’ teams from across South Africa for one of the region’s premier youth basketball showcases. Entrance is free, inviting families and supporters to a Valentine’s weekend shaped by high energy competition and community spirit. The scale of the event reflects the College’s deep investment in basketball, now its largest and fastest growing sporting code.

This year sees defending champions St Benedict’s College in the boys’ division and St Peter’s College in the girls’ division return to defend their 2025 titles, while the host Saints boys’ and girls’ teams aim to build on last year’s bronze medal performances on home ground.

Across the weekend, the tournament becomes a meeting point of sport and youth culture where the game, the style, the music and the fans collide. Guests can experience interactive Absa activations including an immersive Activation Zone, the high energy Jump for Kicks sneaker challenge and Spin and Win experience. Young attendees who register and opt in earn the chance to spin and win Puma vouchers and basketball related products, NBA vouchers, as well as data and airtime prizes, with ten participants securing guaranteed entries into the live game break activation.

Our ‘Take It To TikTok’ brings the tournament to life online through a live TikTok desk powered by youth influencers, capturing real time player interviews and crowd moments and extending the courtside energy to a wider digital audience. Dance driven fan engagement and a dedicated players’ chill space add to an atmosphere that celebrates both performance and self-expression.

“Our continued partnership with St Stithians is about creating spaces where young people can grow in confidence and see how their performance on the court connects to real impact in their communities,” says Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorship at Absa Group. “We are proud to support platforms where young athletes can take their dreams to the court and realise their potential.”

At the heart of Absa’s partnership is its Force for Good commitment. For every point scored during the tournament, Absa will donate R1 000 towards sustainable school vegetable gardens that support feeding programmes and provide learners with practical skills in food production. Each basket scored helps another learner learn, eat and play with dignity.

Guests can also support our Sneaker Drop Shack activation by donating pre loved sneakers, which will be cleaned and redistributed to young players in underserved communities, helping more children step onto the court with confidence.

“Basketball at St Stithians has become a powerful platform for youth development,” say David du Toit, Head of St Stithians Boys’ College, and Dr Sally James, Head of St Stithians Girls’ College. “Together with Absa, we are creating an environment where young athletes are encouraged to compete, express themselves and build skills that will serve them far beyond the game.”

As the final whistle sounds, the impact of the tournament extends beyond the scoreboard. Guided by the belief that Your Story Matters, Absa continues to invest in platforms where young people can discover their voice and shape their future. The St Stithians tournament is one of those spaces where ambition meets opportunity and where young athletes are encouraged to ‘Take it to the Court’, carrying what they learn into every part of their lives.

Catch the Action Live! – Stay up to date with all the excitement by downloading the Saints SuperSport Schools app on google play store or iOS Store.

On Saturday 7 February 2026, the Cape Winelands welcomed a striking new player to South Africa’s premium lifestyle calendar as Absa Du Champ launched in unforgettable style at the iconic Val de Vie Estate. Set against the dramatic peaks and pristine fields of the Paarl Franschhoek Valley, the inaugural event delivered a masterfully curated celebration of polo, culture and contemporary luxury.

Framed by the event’s guiding theme, ‘Where Mastery meets Story’, Absa Du Champ positioned itself not only as a sporting spectacle but as a cultural platform celebrating excellence, narrative and craft across disciplines.

More than a polo event, Absa Du Champ unfolded as a full sensory lifestyle experience, drawing tastemakers, creatives and lovers of refined living into a world defined by elegance, intention and craft. From the thunder of hooves on the field to the clink of crystal and the quiet power of art, every detail reflected a pursuit of excellence.

While the fast paced precision of polo anchored the day, guests journeyed far beyond the field through a series of immersive luxury encounters. A curated art gallery by Gallery MOMO featured works by contemporary artists including Blessing Ngobeni, Vivien Kohler, Phoka Nyokong, Ayobola Kekere Ekun and Bevan de Wet, alongside an exclusive boutique edit of coveted luxury goods and The Collection’s showcase of distinguished fine wine and champagne estates, creating an atmosphere of layered sophistication and discovery.

At the heart of the experience was a twelve course gastronomic journey curated by award winning chef Johnny Hamman. Centred around the striking Vertical Harvest Table, the catering was presented in a dramatic vertical format that transformed each chef’s table into a sculptural installation. Guests moved through immersive culinary moments including a seasonal tomato installation, a sculptural meringue dessert experience and live evening stations, where multi course creations were presented as works of art and thoughtfully paired with some of the world’s most celebrated wines and spirits. The result was an immersive expression of innovation, artistry and precision that defined the event’s modern luxury aesthetic.

The atmosphere was further shaped by a carefully curated entertainment line up. An afternoon session with DJ Greg Maloka set the tone, followed by a live performance by Empire the Band that brought energy to the field ahead of the main match. Evening celebrations continued with DJ PH, carrying guests seamlessly from sport into sunset festivities.

As reflected throughout the programme, polo itself was celebrated as an art form. In the spirit of the event, polo was described as “a dialogue between horse and rider, a partnership where trust, timing and instinct transform movement into art,” underscoring the event’s focus on mastery in motion.

Rooted in Absa’s brand promise that “Your Story Matters”, the event also reflected the bank’s continued commitment to advancing women in sport. By placing the Ladies match at the heart of the programme and celebrating female athletes on an equal stage, Absa Du Champ underscored the importance of visibility, opportunity and recognition for women shaping the future of competitive sport and contemporary culture.

The name Du Champ, drawn from the French meaning of the field, served as both literal and symbolic inspiration. It paid homage to the athletes, artisans, chefs, designers and cultural visionaries whose passion and purpose shape culture through mastery in their field and beyond.

Speaking at the launch, Sydney Mbhele, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa, said, “Absa Du Champ represents an exciting evolution of our lifestyle portfolio. It is a premium platform that brings together craft, culture and excellence connecting our clients and partners through shared moments of taste, creativity and design. Experiences like these allow us to build meaningful relationships while supporting the creators and communities shaping Africa’s cultural landscape.”

On the field, the competition matched the elegance of the surroundings. In the Ladies match, Royal Reins secured a narrow 6 to 5 victory over Crown Chukkers. The winning players Daniele Francis, Loa Marie Venter, Nadia Irons and Jocelyn Spilsbury were presented with their prizes by Steven Hickox, Managing Director of Equus Group, and Candice Thurston, Managing Executive for Brand and Marketing at Absa Group. Each received a bottle of Whispering Angel and Riedel crystal glasses.

The Men’s 10 Goal final saw Inland Lakers triumph 7 to 6 against Coastal Warriors. Ignaz Marx, Louw Schabort, Harry Muddle and Johann du Preez were awarded a bottle of Glenfiddich 16 year old whisky and Riedel crystal glasses, again presented by Steven Hickox and Candice Thurston during the official prize giving ceremony. The Best Playing Pony title was awarded to Nemo, owned and ridden by George Morgan, recognising exceptional performance and partnership on the field.

Commenting on the success of the inaugural event, Steven Hickox, Managing Director of Equus Group, said, “Absa Du Champ was created to celebrate mastery in all its forms. Seeing world class polo, culinary artistry and cultural expression come together in one setting has been extraordinary. Our vision was to craft a day that celebrates mastery and innovation, and this debut marks the beginning of a new chapter in luxury experiences.”

With its seamless fusion of sport, art, gastronomy and design, Absa Du Champ has established itself as a defining new fixture on the luxury calendar. It is a celebration of excellence and storytelling, where mastery and meaning intersect, and where every detail is designed to be experienced, remembered and shared.

Absa Du Champ has arrived and the future of luxury experiences in South Africa has never looked more refined.

• Absa announces several strategic executive appointments to strengthen leadership capability across the Group, following the finalisation of its refocused Group Pan-African Strategy.
• Highly experienced multi-industry leader, Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, is appointed as Chief Executive: Personal and Private Banking.
• Prabashni Naidoo transitions to Group Chief Governance Officer in a newly reconstructed role that includes Legal, Compliance and Group Secretariat.
• Rushdi Solomons is promoted to Group Chief Internal Audit Officer.

Following the finalisation of its refocused Group Pan-African Strategy, Absa Group today announced a number of executive leadership changes, reinforcing its ongoing commitment to enhanced strategic capability, customer-led growth, strong governance, succession planning and deepened leadership bench strength across the organisation.

Absa announces the appointment of Sitoyo Lopokoiyit as Chief Executive: Personal and Private Banking, effective 1 April 2026. A highly experienced industry leader, Lopokoiyit brings deep expertise in financial services, telecoms, customer value propositions and experience, and large-scale business transformation. This appointment represents an important step in Absa’s ongoing focus on delivering integrated, customer centric solutions across its Personal and Private Banking franchise, while also exploring new growth opportunities.

Lopokoiyit was most recently the Managing Director of M-PESA Africa and Chief Financial Services Officer at Safaricom, where he led the strategy and growth of Africa’s largest fintech platform. With more than 12 years of experience in fintech, Lopokoiyit has played a central role in scaling M-PESA into a continental powerhouse, serving over 56 million customers and more than 5 million businesses. He was appointed to lead M-PESA Africa, the joint venture between Safaricom and Vodacom, with a mandate to expand the platform’s reach and relevance across African markets.

Since joining Safaricom in 2011, Lopokoiyit held several senior leadership roles, including Head of M-PESA Strategy and Business Development, and has led operations in Tanzania. He has driven the launch of major innovations such as the M-PESA Super App, Fuliza, and strategic partnerships with global platforms including PayPal and AliPay.

Lopokoiyit’s impact on financial inclusion has been recognised globally, including his induction into the 11:FS Hall of Fame, which honours industry leaders and innovators who have significantly improved the financial services ecosystem through innovation, resilience, and pioneering work. He is deeply committed to empowering small businesses, advancing inclusive financial services and accelerating the adoption of digital payments across the continent.

“This appointment demonstrates Absa’s strategic focus on delivering integrated, customer centric solutions across our Personal and Private Banking franchise while unlocking new growth opportunities”, says Kenny Fihla, Group Chief Executive Officer of Absa Group.

In line with Absa’s commitment to strong governance, Prabashni Naidoo, currently serving as Group Chief Internal Audit Executive, will step into a newly reconstituted role that includes Legal, Compliance and Group Secretariat as Group Chief Governance Officer, effective 1 March 2026. A highly respected governance professional, Prabashni brings extensive experience across audit, risk, regulatory engagement, and organisational assurance. Her leadership and deep institutional knowledge will continue to strengthen governance standards across the Group.

Rushdi Solomons is promoted to Group Chief Internal Audit Officer, effective 1 March 2026. Solomons was the Managing Executive: Compliance Strategy, Regulatory Relations and Governance, a role he has held since June 2025. Prior to his current role, Rushdi was Chief Operating Officer in Group Internal Audit, a role he held since joining Absa in June 2020. Before joining Absa, Rushdi held roles as Partner: Deloitte Risk Advisory; Acting Business Executive: Auditor-General of SA; PwC (Advisory and Audit & Assurance) where he completed his Articles. He has extensive experience servicing various clients in the Public and Private Sectors.

Fatima Newman has been appointed Chief Compliance Officer, effective 1 March 2026. Newman is a strategically minded Executive with 28 years’ experience across a range of industries and expertise in Risk, Compliance, Regulatory and Governance, and Financial Services. She has led with an innovation and systems thinking approach, working through complexities and implementing suitable and fit for purpose solutions including as Chief Risk Officer at EOH Group Limited (EOH). Newman has held senior roles in Absa, EasyHQ, EOH, and MTN South Africa.

Commenting on the leadership changes, Fihla said: “These appointments reflect both the depth of talent within Absa and the strength of our succession planning, as well as our ambition to enhance our organisational resilience by bringing onboard expertise from outside the firm to close the gaps in key capability areas. We are building a future fit leadership team, deepening our bench strength, and ensuring the right capabilities are in place to deliver on our strategic ambitions. The appointments also bring significant depth of experience across legal, regulatory, assurance, and control disciplines, supporting Absa’s commitment to a strong and resilient governance framework. I am confident that our newly appointed leaders will play a significant role in driving the Group forward.”

Absa has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s leadership and economic participation as the official banking partner of the 11th annual FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit, taking place on 18 March 2026 at the Sandton Convention Centre. The one day summit brings together women leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers from across the continent whose work is shaping Africa’s future.

For more than a decade, FORBES WOMAN AFRICA has played a central role in profiling and celebrating women who are driving impact across business, culture, technology and civil society. Absa’s partnership with the summit reflects a shared belief that visibility and recognition must be matched by practical access to opportunity.

Taking place during March, internationally recognised as Women’s Month and anchored by International Women’s Day on 8 March, the summit adds momentum to global conversations about women’s leadership and economic participation. For Absa and FORBES WOMAN AFRICA, the timing reinforces a shared focus on turning celebration into sustained progress.

“The FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit connects recognition with real opportunity,” says Prabashni Naidoo, Absa Group Chief Governance Officer. “When women’s achievements are visible, it creates momentum. Across Africa we are investing in programmes that turn that momentum into access to finance, skills and networks that allow women to grow and lead at scale. The summit provides a powerful platform to bring those efforts together.”

A Summit Experience Built for Impact

Held under the theme The Voice, Vision, and Victories of Her Africa, the 2026 FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Leading Women Summit is expected to convene more than 1 000 attendees from over 50 countries.

The programme includes an array of exclusive panels and interactive discussions where thought leaders and subject matter experts explore topics such as redefining leadership, leveraging innovation for growth, scaling purpose driven enterprises, closing gender gaps in business and finance, and promoting equitable access to opportunity. The summit culminates in The FORBES WOMAN AFRICA Awards,  celebrating women who have demonstrated excellence and impact across sectors including business, culture, technology, social enterprise and community leadership, followed by a celebratory after party.

This gathering reflects Forbes’ ethos of success, access and aspiration, creating a space where diverse voices and experiences can be shared, celebrated and translated into action.

As official banking partner, Absa will bring its proposition for women to life on the summit floor through a series of immersive brand activations that blend fashion, beauty and lifestyle known as House of Absa. There, guests can experience a curated fashion installation featuring designs by a celebrated South African fashion designer, celebrating contemporary African creativity and self expression, alongside a signature beauty activation designed to spotlight confidence and personal style. A curated luxury prize draw will add an element of surprise and delight, while the Absa Champagne Bar will serve as a central social hub during the evening programme, creating a space for conversation, networking and celebration. Together these touchpoints translate Absa’s commitment to women into a tangible guest experience that is creative, elevated and distinctly African.

From Recognition to Real Economic Participation

Absa’s work across the continent focuses on strengthening women’s long term economic participation. Women represent more than half of Absa’s workforce, with over 50 percent of new hires and the majority of internal promotions awarded to women. Beyond the workplace, the bank has directed R3.8 billion in procurement spend to women owned businesses and continues to expand financing for women and youth led enterprises, with annual SME disbursements exceeding R1 billion.

Through Women in Business programmes across markets including Kenya, Ghana, Botswana, Zambia and Mauritius, as well as partnerships that support women exporters and entrepreneurs, Absa provides targeted financing, mentorship and access to markets. These efforts respond to a broader African reality where women run more than 40 percent of small and medium enterprises yet face an estimated US$42 billion financing gap.

“Economic empowerment is one of the most effective ways to strengthen communities,” Naidoo adds. “When women are able to build sustainable businesses and careers, the impact extends across families and local economies. Through our partnerships across Africa and our collaboration with FORBES WOMAN AFRICA, we are working to make sure that visibility is matched by real pathways to growth.”

Presented by headline partner McDonald’s South Africa, with Absa as the official banking partner and CNBC Africa as media partner, the summit will also feature immersive activations designed to engage and inspire participants.

Join the Movement

For programme details and ticket information visit:

• www.leadingwomensummit.co.za.
• Tickets are currently on sale at www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1576335252