On 27 February 2025 Absa proudly hosted its second instalment of the Cars Awards in partnership with Cars.co.za, South Africa’s foremost motoring awards programme, which celebrates the very best in the local new-vehicle market across 13 categories.

The prestigious gala event took place at the renowned Mall of Africa, where 39 exceptional vehicles competed for the coveted titles, and was followed by an exciting exhibition of these best-in-class options over the weekend.

This year’s ceremony showcased a remarkable display of innovation and diversity within the automotive industry, drawing the attention of car enthusiasts, industry leaders, and consumers alike, who braved the weather to attend the Cirque du Cars themed event in their numbers. The awards have become a staple calendar item for the South African car enthusiast and consumer as they continue to deliver insight and market analysis that shape consumer preference.

“These awards create an energy in the industry – challenging manufacturers to refine, reinvent, and reimagine what a great car should be. And ultimately, that benefits every single consumer,” Managing Executive at Absa Vehicle and Asset Finance Charl Potgieter said, addressing the audience at the glamourous ceremony.

Amasi Mwela, Managing Director of Cars.co.za, took the opportunity to outline exactly how the awards process supports consumer choice. “The Cars.co.za Awards combines insights from leading motoring experts with feedback from everyday drivers, providing our users with the information they need to make informed decisions that align with their budgets and lifestyles.”

This year’s awards showcased consumer preference in a manner like no other before with vehicles manufactured across wide-ranging global markets from the USA and Europe to Asia represented in the lineup of finalists. This speaks volumes of the maturity of South Africa’s automotive market spurred by innovation and healthy competition among automotive brands.

“In addition to the offerings of the incumbents, Chinese and Indian car manufacturers are making significant strides in this market with competitive luxury features that resonate with consumers. Our local landscape reflects an increasingly diverse global environment, with 20% of the finalists being manufactured in India and China, and another 20% produced locally,” added Potgieter.

The night belonged to the 13 winners across various categories recognising a range of vehicles from the market’s best affordable option to the best electric vehicle on offer – these 13 winners are:

1. Best Brand of the Year: Toyota
2. Best Leisure Double Cab: Toyota Hilux Double Cab 2.4GD-6 Raider 4×4 Auto
3. Ultimate Double Cab: Ford Ranger 3.0T V6 Raptor 4WD
4. Best Electric Vehicle and Best Premium Crossover: Mini Countryman SE ALL4
5. Best Budget Car: Suzuki Swift 1.2 GLX
6. Best Compact Car: Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI (85kW) R-Line Auto
7. Best Budget Crossover Car: Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.5 XR Auto
8. Best Compact Family Car: Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR
9. Best Family Car: Kia Sportage 1.6 CRDi GT Line Plus
10. Executive SUV: BMW X3 30e xDrive M Sport
11. Premium SUV: BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport
12. Adventure SUV: Land Rover Defender 110 D350 X-Dynamic HSE
13. Performance Car: BMW M2 Auto

The excitement did not end there, consumers had the opportunity to experience, and test drive, the 39 finalist vehicles which were being exhibited at the Mall of Africa Cars Awards Showcase from 28 February till 2 March 2025. Absa further raised the roof with the introduction of the Absa Cars Awards Competition, giving consumers the opportunity to win a weekend away for two in one of the top vehicles by simply registering and completing a test drive.

To register for a test drive click here. The competition opened on 25 February 2025 and will run until 7 April 2025.

For Ts and Cs apply: Click Here

Absa Group, celebrated as a Top Employer for the fourth consecutive year, proudly unveils its Marketing and Corporate Affairs Academy. This pioneering programme marks a significant advancement in professional development, tailored to meet the evolving demands of the marketing and corporate affairs sectors, affirming Absa’s commitment that ‘Your Story Matters.’

Sydney Mbhele, Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer at Absa, highlights the importance of the Academy: “The Absa Marketing and Corporate Affairs Academy is a cornerstone in our strategy to build a future-ready team. It represents our investment in our people, ensuring they have the skills and insights to not only meet the challenges of today but to excel tomorrow. This Academy stands as a testament to our dedication to growth, leadership, and innovation.”

Innovative Curriculum and Personalised Learning Journeys

“The Academy is meticulously designed to be a game-changer in professional development,” explains Dr. Kigen, Head of the Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs Academy. “It incorporates experiential learning opportunities from shadowing frontline teams to participating in cross-functional projects, ensuring our teams can apply what they learn in real-world scenarios.”

Under the leadership of Dr. Fiona Kigen, the Academy will introduce a personalized, role-based, tailored learning approach. It includes structured pathways that address specific career goals and skills gaps, facilitating personal and professional growth. This method ensures that learning is not only strategic but also aligned with business outcomes, making it a transformative experience for all participants.

Key aspects of the curriculum include:

• Commercial Acumen – Gain a deeper understanding of how marketing and communications directly contribute to business success.
• Technical and Leadership Development – Access to industry-recognized certifications, executive coaching and leadership programs.
• Experiential Learning – Application of knowledge in real-world scenarios through hands-on projects and immersive collaboration with business units.

A Focus on Future-Ready Skills

The curriculum also prioritises digital transformation, preparing employees for future trends and technologies. This forward-looking approach is crucial for staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Empowering a Culture of Continuous Learning

The launch event, set against the backdrop of the state-of-the-art Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, not only served as a platform to introduce the Academy but also showcased its cutting-edge learning capabilities. The event highlighted interactive digital media, underscoring Absa’s innovative approach to education and training.

Looking forward, Absa plans to expand the Academy’s offerings, with new programs slated to roll out throughout 2025. Each program is designed to further entrench the culture of learning and success at Absa, empowering employees to take ownership of their professional journeys.

If you’re excited about the possibility of shaping your future with a leading financial institution, discover your next career opportunity with us. Visit Absa Careers to learn more about how you can join our team and start making a difference today!

Celebrating Success: ‘Your Story Matters’ boosts Brand Consideration and contributes to a shifting brand value by a R700 million increase in its first year. Celebrating the first anniversary of Absa’s brand repositioning, with a stronger-than-ever commitment to empathy and human-centred banking.

One year ago, Absa introduced ‘Your Story Matters’, a bold and human-centred brand positioning reaffirming its commitment to seeing and empowering customers beyond transactions. Today, as Absa celebrates this anniversary, this was never just a tagline. It is a purpose-driven commitment embedded in every decision, initiative, and interaction, shaping the bank’s journey forward. This brand positioning was designed to celebrate the diverse narratives that shape our communities, and the response has been nothing short of extraordinary. A bold promise rooted in human-centred empathy, and intuitive, seamless and integrated customer experience, has driven a significant uplift in brand resonance, with customers across Africa embracing our message and making it their own.

Over the past two years, which includes a preparatory phase under the theme ‘My Bank Does That’, as well as the brand positioning launch of ‘Your Story Matters’, Absa Group’s brand consideration has grown by close to 15%, with most markets outperforming their expected markers. This success underscores the power of authentic storytelling and the deep emotional connection it fosters between Absa and its audiences. Moreover, this strategic shift has boosted our brand value as measured by Brand Finance by an estimated R700 million, signalling not just immediate gains but also the promise of enduring growth.

Sydney Mbhele, Absa’s Group Chief Marketing and Corporate Affairs Officer says, “Following the successful launch of our brand positioning, ‘Your Story Matters,’ last year, we are thrilled to see a remarkable surge in brand consideration and customer engagement across our Pan-African markets. This positioning campaign has not only redefined our connection with consumers but has also solidified our brand as a trusted and relatable voice in the region. Our customers have spoken, and their stories have become the heartbeat of our brand.”

This commitment is evident not only in the stories Absa tells but in how it empowers them: through its products, commitment to corporate citizenship initiatives, and unwavering focus on customer experience, grounded on their needs.

“Rooted in Africa, we take pride in our heritage and ability to navigate the uniquely Pan-African landscape. Every individual has a story that matters – stories that shape communities, drive progress, and build a better tomorrow. At Absa, we recognise that each journey is unique, which is why we put our customers at the heart of everything we do,” continues Mbhele.

From amplifying the voices of female athletes and championing gender diversity in sports and business, to equipping young entrepreneurs with financial literacy and SME support, Absa remains committed to unlocking opportunities that matter.

At the forefront of financial inclusion, Absa continues to introduce innovative solutions like ChatWallet and Absa Mobi Tap, expanding access to seamless banking across Africa. By combining cutting-edge digital offerings with a strong physical presence, the bank ensures customers can engage with its services in the way that best suits them.

With operations in 12 African countries and representative offices in five strategic markets, Absa understands its customers’ diverse needs—whether they embrace digital convenience or prefer in-branch engagement.

“Stories hold no value if they are not shared, strategies mean nothing if they are not implemented, and seem hollow if not matched by the customer experience. This year, we will not only continue telling stories, but we will also create them through our continually improving human-centred experience,” adds Mbhele.

Building on our year of success and as part of our ongoing commitment to being a ‘Force for Good’, Absa has dedicated significant resources to directly combat the youth unemployment crisis in South Africa. With a strategic investment of over R1.5 billion over the past 5 years to empower communities to proudly say, ‘I grew it’; Absa has through education, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and employability empowered 1.7 million people with the necessary skills and opportunities for sustainable growth.

“As we continue to amplify the voices of our customers, we remain committed to creating meaningful experiences that reflect the richness of African culture and identity. The ‘Your Story Matters’ campaign is more than a slogan—it’s a movement that celebrates the power of every individual’s journey. Achieving greatness means pushing ourselves beyond what we know and what we’ve done before. It means innovating, collaborating, and bringing Your Story Matters to life in ways that inspire and empower our clients,” concludes Mbhele.

To experience Absa’s customer-focused approach and explore the bank’s wide range of services, please visit its website at www.absa.africa.

Your financial journey is important, and, at Absa, your story really matters.

Promoting Africa’s Perspective on Global Economic Policy

As a pan-African business with key interests in shaping economic policy and fostering connections between global regions, Absa has proudly joined B20 South Africa as a Diamond Sponsor.

B20 South Africa serves as the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community, providing a platform for local companies, including Absa, to articulate their perspectives on pressing global economic and trade issues. This ensures that the voice of the business community is heard at the highest levels of international economic governance.  Since its establishment, the B20 collective has called on local business leaders to help develop policies that are beneficial to both the developed and developing world.

Launched this week in Cape Town, under the theme Inclusive Growth and Prosperity through Global Cooperation, the B20’s focus is on the vital importance of global collaboration in addressing economic challenges and ensuring growth.

“The primary goal for B20 South Africa is to shape policy recommendations to enhance business cooperation and drive progress in trade, investment, digital transformation, and other key economic growth areas. This aligns directly with Absa’s own strategy to drive pan-African growth, connecting global investment to Africa,” said Yasmin Masithela, Interim Chief Executive: Corporate and Investment Banking at Absa. “This is why we wanted to join as one of the lead sponsors for this vital initiative. B20 is helping to reshape Africa’s economic narrative, from ‘untapped potential’ to ‘established capabilities’. We want to continue Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time, by showcasing examples of economic excellence in the markets within which we operate.”

“At the launch event, business excellence from across the country gathered to discuss the ways in which we can help shape economic policy that will change the African economic narrative – and show we can lead on global issues,” said Masithela.

This partnership is a key milestone in Absa’s strategic commitment: contributing to the economic development in the markets in which we operate and across the continent. At Absa, our purpose extends beyond merely creating and growing our business; it also lies in partnering with stakeholders, such as the business community, to help them achieve their aspirations.

Previous editions of the B20 brought together global leaders and received sponsorship from major international organisations, leading to numerous sector recommendations on trade, infrastructure, and sustainability, later meeting with G20 government representatives to enact them. The launch event is the first of numerous B20-related events throughout the year, culminating in the G20 Leaders Summit in November 2025.

Absa reaffirms its commitment to fostering youth entrepreneurship in South Africa by delivering innovative business support solutions. This initiative, anchored on our belief in the power of growth, focuses on unlocking the potential of young South Africans.

In collaboration with the Allan Gray Centre of Africa Entrepreneurship, Absa hosted the Absa Youth Entrepreneurship Dialogue on 19 February at The Forum in Bryanston. This groundbreaking event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to find innovative solutions to advance youth entrepreneurship. This event featured speakers like Dr Steven Zwane, Absa Managing Executive: Corporate Citizenship.

We believe in the power of growth, inclusion, and the stories waiting to be told. We’re empowering a generation to dream big, learn passionately, create intentionally, and start today to succeed tomorrow. So that they can Proudly say that they “I Grew It.”

Absa is deeply committed to making a tangible difference. Our unwavering focus on youth empowerment and financial inclusion is yielding impressive results. Through a strategic investment of R319 million, we have demonstrably improved the lives of over 250,000 individuals.

Through our financial inclusion through entrepreneurship strategy, we pathway youth into entrepreneurial action. We’re developing entrepreneurial mindsets, driving interest and ultimately the pursuit of entrepreneurial action.   We deliver entrepreneurship education and provide experiential learning opportunities; equipping young people with the skills and knowledge to be innovators and problem solvers. We invest in youth in high school, higher education and training as well as those who are not in employment, education or training. We also support youth and women who are running microenterprises to enable the formalisation of their businesses.

At Absa we are also passionate about promoting financial inclusion through impactful initiatives. This comprises financial literacy training, reaching approximately 183,000 individuals, our “I Grew It” initiative with a reach of nearly 1 million viewers in 2024, and innovative funding solutions.

Furthermore, Absa is creating sustainable impact. We have supported approximately 4,800 entrepreneurs and facilitated the creation of around 3,700 jobs. The ReadyToWork initiative has upskilled over 23,000 young people, and we’re incredibly proud of our colleagues, 7,600 of whom have generously contributed a remarkable 61,000 volunteer hours.

With youth unemployment soaring at an alarming 45% in South Africa, we’re taking action with support of entrepreneurship which is a critical avenue for job creation and economic resilience. Understanding the unique challenges faced by young entrepreneurs.

“Now more than ever, it is vital to invest in the dreams and aspirations of our youth,” says Dr Steven Zwane, Absa Managing Executive, Corporate Citizenship. “By providing financial solutions and expertise specifically designed for young entrepreneurs, we are not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the broader economic development of our country and continent. Every story and journey has the potential to inspire; we want to be part of those journeys.”

We believe that Youth Entrepreneurship is a vital contributor to our strategic ambition to be “… an active force for good in everything we do” As part of its vision for the future, Absa is steadfast in its mission to empower the youth of South Africa, recognising that their success is integral to the nation’s growth and resilience. Recognising that young people have the power to shape their own futures, Absa is dedicated to equipping them with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive.

At Absa, we know that your story matters. Your dreams, your future, and your potential are worth investing in. Because when young people succeed, we all succeed.

Absa is proud to announce its partnership with the St Stithians U/16 Basketball Tournament, reinforcing our commitment to youth empowerment through sports, education, employability, and entrepreneurship. This is more than just a sponsorship, this collaboration is about creating opportunities that inspire young people to take charge of their futures—both on and off the court.

Taking place from 14 to 16 February 2025 at St Stithians College, this vibrant tournament will welcome schools from across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and eSwatini. Our partnership in Basketball is more than just about competition – it’s a platform that equips young people with the essential life skills they need to succeed. Through the game, we’re not only fostering a love for sport, but also cultivating character, resilience, and teamwork. By investing in the next generation of Basketball athletes, we’re helping to grow the sport from the ground up and empower our youth to reach their full potential. This is not just about winning or losing, but about the impact we have on the lives of young people and the communities we serve.

This partnership aligns with Absa’s brand positioning, “Your Story Matters,” and our collaboration with the youth reinforcing the bank’s commitment to investing in the next generation. Recognising that young people have the power to shape their own futures, Absa is dedicated to equipping them with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive.

Through initiatives like the Absa Fellowship Programme, we provide young African leaders with full academic funding and hands-on entrepreneurial development in fields such as science, technology, creative arts, and digital innovation. This reflects our commitment to three key pillars: Education, Entrepreneurship, and Employability.

Beyond this, we partner with organisations like Junior Achievement South Africa (JASA) and the Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative for Employment (YAIE) to equip young people with real-world business skills and meaningful employment opportunities. Whether it’s fostering an entrepreneurial mindset or supporting future industry leaders, we are dedicated to providing solutions and tools that resonate with the Youth and empower them on their journey towards being future leaders. Tools such as AbsaReadyToWork, a free educational, skills development portal that allows youth to complete various training courses that range from managing money,understanding the economy and entrepreneurship to help boost their employability.

“Empowering the youth plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our country.,” says Jabulile Nsibanyoni, Head of Sponsorship at Absa Group. “By empowering students with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions, we are helping them build a solid foundation for their future. Our collaboration with St Stithians is designed to go beyond conventional education; we are committed to ensuring that young people have the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Absa,” said David du Toit, Head of St Stithians Boys’ College, and Dr Sally James, Head of St Stithians Girls’ College. “This partnership highlights our shared dedication to youth development, integrating sports with essential life skills that extend beyond the game. Together, we are paving the way for young athletes to succeed both on and off the court.”

At Absa, we know that your story matters. Your dreams, your future, and your potential are worth investing in. Because when young people succeed, we all succeed.

Catch the Action Live!

Stay up to date with all the excitement by downloading the Saints SuperSport Schools app to watch the tournament live and on demand: https://urlgeni.us/SaintsApp.

Google Play Store:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.Stithian.ststithian

iOS Store:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/st-stithians-college/id6479003414