For nearly 40 years, Ubank has successfully provided financial services to mineworkers and others in the worker market. The Bank’s dedication at strengthening their position in the country was highlighted when they opened their first branch in Bloemfontein (the Bank’s 92nd branch in the country) recently.
Bloemfontein has been identified as a key growth point for Ubank and opening this branch is a direct response to customers’ requests for more branches across the country. One of the Bank’s strategic pillars is to work with the community to ensure the all-round development of people, with focus on the investment of sustainable educational programmes.
“Investing in the communities in which we operate forms a critical part of how we do business, and it is this philosophy that sets us apart and allows us to uplift the lives of our customers,” says Bungane Radebe, chief operating officer.
To mark the official opening of their new branch in Bloemfontein today, Ubank has chosen to assist Free State school, Kgorathuto High. The school ranks among the top 50 in Free State and also boasts a rich alumni like Fikile Mbalula, minister of sports; and Benni Kotsoane, MEC Free State Local Government to name a few.
Kgorathuto High is facing a number of challenges when it comes to providing optimum education to its students. Identifying the most pressing challenges, Ubank has provided assistance in the following areas:
* Repairing the ceilings of 10 classrooms in the school;
* Providing school uniforms for 100 learners;
* Maintenance of the ablution facilities for learners; and
* Painting three classrooms, providing learners with a more hospitable learning environment.
“Investing in the communities in which we operate forms a critical part of how we do business, and so we have a commitment to allocate 4% of the pre-tax profits to community development annually,” concludes Radebe.
