Absa ‘in a panic’ as unhappy staff back EFF protest

Ramos met with Mpofu over ‘targeting’ bank

BANKING giant Absa is in a tailspin following a threat by some members of staff to join Julius Malema’s planned protest to shut down the bank’s operations for a day.

The Sunday Times can today reveal that a panicky bank CEO, Maria Ramos, and two senior bank executives met EFF national chairman Dali Mpofu in Sandton last Monday. This was before Mpofu and Malema flew out to London for Malema’s speaking tour.

At the meeting, Ramos expressed her concern about the EFF’s threat to stage sit-ins at Absa branches, and wanted to know from Mpofu why Absa was being “targeted”.

It is understood that Ramos explained to Mpofu what the bank had done with regard to transformation.

“They begged him not to go ahead with the march,” said a senior Absa employee.

According to insiders, Ramos had learnt that Mpofu had held a meeting with a small group of employees who were at the forefront of a revolt in the bank.

The same group of employees had also met senior ANC and government leaders.

Enoch Godongwana, head of the ANC’s economic transformation committee, said his party was aware of the developments at the bank.

“I am aware of the allegations that Absa hired 500 consultants from London without looking at black talent. I am aware of allegations that black economic empowerment and affirmative action are being undermined,” said Godongwana.

Although Malema has not announced the date for the protest, it is likely to be held in the first quarter of next year.

Absa spokesman Byron Kennedy confirmed Ramos’s meeting with Mpofu, but would not reveal details of what was discussed.

Mpofu also refused to discuss the details of the meeting, saying that only Absa was at liberty to divulge such details.

“It was their meeting as it was at their request,” he said.

According to one of the leaders of the revolt, who asked to remain anonymous, more than 2 800 employees have signed the petition to join Malema’s protest. But such figures could not be independently verified.

The ringleaders of the revolt met black staff in Kimberley and Bloemfontein this week.

“Most black people at Absa agree with us. We will stage a sit-in at the CEO’s office. We won’t announce the date publicly. It’s going to be a surprise,” said the insider.

Four days after Ramos met Mpofu, an anonymous e-mail was sent to staff urging them to join the EFF protest.

“We call on all progressive black professionals irrespective of political affiliation to support the EFF march against racism and white privilege at Absa,” it said.

The sender, writing under the pseudonym “Comrade Qhawe”, revealed that black staff first met on November 15 to discuss Malema’s planned protest — where a decision was taken to mobilise staff.

“We are collating a volume of evidence where you as a black professional is able to share with us your experiences at the bank. This includes pay scales and career progression. ”