Reports that Standard Bank is encouraging staff to join protests on Friday are false. Friday is an ordinary business day and we will remain open to serve our clients.
We recognise the rights of all South Africans to freedom of speech and association and to peaceful protest. Our employees are bound by our group values.
As has always been the case, and in terms of the law, if our employees wish to exercise their right to protest outside work during working hours, they can apply for leave.
Leave applications will be considered in line with our operational requirements - our customers must always come first.
If our employees choose to exercise their right to protest, they do so in their personal capacity and not as a representative of Standard Bank Group, which will always remain politically non-partisan.
Social media activity of our employees must be in accordance with the Group's values and social media guidelines.
