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She arrived at the Thavhani Mall in Limpopo just before 11pm on Thursday night to join scores of hopeful VBS Mutual Bank clients already gathered there, all with hopes of being first in line to withdraw their money from Nedbank the following day.
On Friday morning, the 42-year-old small businesswoman stood in a snaking queue after spending a cold night outside the mall, situated in Thohoyandou. She had only a handbag.
Frustrated VBS clients have spent nights outside the bank’s branch in Thohoyandou for months since allegations surfaced that executives plundered hundreds of millions of rands.
They responded to Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago’s announcement that government had provided a guarantee to Nedbank to facilitate the repayment of all retail deposits up to R100 000, and that all VBS clients would be helped by Nedbank branches from Friday.
On Thursday, ordinary clients travelled from rural villages in hired taxis and cars to spend the night outside Nedbank branches, hoping to be first in the queue the following day.
But in an area where many are still steeped in tradition, and respect traditional authority, many refused to reveal their names, fearing that they would jeopardise their chances of receiving their money or be victimised.
Vhavenda King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana is one of those fingered in the embezzlement scandal.
Relieved that the saga was finally being dealt with, the woman said she received an SMS from VBS in June saying she should “come and take my little savings and close my account”.
“Truth be told, I never had the idea of closing my account with the bank [VBS] because I have been banking with it from as long as I can remember,” she said.
A queue of mainly elderly people, ushered by Nedbank staff, snaked outside the Nedbank at Thavhani Mall.
Among them was a 65-year-old member of the Tshivhilwi Burial Society, who arrived at 7am from Tshivhilwi village.
He did not want to disclose how much money his burial society had saved, but said they would be opening an account with Nedbank.
An unemployed man from Dididi village, who once worked as a contractor, was relieved that he would finally get his money.
“I am looking forward to getting my money, which I had been saving with VBS during the time I was still working. I am hopeful that I will get my money.
“Moreover, opening an account with Nedbank means that my money still exists and with its intervention, I am glad that the situation is becoming easier,” he added.
– Mukurukuru Media
