Standard Bank donates R3 million to victims of violence

20 May 2008

Standard Bank is donating R3 million to the victims of xenophobic violence.

Says Jacko Maree, Standard Bank CEO: "As an organisation we strongly condemn the deplorable violence resulting from the xenophobic intolerance in South Africa at this time. The human suffering resulting from these mindless acts affects us all and we would like to express our deepest concern and sympathy for those members of our society who have been directly affected by these events. We are saddened by the plight of the victims of these outrageous acts."

To assist those affected by the violence, Standard Bank will make a R3 million donation to the South African Red Cross, to be used to feed 10 000 people who are currently being accommodated in 20 camps across the country. This donation will go a long way to support those who approach the Red Cross emergency sites.

Standard Bank is a leading emerging markets bank with deep roots in the continent. It operates in 18 African countries and employs 40 000 Africans, taking pride in the diversity that exists and enriches our global network.

"Standard Bank is committed to creating a sustainable economic environment across and within each country in Africa and to ensuring a sustainable future for Standard Bank and the economies in which it operates," says Maree.

A feature of Standard Bank's approach to growing Standard Bank's Africa presence is investing in local capacity and being African.

"The diversity of all our people, across geographies, culture, race, religion, gender, age and experience is something we specifically support and nurture as it gives us a significant competitive business advantage. We will not succeed as an organisation unless we respect differences, celebrate similarities and work together for the advancement of our countries, our businesses and individual goals," says Maree.