Standard Bank indicated their intent to remove their ATM in Wakkerstroom from September, with a notice on the ATM itself. This petition aims to implore the bank to reconsider its intention, based on the impact this will have on the eSizameleni/ Wakkerstroom community. 

The residents of Wakkerstroom and eSizameleni in Mpumalanga, use cash for most of their transactions, and wages are paid in cash or with "send money" options to mobile phones, which then allow the bearer to withdraw the money from an ATM. With mobile networks on the blink more often than not, cash is always king in this rural community.

With Standard Bank announcing their plan to remove the ATM from Wakkerstroom, this creates a huge problem and additional financial burden on cash strapped and many jobless residents. The nearest ATM is in Volksrust, 30 km away and a one-way taxi ride is already R40. So it will cost residents a minimum of R80 just to withdraw their wages.

With mobile network operators not investing in better infrastructure in the area, the use of digital money via phone wallets is not currently an option. Many residents also do not own smartphones in any case, which is the only route to the use of digital wallets. So the use of cash remains the only option available to the Wakkerstroom, eSizameleni Community. 

Please add your signature to this petition, to be forwarded to Standard Bank, to request them to reconsider this drastic action.