BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Standard Bank Eswatini has stepped forward with a series of relief measures to assist government employees affected by the delay in the disbursement of October 2025 salaries.
The Bank announced that it would implement a range of customer protection initiatives aimed at safeguarding clients’ financial wellbeing and preventing unnecessary hardship during this temporary setback.
In a press release issued on Friday, October 24, 2025, Standard Bank said it understood the potential financial strain that the delay could cause for many of its clients, including those managing loan repayments, debit orders, and other financial commitments. The Bank emphasised its commitment to providing flexibility, compassion, and practical solutions to affected customers.
“We are fully committed to implementing consumer protection measures that support our clients during this time,” the Bank stated.
As part of the relief plan, Standard Bank Eswatini confirmed the deferment of loan and incidental deductions within the Bank’s control between 27 and 31 October 2025. This means that deductions such as loan repayments, service fees, and other automatic payments scheduled during this period will be postponed until government salary payments are processed.
In addition, the Bank announced that it would exercise flexibility in managing accounts impacted by the delay. This includes the waiver of penalties and charges related to dishonoured payments or delayed deductions, a move aimed at ensuring that clients are not unfairly penalised for circumstances beyond their control.
The Bank further committed to coordinating with debit and stop-order initiators to guarantee the smooth and consistent implementation of these temporary relief measures. This collaboration is intended to prevent bounced payments and other disruptions that might affect clients’ credit standings.
“Our priority is to safeguard our clients’ financial wellbeing and ensure they remain supported during this time,” the Bank said, reiterating its dedication to maintaining stability for customers amid unforeseen challenges.
The initiative has been widely welcomed by customers, particularly within the public service, where the delay in salary payments has caused concern and uncertainty. Many employees rely on timely payments to meet essential obligations such as rent, school fees, loan instalments, and medical expenses.
By introducing these measures, Standard Bank has positioned itself as a proactive and responsible financial partner, reinforcing its reputation for prioritising customer care and community support. Financial analysts have also praised the move, noting that such interventions help maintain confidence in the banking system during times of fiscal disruption.
The Bank encouraged clients who require further assistance or clarity to reach out through their nearest branch, the Client Contact Centre (2517 5300), or via email at swazilandccc@stanbic.com.
As Eswatini continues to address the temporary salary payment delay, Standard Bank’s swift and empathetic response has provided a much-needed cushion for many households. The move underscores the importance of collaboration between financial institutions and the public sector in ensuring economic resilience and protecting the livelihoods of citizens.
With these measures in place, affected government employees can look forward to navigating the delay with greater confidence and peace of mind, assured that their bank stands firmly beside them during challenging times.
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