As communities across South Africa return from the festive season and start planning for a productive year ahead, FNB is kicking things off with something truly exciting: the launch of its Stokvel Digital account in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal. Designed to bring simplicity, safety and convenience to one of South Africa’s most trusted savings traditions, the new digital account opening capability makes stokvel banking fully digital from start to finish, no branch visit required.
The launch brings together local stokvels, including Powerpuff Girls Stokvel, to demonstrate how technology can support the way communities save, grow together and reach their financial goals.
With the new digital process, stokvel signatories can now open their stokvel account entirely on their phones or laptops, using the FNB App or online banking. Each signatory completes their own verification such as selfie authentication and ID checks on their own device, at their own pace. Once all three signatories finish the process, the account opens instantly, ready for deposits. This makes the system not only more convenient, but also faster and safer for groups who previously had to coordinate travel to a branch.
Himal Parbhoo, CEO of Cash Investments at FNB, says “this represents a major step in strengthening financial inclusion across the country, by removing barriers such as travel and branch access, we’re empowering stokvels many of which operate in rural and underserved areas to formalise and manage their savings safely, conveniently and on their own terms. This innovation is not just about technology; it’s about ensuring people can start their savings journeys without delay.
The timing of the launch is also deliberate. The first few months of the year, from January to March, traditionally see the highest number of new stokvels being registered as communities regroup after the festive season and begin setting goals for the year. Whether it’s saving for groceries, big family milestones, school expenses or community projects, starting the year with a simple and accessible savings tool helps stokvels stay organised and focused.
Gugu Zikhali, Head of Stokvel Group Savings at FNB Cash Investments. emphasises how much this matters at community level. “For many stokvel members, especially in rural areas, travelling to a branch has been a real challenge. Enabled by digital account opening and the agent network, the bank now comes to the people—not the other way around. This is financial inclusion at its most practical and meaningful.”
Despite being digital, the platform still maintains the strong governance stokvels rely on. The traditional three‑signatory model chairperson, treasurer and secretary remains in place to approve all payments. Members can also track deposits, withdrawals and balances anytime on the FNB App, via online banking or USSD, bringing transparency and peace of mind to everyone involved.
The Umlazi community launch featured live demonstrations, community engagement activities, music, and storytelling from local stokvels about how digital tools were transforming the way they saved together. As the new year began, FNB was proud to walk alongside communities in building a safer, simpler and more connected future for stokvels across South Africa.
