more than just a bank

With a guiding purpose which states: Africa is our home, we drive her
growth, Standard Bank views itself as more than just a bank and has
embraced this notion as it explores the development of innovative solutions
to some of South Africa’s key social challenges. One of these very critically
being education.

After witnessing the #FeesMustFall student protest against high university
fees and the plight of the missing middle, Standard Bank’s reaction was
immediate and simple: “What can we do to make a difference?” That spirit
and altruism gave rise to a crowdfunding platform that connected funders
with students through the principles of network and collaboration –
delivering a scalable solution for thousands of young South Africans like
Aqeela and Atang, to complete their studies and start contributing to the
growth of SA Africa’s economy.

Property and home ownership is another distinguishing South African
theme with access to safe and affordable housing for the majority of our
citizens, a key national priority. Here, Standard Bank, in partnership with
Calgro M3 and the City of Joburg have created an integrated housing
development, building safe communities and social cohesion for young
professionals and elderly RDP beneficiaries alike.