Something to be positive about – CoJ

This weekend really gave me something positive to talk about today.  Despite certain decisions that the CIty of Jo’burghas made in recent months (i.e. cancelling the acceptance of credit cards – *sigh*), a visit to Wilgeheuwel on the West Rand highlighted the fact that the city’s management is actually doing something for the community.

In between Nic Deidricks and Hendrik Potgieter roads, my wife and I came across this clean, neat and very new park, which had been constructed in amongst the masses of townhouse complexes that litter that area. 

Parents were bringing their kids to play on the new playground equipment, other people were walking their dogs along the stream and some others were just sitting on the grass – taking in the warm(ish) Winter sun. 

It’s encouraging to see that the local government is actually making a difference in certain places.  Yes, the City of Jo’brug messes up a lot and I can guarantee that thousands of people would disagree with me, but my recent experiences in dealing with city management has been nothing but positive.

Seeing the park – and taking our dogs for a walk there yesterday – reminded me of a great experience I had with Jo’burg Water.  

We were having problems with a blocked sewer drain in our front yard and I had to make a call to Jo’brug Connectto report the problem.  It wasn’t enough that our problem was resolved the very same day that I made the call, but the technician from Jo’burg Water actually came out at 8PM to sort the problem out.

When my wife and I moved into our new house in November last year, I also found myself calling Jo’burg Connect to get info on how to register as a rates payer and open up a lights and water account with the city. 

The guy who took my call not only gave me all the info that I needed, he also advised me when the quietest times were to visit the municipal offices and the fact that the offices are open on certain Saturdays!

It’s very encouraging in this age of Afro-pessimism and dwindling confidence and we can only hope that the City of Jo’burg keeps up the good work and that other municipalities follow suit.

How cool is this – FNB

For all the uphill we give our banks here in South Africa (and in most cases rightly so), yesterday I came across a really cool new development in FNB’s Internet Banking application.

There’s a new button, which reads “New Accounts” and when you click it you have the option to open one of a number of accounts – including savings accounts, investments and even loans and insurance products. 

A few simple clicks and you’re on your way to a new account opened from the comfort of your home or office desk, and in less than five minutes.  No having to go to a branch, no queues and no need for reams of cumbersome “know your customer” documents like IDs and proof of residence.

(*Ed’s note: I did only open a Money Market Account so requirements may be different for other accounts*).

It’s the answer to a lot of prayers I can say that much.  I would imagine that this feature is only available to existing FNB customers that use the Internet Banking facility and have some form of up-to-date profile with the bank but it’s a blessing nonetheless.

Now if only they would give you the option to update your details online or over the telephone…..