[Editorial column] Banks take the Web 2.0 route

South African banks have generally never been slow to embrace new technology, with the result that the average South African is probably more adept at doing transactions and other banking business online and on their mobiles than bank customers in many other countries. Where members of the public have sometimes had issues, however, is in the ease - or lack thereof - of use of the banks’ sites, and the communication - or perceived lack thereof - from the banks to their customers. Here’s hoping the new directions taken by Standard Bank (which late last week repositioned itself to be “Moving Forward” and launched an internal staff corporate social network) and First National Bank (which this past weekend went live with a revamped transaction website), and the use of Web 2.0, will achieve their aims - let’s face it, we’d all rather like our banks than grit our teeth and rank contact with them right up there with a visit to the dentist.

And a round of applause is due to the five South Africans who won awards in the 2009 CNN Multichoice African Journalist of the Year Awards and the two South Africans who were awarded commendations. Well done to all of you!

Have a great week!
The biz editorial team: Simone Puterman & Rod Baker

PS The Seacom switchover actually happens this Thursday, 23 July 2009. Go go go, go Seacom go!

PPS In this week’s Ornico Ad Showcase, we feature TV ads for McDonalds, Simba, Telkom Charity Cup, Fedhealth and De Broglio Attorneys, and radio ads for GrandPa, KFC, Renault, Virgin Active and Wimpy.

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This column originally published 20 July 2009.