In a world that seems more divided every day, making a positive difference in the life of a single person, a community or society is more important than ever. Where this sentiment becomes even more powerful is when big corporations with large platforms lend their voices to what really matters.

At Nedbank, we take this very seriously. We strive to make a lasting impact that stretches far beyond our wildest dreams and imagination. But we can’t do so without our people. That’s why we want people on our team who have a drive to be the difference that impacts our world. In return, we pledge to be an employer that works with our people to be the difference. We call this our ‘People Promise’.

Making good on our People Promise

In October 2021, we made good on our promise by joining hands with Nedbank’s LGBTQI+ Forum during African Pride Month. We launched the #ColourOfMySoul social media campaign in a powerful show of support of the South African LGBTQI+ community. The centrepiece of the campaign was illuminating our head office in Sandton, Johannesburg, in the rainbow colours of the Pride flag for two weeks. Nedbank’s Group Sponsorships and Cause Marketing division also pledged R100 000 in support of LGBTQI+ causes in South Africa, which was recently donated to The Other Foundation.         

A first for the South African banking sector

Nedbank is the first major bank to deliver such a visual demonstration of commitment to a more inclusive and accepting society. The initiative aligns with the bank’s People Promise to be an organisation that makes a purpose-driven impact by positively influencing individuals, businesses and society, helping to build a culture of inclusion and belonging.

‘We hope that this visual demonstration of solidarity will help to spark awareness and a deeper understanding of the LGBTQI+ community and the challenges that many of its members face’

As a continuation of this commitment, we’ll also be lighting up the Nedbank Clocktower at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town in the colours of the rainbow Pride flag between 20 February and 7 March 2022. This coincides with Cape Town Pride. Craig Barnes, Nedbank LGBTQI+ Forum Chairperson, hopes that this visual demonstration of solidarity will help to spark awareness and a deeper understanding of the LGBTQI+ community and the challenges that many of its members face every day.

Making a positive difference

According to Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, the strong visual LGBTQI+ support initiative aligns with Nedbank’s brand promise to be money experts who do good, as well as the bank’s commitment to leverage its strong national voice to drive conversations around societal issues that need attention.

‘Our Nedbank People Promise commits our bank and people to being the positive difference that we want to see in society, and this initiative is a visual representation of that promise in action,’ she explains. ‘We hope that through this demonstration we will not only show our desire to be a strong voice in the country’s LGBTQI+ conversation, but also help destigmatise the LGBTQI+ community in the interests of a more harmonious and tolerant South Africa.’

Keep an eye out for images of the light-up on our social media channels. Happy Pride, Cape Town!