Bank / Credit Union

ATM sanitizing top priority for South African banks

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January 29, 2021

The Banking Association South Africa is focused on implementing practical measures aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 at automated teller machines, according to a report in the Zululand Observer.

Chairperson of the BASA Board of Directors, Richard Wainwright said these measures include sanitizing, placing social distance markers and messaging to create awareness around ATMs.

Wainwright said all ATMs, whether they are attached to branches or not, are being cleaned and sanitized regularly. For ATMs not attached to the branch, the cleaning is performed by an external cleaning crew.

South Africa has an estimated 30,000 ATMs, of which about 70% are situated in remote locations and at premises not owned by banks. Considering there is no bank staff at ATMs off property Wainwright said although it is more difficult to monitor and enforce social distancing, the banks are committed to protecting the health and safety of their ATM customers.