The Sekunjalo Group of Companies was successful in obtaining a temporary injunction from the Equality Court stopping Nedbank from closing its bank accounts.
IOL reports that Judge Mokgoatji Dolamo, who was in charge of the interdict proceedings in the Western Cape High Court’s Equality Court, determined that Sekunjalo had a presumptive case of discrimination and that Nedbank had treated it differently from companies like Steinhoff, Tongaat, EOH, and others.
Additionally, he determined that the group and its entities would sustain irreparable harm if their accounts were closed, a finding that Nedbank attempted to downplay in its technical submissions to the court.
Judge Dolamo agrees with Sekunjalo
According to Judge Dolamo, Nedbank’s claim that the Group could find other remedies was unpersuasive.
In accordance with the guidelines of PEPUDA Act 4 of 2000, he also agreed that the group had made out a strong case for interim relief and granted an interim interdict.
Nedbank has thus been instructed to halt all closures and reopen any previously closed accounts.
Additionally, the financial institution has been mandated to cover the application costs.
Iqbal Survé, chairman of the group, exulted, “This is a resounding victory for not only the Sekunjalo Group, but for all South Africans who have faced any form of discrimination by the banking fraternity.”
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“I would like to express my gratitude to my coworkers and the teams who have worked tirelessly to prepare for this case and combat the prejudices from the past that are still present today. This brings the realization of an inclusive society in South Africa one step closer.
