Berea , July 16 — Lesotho PostBank has reversed its decision to relocate the Mapoteng branch to Teyateyaneng following concerns raised by residents, local leaders and businesses that depend on the branch for their daily banking needs.
The bank held a meeting with Mapoteng residents on Thursday after issuing a public notice two days earlier announcing plans to relocate the branch to the former TEBA building in Teyateyaneng, Berea.
Speaking at the meeting, Head of Business Strategy, Mr. Lekhooa Montsi, said the proposed relocation formed part of the bank’s sustainability strategy.
He explained that the decision was based on the belief that most customers would be able to access banking services digitally or through banking agents.
Mr. Montsi admitted that the bank had made a mistake by announcing the relocation through a public notice before consulting the affected community.
He said the bank later received communication from the D02 Community Council and Area Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete, enquiring about the announcement as community members had not been informed beforehand.
Mr. Montsi said the bank held a meeting after receiving letters expressing concern from residents, who highlighted that the branch serves businesses, individuals and surrounding villages, and that relocating it would cause major inconvenience.
“As a result of the concerns raised, the bank has decided that the Mapoteng branch will no longer be relocated,” he said.
He thanked the Mapoteng community for expressing their concerns peacefully and respectfully instead of resorting to violence.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Motlalepula Khumalo welcomed the decision, saying the relocation would have created unnecessary inconvenience for residents and surrounding communities that rely on the branch.
Lesotho PostBank had initially announced that the branch would relocate on August 29, 2026, with operations at the new premises in Teyateyaneng expected to begin on September 1, 2026. However, the bank has now confirmed that the Mapoteng branch will remain at its current location.
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