African Bank is proud to announce a series of impactful community initiatives in Soweto as part of the build-up to the iconic African Bank Soweto Marathon (ABSM) 2025. These activities reflect the bank’s corporate purpose – to advance lives and its enduring ethos: a Bank for the people, by the people, serving the people—creating shared value that benefits stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and
communities alike.
“African Bank views the Soweto Marathon as more than a just race—it is a platform for transformation and empowerment, where resilience meets audacity, “says Sbu Kumalo, African Bank Chief Marketing Officer. “Through this partnership, we aim to strengthen brand visibility, deepen stakeholder relationships, and expand market reach. A vast majority of our customers reside in townships such as Soweto, it is imperative that we give back to the community that not only birthed us, but continues to sustain us.”
For Edna Montse, Group Chief Executive Transformation Sustainability the Soweto Marathon is an opportunity support SMMEs through CSR and sustainable initiatives, empowering them to thrive while driving social impact by giving back and partnering for long-term empowerment. In the lead up to the ABSM2025, African Bank has partnered with various stakeholders to host the following event which are open to media and the public alike.
Event 1: Pimville Community Fun Run & Entrepreneurship Expo
Date: Saturday, 22 November 2025
Location: Kgomotso Diale Park, Pimville
Fun Run Start: 07:00 AM
Expo Start: 09:00 AM
African Bank, in partnership with local entrepreneurship groups, will host a 5km Fun Run and an Entrepreneurship Expo. The Expo will showcase township businesses and include a gazebo handover to support small enterprises with branded equipment for future exhibitions. Registration for the Fun Run will be communicated by race organisers.
Event 2: Laptop Donation to African Academy Soweto Tennis Trust
Date: Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Location: Mputhi Street, Soweto, Johannesburg, 1864
African Bank will donate up to 30 laptops (including chargers, no software) to the African Academy Soweto Tennis Trust for their Global Youth Leadership Program. This initiative underscores our commitment to youth.