Suez Canal Bank, headed by Mr. Akef Al-Maghrabi, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, received a delegation from the South African Trade Union Confederation (SASBO) , headed by Mr. Tetsu Mafabuto, in the presence of Deputy Dr. Solaf Darwish, Deputy Chair of the Manpower Committee of the Egyptian House of Representatives, President of the General Union of Bank, Insurance and Financial Services Employees, and Secretary General of the Arab Union of Bank, Trade, Insurance and Financial Services Employees.
This visit, the first in 14 years, comes within the framework of the joint cooperation programme between SASBO and the General Union of Bank, Insurance and Financial Services Employees in Egypt, with the aim of exchanging experiences and strengthening relations between the two parties.
During the meeting, Mr. Akef Al-Maghrabi welcomed the delegation, emphasising the importance of this visit, which represents a step towards deepening cooperation between trade union and banking institutions in Egypt and South Africa.
He explained that the bank is always keen to establish a work environment based on respect for international labour standards and the protection of workers’ rights, adding that human resources are an important asset for any institution. Therefore, the bank focuses on continuous investment in developing the skills of its employees through various training programmes, ensuring sustainable professional development and improving institutional performance.
In this context, Al-Maghrabi pointed out that the bank is keen to provide insurance programmes and social and health benefits for employees and their families, in addition to organising a range of diverse social and recreational activities that provide a positive work environment.
During the meeting, Deputy Dr. Solaf Darwish reviewed developments in labour legislation in Egypt, emphasising that the new labour law is in line with the best international standards and promotes a sustainable working environment. She noted that Egyptian institutions, including the Suez Canal Bank, are keen to harmonise legislation with global changes to protect employee rights and enhance the internal work environment.
For his part, Mr. Tetsu Mafabuto emphasised the importance of this visit, which gave the delegation the opportunity to learn about the Suez Canal Bank’s experience and its keenness to strengthen the relationship between management and employees. He expressed his eagerness to explore future cooperation prospects, particularly in the areas of joint training and exchange of professional expertise at the African continental level, praising the clear positive harmony between the bank’s management and its employees. He thanked the bank’s management for their warm welcome.
It is worth noting that the Suez Canal Bank has long-standing relations with the General Union of Bank and Insurance Employees, actively participating in various activities organised by the union, including participating with a team in the third Ramadan five-a-side football tournament for banks in 2025, sponsoring the annual celebration to honour exemplary mothers in the banking sector, and participating in the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Suez Canal Bank attaches great importance to strengthening friendly relations and bonds among employees by organising various events, including celebrations of social occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and International Youth Day, as well as exhibitions to support craft and handmade projects and products, such as the “Women’s Hands” exhibition, and sporting events such as the “Annual Marathon” and “Paddle Tournament,” and awareness visits in cooperation with hospitals such as “Baheya.” The bank is also keen to promote cultural awareness, such as “organising an exhibition of cultural books and school supplies,” and training seminars such as the “Artificial Intelligence Seminar.” The bank also organises meetings with its employees through Town Hall meetings to enhance internal communication and reinforce the concept of teamwork.
