Michael Jordaan, Chief Executive at South Africa’s First National Bank (FNB), took to Twitter to end speculation surrounding his job at FNB after MoneyWeb published an article citing bank insiders who suggested he was quitting.
Being an avid Twitter user, Jordaan posted: “I am not resigning as CEO (of) the most innovative bank in the world”, referring to the award FNB received towards the end of 2012 where it was voted the “World’s Most Innovative Bank” with regards to use of technology.
It is believed Jordaan is the champion for innovation and the use of technology at FNB and as such his resignation would bring into question whether his successor would share the same passion and vision.
The speculation around his resignation came after a much-publicised dispute between FNB and South Africa’s ruling political party, the African National Congress (ANC), surrounding an online campaign by FNB which included YouTube videos of learners sharing their sentiments about South Africa.
In a statement FNB said it had apologised to the ANC: “We apologised for the posting of the research interview clippings online. However, we are pleased that the ANC has expressed its support for the overall FNB ‘You can help’ campaign.”
The ANC accepted FNB’s apology and said: “The CEO of FirstRand, Mr Sizwe Nxasana, agreed that the research clippings posted online were regrettable. He apologised for the posting of the research clippings online.
“He then assured the meeting that this regrettable incident will not be repeated.”
