Banking giant Absa has opened a contact centre at the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), around the Nquru harbour development, on the eastern outskirts of Port Elizabeth.
The IDZ is supported by Satyam Computer Services and has been looking for outsourcing business for a business process outsourcing park planned for the area.
Absa established a proof of concept at Coega, in January. The outbound facility employs 105 people, mostly from Port Elizabeth's north-eastern townships of Motherwell, Zwide, Kwazakhele and New Brighton.
The majority of these residents were previously unemployed or had little work experience.
Business development executive Khwezi Tiya says the IDZ provided the necessary infrastructure for the contact centre, including recruiting and "world-class ICT facilities".
Absa contact centre head Andy Rigg says the project combines business with social imperatives.
The initiative was aimed at doing business in a responsible way that enables people to uplift themselves through employment and business opportunities. The key focus is on affording work experience to unemployed individuals, Rigg adds.
"This project delivers hugely on customer-centricity as well," he notes. "The operation enhances Absa's offerings by using a skills profile that customers can relate to with regards to language, accessibility, maturity and excellent service standards."
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