No Lawsuits, Just Action: Steward Bank Boss Responds To Brutal Criticism
Steward Bank’s top boss, Tawanda Nyambirai, has responded to a viral TikTok satire by comedy group Bus Stop TV with unexpected grace — no lawsuits, a US$1,500 (approximately R27,000) reward, and bold promises to overhaul the bank’s tech systems and customer service.
The clip, which aired as part of the “Office Chills Opinions Are Not Facts” podcast, brutally mocked service delivery at institutions like Steward Bank, ZIMRA and NSSA. During the segment, the hosts declared that “mediocrity has been nationalised in Zimbabwe”. But the skit also singled out a particular staffer at Steward Bank’s Avondale Branch for praise, suggesting she was so good she ought to be working at Stanbic instead.
‘I Own Up’ – CEO Responds With Class
Instead of going on the attack, Nyambirai acknowledged the criticism and admitted where the bank had fallen short.
“Steward Bank has been known for rolling out a number of tech products. Some of them have served us very well. And others, not so well,” he wrote on X.
“Hence the brutal and painful satire we have been subjected to on a TikTok clip by Bus Stop TV. I am sure they expected me to come out holding my law book tasers. But I own up.”
He went further, announcing a wide-ranging overhaul of Steward’s systems:
“As we seek to build our neobank, we will be carrying out third-party evaluation and certification of all our existing tech platforms. They must be fit for purpose. The architecture must meet world-class standards.”
“The customer touch points must deliver memorable experiences to our customers.”
Customer Service Now Tied to Shares
Nyambirai revealed that Steward Bank is tying employee incentives to customer service excellence, announcing that 2.5% of the bank’s shares have been set aside for high-performing staff.
“The Trust was already submitted to the Minister of Justice for registration in terms of the law,” he said.
As a response to the podcast’s shout-out to the unnamed Avondale employee, Nyambirai threw down a generous offer:
“If Bus Stop TV can identify the Avondale branch lady who is reported to be good at customer care, we shall reward her for her good service. I will give her $1,500.00.”
“Please do not hesitate to bring to my attention any complaints you may have. We will address them. We will make good any direct financial loss you may suffer as a result of the preventable and negligent malfunction of our products.”
Bus Stop TV Welcomes ‘Classy Clapback’
Bus Stop TV responded positively to Nyambirai’s post, joking that their legal team could stand down.
“We had our lawyers on standby for law book tasers… now we’re telling them to stand down,” they wrote.
“Shoutout to @tawandan1 for the classy clapback, $1.5K reward, and real accountability. Let’s find that Avondale legend — good service deserves good noise!”
In a follow-up exchange, Nyambirai clarified what struck a chord with him:
“You were speaking for some of our customers who may choose not to speak, or who may not have a voice. That’s what struck a code with me.”
Bus Stop TV acknowledged his comment, replying:
“Yes, our voice is for the many who experience these services daily but often go unheard. As for the ‘ad’ impression it wasn’t the intent, but we hear you loud and clear.”
As the search for the unnamed customer service champion from Avondale begins, Zimbabweans are watching closely to see whether Steward Bank’s commitment to accountability translates into action.
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The post Steward Bank Roasted on TikTok – CEO Responds with US$1.5K Reward, No Lawsuits & Promises Better Service appeared first on iHarare News.
