In a first for the local financial sector, banking services will soon be available to those in remote, rural and difficult-to access areas around the country.

This is as FNB transforms a shipping container, equips it with infrastructure and transports it to several locations around the country.

The mobile units will be installed with ATMs and ADTs, which are devices with electronic-depositing capabilities, as well as teller services to provide customers an opportunity to personally interact with staff.

The Phumlani Mall in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, which was damaged by a tornado last week, will be one of the locations where the container will be placed temporarily.

Speaking at the official launch of the mobile banking units in Joburg on Tuesday, the chief executive of FNB's points of presence, Lee-Ann van Zyl, said the unit would be beneficial for residents as it would allow them access to banking services as much of the infrastructure in the township was destroyed during the natural disaster.

She said the unit was expected to be up and running in Tembisa by next month, with plans for more units to be placed at other locations around the province and the country.

Van Zyl pointed out that the mobile units would give more people access to banking services.