In a deeply unsettling turn of events, Absa Bank has found itself at the center of controversy following the premature announcement of a job vacancy to replace a deceased employee, Donna Naishorwa Leiyasa. The announcement, which appeared on the Julisha Digital platform, has sparked outrage and disbelief among netizens and the general public.
Donna Naishorwa Leiyasa, who tragically passed away recently, was a Senior Data Scientist at Absa Bank Kenya PLC. Her death has undoubtedly left a void in both her professional and personal circles. As the family prepares for her funeral, scheduled for August 7, 2024, at St. Benedict Monastery Church in Nanyuki, the bank’s premature job posting has added an unexpected layer of grief and indignation.
The funeral announcement, which details her passing and the upcoming burial arrangements, highlights Donna’s significant contributions to her family and her work. Described as a cherished member of the Leiyasa and Leyian families, Donna’s untimely death has left her loved ones and colleagues in mourning.
However, the simultaneous appearance of a job vacancy announcement for her position has raised serious ethical and procedural questions. The job summary posted on August 2, 2024, calls for applicants to fill the role of Data Scientist, outlining responsibilities such as applying data mining techniques, performing statistical analysis, and developing prediction algorithms. The timing of this announcement has been perceived as highly insensitive, given that Donna’s burial has not yet taken place.
Social media users and members of the public have expressed their shock and disappointment at the bank’s apparent lack of compassion. Many have criticized Absa Bank for what they see as a gross misstep in human resource management and a failure to respect the grieving process of Donna’s family and friends.
One netizen commented, “This is absolutely heartless. How can a company be so eager to replace an employee before they have even been laid to rest?” Another echoed this sentiment, stating, “Absa Bank needs to address this immediately and apologize to the family. This is not how you treat people.”
The bank has yet to release an official statement regarding the controversy. It remains to be seen how they will address the situation and whether any corrective measures will be taken to ensure such an incident does not occur in the future.
In times of loss, sensitivity and respect are paramount. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of corporate empathy and the need for companies to prioritize the well-being and dignity of their employees and their families.
