ASA/ABSP - ABSA Group Limited/ABSA Bank Limited - - Reference to ABSA Group in

ASA/ABSP - ABSA Group Limited/ABSA Bank Limited - - Reference to ABSA Group in  
Barclays Plc interim management statement                                       
ABSA GROUP LIMITED              ABSA BANK LIMITED                               
(Incorporated in the Republic   (Incorporated in the Republic                   
of South Africa)                of South Africa)                                
(Registration number:           (Registration number:                           
1986/003934/06)                 1986/004794/06)                                 
ISIN: ZAE000067237              ISIN: ZAE000079810                              
JSE share code: ASA             JSE share code: ABSP                            
Issuer code: AMAGB              (Absa Bank)                                     
(Absa Group)                                                                    
REFERENCE TO ABSA GROUP IN BARCLAYS PLC INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT            
Shareholders of Absa Group are advised that Barclays PLC ("Barclays") released  
its 2011 Quarter One interim management statement on 27 April 2011.             
The following excerpt from the abovementioned statement makes specific          
reference to Absa`s financial performance:                                      
"Absa profit before tax decreased 19% to GBP135m (2010: GBP167m). Favourable    
foreign exchange movements and the improved performance of the underlying       
business were offset by a GBP54m one-off credit in 2010 in relation to the      
Group`s recognition of a pension fund surplus. Excluding the one-off credit in  
2010 profit before tax increased 19% driven by the impact of currency           
movements, income growth and significant improvements in impairment charges as  
a result of a continued improving economy. Operating expenses increased         
reflecting currency movements and inflationary pressures."                      
Investors should note that this update includes the effects of currency         
translation from South African Rand into Pound Sterling and excludes the        
results of Absa Card and Absa Capital. It is prepared in terms of London Stock  
Exchange rules and Barclays accounting policies and includes Barclays           
consolidation adjustments.                                                      
Johannesburg                                                                    
28 April 2011                                                                   
Enquiries:                                                                      
Alan Hartdegen                                                                  
Head: Investor Relations                                                        
Tel: (+2711) 350 2598                                                           
Email: Alan.Hartdegen@absa.co.za                                                
Sponsor:                                                                        
JP Morgan Equities Limited                                                      
Date: 28/04/2011 08:30:01 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za                     
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