Caterer burnt in verbal deal

Refilwe Moeng had given up hope that she would ever get her money from Capricon Training Consultants after battling to do so for the past eight months.

The 31-year-old caterer from Dwaarsloop location in Bushbuckridge said she was approached by Thabo Makwela of Capricon Training Consultants last November who asked her to render catering services to his trainees and trainers, and she agreed. The company, however, failed to pay her the full amount after she completed the job for them.

Makwela allegedly told Moeng that besides training the youth he also empowers young entrepreneurs nearby where he conducts the training.

Moeng and Makwela agreed verbally about the job and did not sign any contract. Makwela had initially offered to bring a written contract confirming their terms and conditions, but failed to do so, said the mother of one.

When taking the job, Moeng agreed to cater for 120 trainees and four trainers at R25 per serving for 10 days, but the training only lasted six days.

Makwela deposited R3000 into her bank account at the beginning of their contract and promised to pay the balance of R15600 after the training had ended.

All went well until Moeng claimed the balance and Makwela told her he would only pay for 89 people because 31 trainees did not attend.

"Why should I be held responsible for the absenteeism of his trainees?" complained Moeng.

Moeng said her rights were being violated.

"I don't even think I will ever get my money from Capricorn Training Consultants," said a despondent Moeng.

Makwela told Consumer Line he will pay for the number of trainees who attended the training, and admitted that he did not tell Moeng to reduce the number of servings.

"I'm surprised that she is claiming for 120 people because she is the one [who] was on site. She knows how many people she was catering [for]," Makwela said.

Moeng later opted for a compromise and reduced her bill to reflect 89 trainees but a few weeks later Makwela had still not paid her.

After Consumer Line's intervention Makwela has promised to pay Moeng on September 1, adding that he was not to blame for the delay.

He has also refused to pay any interest.

"Remember, I did not delay her, she delayed herself by not sending the revised invoice, so why should I pay interest?" bellowed Makwela.