SEVERAL people who offered their services during the Sedibelo Cultural Festival in Moruleng, near Rustenburg, claim they have not been paid for their services.
The festival was part of month-long festivities to celebrate the Setswana culture. It ran from September 17 to 24 last year.
A music festival featuring the likes of Black Coffee, HHP, Stoan Seate and KB also took place.
The service providers, who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, said they had been waiting for payment for the past three months without any luck.
They claimed every time they enquired about payment from the Bakgatla tribal office they were referred to Leratadima Outdoor Advertising, which was tasked with organising the events.
One service provider said as a result of non-payment she now found herself in debt.
"It is really frustrating because I now find myself in debt. I spent close to R40,000 on the understanding that I would be paid afterwards," she said.
"It has been three months now and every time I ask them about my money they don't give me a straight answer. I couldn't even treat my children to a nice Christmas because I didn't have money."
But a representative of Leratadima referred Sowetan to Bakgatla.
Caroline Rammutla of Kgosi Pilane's office apologised profusely to the service providers.
"On behalf of Kgosi Pilane we'd like to truly apologise to the service providers.
"This misunderstanding is by no means a case of undermining our service providers.
"We are not a sinking ship and we have by no means run out of money. The problem is that the money was somewhat delayed, but the guys will get their money," Rammutla said.
No pay after three months
SEVERAL people who offered their services during the Sedibelo Cultural Festival in Moruleng, near Rustenburg, claim they have not been paid for their services.
The festival was part of month-long festivities to celebrate the Setswana culture. It ran from September 17 to 24 last year.
A music festival featuring the likes of Black Coffee, HHP, Stoan Seate and KB also took place.
The service providers, who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, said they had been waiting for payment for the past three months without any luck.
They claimed every time they enquired about payment from the Bakgatla tribal office they were referred to Leratadima Outdoor Advertising, which was tasked with organising the events.
One service provider said as a result of non-payment she now found herself in debt.
"It is really frustrating because I now find myself in debt. I spent close to R40,000 on the understanding that I would be paid afterwards," she said.
"It has been three months now and every time I ask them about my money they don't give me a straight answer. I couldn't even treat my children to a nice Christmas because I didn't have money."
But a representative of Leratadima referred Sowetan to Bakgatla.
Caroline Rammutla of Kgosi Pilane's office apologised profusely to the service providers.
"On behalf of Kgosi Pilane we'd like to truly apologise to the service providers.
"This misunderstanding is by no means a case of undermining our service providers.
"We are not a sinking ship and we have by no means run out of money. The problem is that the money was somewhat delayed, but the guys will get their money," Rammutla said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos