Imagine investing hundreds of rand in planning a dream holiday, only to be informed that your trip has been cancelled.
This unfortunate scenario unfolded for seasoned actress Lerato Mvelase, who recently shared her distressing experience on Instagram after the travel agency Blacktrotters announced its liquidation just days before her scheduled departure.
In her emotional post, Mvelase expressed her frustration, stating, “Some of us work so hard to afford holidays for our children, and days before our departure, this is the message the CEO of @blacktrotters_ @refiloe tsaratsa sends me.”
She accompanied her message with screenshots of WhatsApp conversations between herself and the agency.
A heartbroken Mvelase lamented, “I always support black businesses for obvious reasons, but what does one do when this is what I get after paying hundreds of thousands for this trip?”
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Mvelase had previously booked a trip with Refiloe Tsaratsa, the CEO of Blacktrotters, and trusted her due to their established business relationship.
However, she noted that the agency has since removed its online profile. In the shared text messages, Mvelase sought confirmation of her booking from Tsaratsa.
The CEO’s response was filled with regret: “I honestly don’t know where to start. The past few days have been the hardest of my life. Blacktrotters has been liquidated and has formally ceased operations. Because of this, your trip will unfortunately not take place.
“I want you to know that this outcome came after exhausting every possible option to save the business. We fought hard to protect our clients and honour all trips, but despite everything, we failed.”
“I know how deeply disappointing and upsetting this news is. I don’t take that lightly. Please understand that this was never intentional, and it brings me no peace. My heart is incredibly heavy sharing this with you. I am truly sorry for the distress and disruption this has caused you.
“We have begun the liquidation process and are working through the legal avenues to make payment arrangements where possible. I will continue to communicate openly as this process unfolds.”
The news has sparked a wave of reactions from netizens. Below are some of the comments posted.
@gabisilet said: “Yoh, this happened to me.”
Another user, @sinovuyomondliwa, noted: “They still owe me a refund from May that was promised. They are a scam, unfortunately.”
@mmanaka_ commented: “@pedihunnl, we tried to warn as many people as possible. They took you to court for trying to warn people about them being scammers. Now look. Lerato is not the only one. I’ve been chatting to a lady who went on holiday, and her hotels were not booked.
“Imagine arriving in Europe to be stranded. There’s another family going through this, too, right now. This is heartbreaking.”
While @dr_belloalvarez said, “Since others have complained and also lost money before, this is legally no longer insolvency but rather a scam. Please gather all that evidence scattered all over the internet and go after this woman with everything you have!
“Get your money back and take those babies on the trip. Don’t let this go.”
