The Africa International Hair and Beauty Fair, expected to attract about 1,000 people over two days, was cancelled at a Sandton venue, leaving vendors and ticket holders who had travelled from as far as Botswana and Zimbabwe stranded. The event's cancellation was attributed to alleged non-payment to the venue. Many attendees, including vendors and ticket holders, had already arrived at the venue, only to find a cancellation notice at the entrance.
Simone Thomas, a Kroes Rocks ambassador, was among those caught off guard. She had purchased two tickets for R300 each in February through Quicket and had travelled from Pretoria to the venue on Saturday. Thomas said she received no direct communication from the organisers informing ticket holders of the cancellation. She only found out about the cancellation when she arrived at the venue and saw the notice at the entrance.
Thomas contacted the event organiser, Peace Mthethwa, whose number appeared on the cancellation notice, to ask about the event and her ticket refund. After hours of trying to get clarity, Thomas eventually received an email confirming that the event had been cancelled and that her ticket refund would be processed within seven days. However, she expressed concerns about how the refunds would be processed, as she had not provided her banking details.
According to Thomas, venue representatives told attendees that they had been trying to contact Mthethwa for about three weeks regarding payment. Exhibitors had reportedly paid between R25,000 and R75,000 for stands, with businesses having already travelled to the venue. This has resulted in significant financial losses for the vendors, who had invested heavily in the event.
The cancellation has had a significant impact on small businesses, with many vendors reporting substantial financial losses. Some exhibitors allegedly attempted to recover losses by taking their products elsewhere in Johannesburg to find customers. A group of about 75 people from Kimberley reportedly turned back after learning of the cancellation.
Thomas expressed her disappointment and frustration with the lack of communication from the organisers. “It’s not right,” she said. “There’s no apology, no message, no communication.” The incident has raised concerns about the organisation and management of events in South Africa.
Event organisers have promised to reimburse ticket holders and vendors within seven days. However, it remains to be seen how the refunds will be processed, particularly for those who did not provide their banking details. IOL media contacted Mthethwa for comment, but he responded saying it was “not a good time to talk”.
Key points
- The Africa International Hair and Beauty Fair was cancelled due to alleged non-payment to the venue.
- Vendors and ticket holders reported significant financial losses and a lack of communication from the organisers.
- Event organisers have promised to reimburse ticket holders and vendors within seven days.
