****** remarks - Natal Properties PMB.

Hi,

On the 10/07/2024, I wanted to have a meeting with Bruce Campbell but he was on a holiday, I proceeded to have a meeting with Mr Koon, one of business owners.

I went to seek support for a newly formed business, I wanted to know if they offer assistance to small businesses since they are a well established & a well recognized business.

I went there with an open mind that I can possibly get a "Yes/No, or a maybe", or a "this is how far we can assist", or a simple "no, we don't assist."

However I was disappointed to be asked "why come here ? whereas you have your special black financial assistance from your black government ?", he proceeded to share his sentiments around my visit, he said "there are 3 business owners, and he can't speak on behalf of the other 2, but their business took a knock from the poor black government administrations / decisions, hence they wouldn't have the money to give around". He then leaned over and looked at me straight in the eye and said "even if I had all the money to give, why would I give it to you ? I rather have that for my kids, and their grand kids, just go to your black government funds or wait for Bruce to return, of which I doubt he will help your business in any way, but try him, I am not the person to talk to".

I was shocked!

as we exited the boardroom, he said "I thought you wanted to buy or have us manage a property", I said "Sir my rental property is under your management for years", he smiled and said "good".

I felt Mr. Koon was ******, of which it's a total opposite of Bruce, I felt labelled, I felt as if in a way I was told "you deserve your situation, for your business not to be financial stable, not because it's a start-up, but because of black government, because of my skin colour".

This was a very disappointing experience, since I've dealt with Natal Properties in Pietermaritzburg for years, and the service has been ok, and Bruce is a dignified proffessional businessman.