JM
janine M
Active since May 2010
63
Reviews
0
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Reviews
63 reviews1 month ago
“Her First, Then Her Every Thing”… Except When She Actually Claims
Earlier this year a severe hailstorm destroyed my patio furniture. The glass tabletop shattered and the chairs were punctured by the hail. I immediately logged a claim with 1st for Women, expecting the process one would reasonably assume comes with paying insurance premiums every month. Instead… silence. No assessor. No guidance. No call. Nothing. The problem was that my patio was covered in dangerous shards of glass and I have **five small dogs**. Leaving broken glass lying around while waiting indefinitely for someone from 1st for Women to show up simply wasn’t an option unless I wanted injured pets. So I cleaned it up and disposed of the broken glass. After hearing absolutely nothing, I logged a complaint. Eventually someone called to say the magical word we all know so well in South Africa — **“sorry.”** Apparently that word alone is meant to fix everything. The gentleman said he would come back to me. He didn’t. Then another call came asking if I had taken photos. No, I hadn’t — because I naïvely assumed that an **assessor would actually be sent out**, especially when the damage was clearly visible (hail literally punched holes into the patio chairs). I was told someone would call the following Wednesday when I returned from holiday. That call never happened either. It is now March. No assessor has ever arrived. No claim has been processed. And I have since had to throw the destroyed furniture away because my yard was starting to resemble a s****yard exhibition of “Before and After Hail Damage.” What makes this even more ironic is 1st for Women’s marketing: “**Her First, Then Her Every Thing.**” “**Putting women first.**” In my experience it seems to translate more accurately to: **Her First… until she submits a claim.** And before anyone from 1st for Women now tries the predictable script of asking for **photos and proof**, let’s be clear: You cannot expect photographic evidence **months later** when: * No assessor was ever sent. * No instructions were given. * No urgency was shown despite dangerous broken glass. * And the only communication received was an occasional “sorry.” Insurance companies love documentation when it suits them, but documentation requires **a functioning claims process**, not radio silence. Premiums, however, are collected with remarkable reliability every single month. So the real question is this: If 1st for Women prides itself on putting women first, **why did you disappear the moment a woman actually needed you?** I would appreciate: 1. A proper explanation as to why no assessor was ever sent. 2. A resolution to the claim that was logged months ago. 3. Confirmation that “sorry” is not the official claims settlement policy. Because right now the only thing that seems to come FIRST is the marketing slogan — not the customer.
106 replies
1 month ago
Same Bank, Multiple Interest Rates – And Apparently Cash Is No Longer King
I am currently in the process of purchasing a vehicle through Omoda Alberton and financing through Wesbank , and the experience has left me questioning how the system actually works for consumers. The dealership initially submitted my application through their F&I department and received a rate from WesBank. As an FNB Private Client who does ALL my banking with the group (including my home loan), I decided to also approach WesBank directly to see whether I could obtain a better rate. I am such a loyal FNB person I even convinced our company to switch to FNB Interestingly, I did receive a better interest rate directly from WesBank than the one initially presented through the dealership. However, the dealership then indicated that if I proceed with my own financing directly with the bank, I will lose the negotiated vehicle discounts on this demo model because the finance would not be processed through their F&I department. In other words, the consumer is placed in a position where arranging your own finance may cost you the discount on the vehicle, presumably because commissions on the finance deal are affected. What became even more confusing is the following sequence: • The dealership initially obtained one interest rate from WesBank • I obtained a better rate directly from WesBank • The dealership then went back and obtained another different rate from WesBank • After that, the new offer I received directly from WesBank was suddenly higher again. At this stage we have multiple different interest rates from the same bank, for the same applicant, for the same vehicle, within the same transaction and same dealership. To be fair, I must specifically acknowledge Rebone from WesBank, who has been extremely helpful and has genuinely tried to assist me through the process. Unfortunately it seems that internal systems and dealership structures limit what can actually be done once applications are loaded into the system. Another interesting observation for consumers: It appears cash is no longer king in the motor industry. Paying cash actually results in paying more for the vehicle, while financing through certain channels appears to unlock discounts. That feels somewhat counter-intuitive for many buyers. From a consumer perspective this situation also raises a broader question around transparency. If the same bank can issue different interest rates for the same deal depending on how the application is submitted, it becomes difficult for customers to know whether they are truly receiving the best available rate or whether intermediary structures influence the outcome. Plus it's more of you fix it and that differs too. WesBank has built its reputation over decades as one of South Africa’s leading asset-based finance providers and promotes customer-focused values. I am hopeful that this matter can be resolved fairly so that: 1. The best available interest rate offered by WesBank is honoured. 2. The vehicle discounts already negotiated remain in place. 3. The transaction can proceed transparently without the consumer being penalised for engaging directly with the bank. As a consumer this experience highlights the importance of transparency in vehicle finance. If different rates can be produced by the same bank for the same applicant and vehicle depending on whether the application is submitted through a dealership F&I office or directly with the bank, it becomes very difficult for customers to know whether they are truly receiving the most competitive rate available. I trust that Wesbank, FNB and Omoda Alberton can assist in resolving this matter constructively so that the deal can proceed fairly for all parties involved.
371 replies
3 months ago
DISCOVERY MEDICAL AID ADMIN DEFIES THE CONSTITUTION
I am extremely disappointed in Discovery Health Medical’s administration and lack of accountability. I moved companies and due to admin/HR system glitches, my Discovery medical aid could not be carried over to the new company, so I had to start on a new Discovery membership number. There was a premium outstanding on the old membership number, which was paid in full . This was not a debt I caused, and I was unaware at the time that Discovery would handle it in this manner. Despite the account being paid, Discovery handed it over to a collection agency. What makes this even more unacceptable is that my Discovery broker was involved at the time, and has been trying to resolve this matter for almost 3 years. My DISCOVERY TEAM have bent over backwards to assist me, yet their support from Head office is nothing but PATHETIC. During this time, I have been harassed by collection agent, and now ITC is involved, claiming Discovery “never informed them it was paid” and that there is now interest and additional charges. Today, Discovery Head Office informed my broker that: This is not my broker’s problem, and It is my responsibility to resolve this directly with the collection agencies, and They even stated that my broker is not my broker, despite the broker being the one assisting me during the period this was handed over. This is completely unacceptable. Discovery: You loaded this You initiated this You handed it over And now you expect the customer to fix your administrative failure while being harassed for years? Constitutional rights – Just Administrative Action (Section 33) In terms of Section 33 of the South African Constitution, I have the right to lawful, reasonable and procedural fair administrative action. Discovery’s failure to correct their records, and their decision to send a paid account to collections (and allow it to remain there for years), is unreasonable and unfair administrative action. I therefore insist that Discovery correct and reverse their administrative error, ensure the matter is closed, and provide written confirmation that there is no negative listing or trace with ITC, TransUnion, or any collection agency. *What I want from Discovery (urgently): 1. Immediate written confirmation*that the account is paid and settled 2. A formal letter from Discovery to the collection agency and ITCconfirming the account was paid and must be closed immediately 3. All interest/fees reversed, as this was caused by Discovery’s administrative failure 4. Written confirmation that there is NO trace / NO negative listing / NO record at ITC, TransUnion, or any collection agency 5. Confirmation that this has been erased completely — not “it was listed and taken care of”,as a prior mail said this, and i am still being harassed by collection agencies. Perhaps Discover has lost track of who all they gave info to 6. Written proof from ALL the collection agents and ITC that the matter is closed and no further action will be taken I want this fixed immediately. I have had enough of being harassed for a “debt” that I did not cause, that I paid timeously, and that should never have been escalated to collections in the first place.
56 replies
8 months ago
Lack of Service and Communication – Standard Trust Limited (Client Service Centre
I was dealing with Nonhlanhla Ngcobo from the Client Service Centre, Standard Trust Limited. At first, she was very helpful and responsive, but the moment I sent through the required information, the communication stopped. I have sent several follow-up emails (more than three) requesting feedback and clarification. No response at all. I even specifically asked if she could call me back **before 9am** as I had an urgent meeting with my advocate and required the information beforehand – yet, no call, no reply. In desperation, I contacted the complaints line 0860 785 272. I was told I was “first in the queue” and held for 25 minutes, but no one ever assisted me. This shows a shocking level of disregard for clients’ time and urgency. To this day, I still have no clarity on what further information or documentation is required from me. I was told by Ms Ngcobo that an executor has been appointed, but I am also aware of another executor, which raises serious and urgent questions. Instead of answers, I get silence. One would think that dealing with grieving families requires compassion, transparency, and at the very least basic communication. Instead, what I have received is complete indifference. At a time of grief, this lack of care is not only unprofessional but also deeply insensitive. It seems that once they believe there is “no commission” to be earned, the service and follow-up completely disappears. This is unacceptable and disgraceful for a company that presents itself as a trusted service provider. I am extremely disappointed at the lack of accountability and service from Standard Trust Limited. **Management should take serious note of how poorly clients are being treated, and how damaging this behaviour is to the company’s credibility and reputation. I expect immediate feedback and proper resolution.
159 replies
9 months ago
FEDEX CHARGES AND DONT DELIVER FOR WHAT THEY BILL YOU
I sent a parcel to the USA last week and I paid to have it delivery TUESDAY 8 July 2025. I have tracked this parcel and it has been lying for 3 days in NEWHILL NC . It is Wednesday 9 July in SA as well as USA - As I have e the ability to understand there is a 6 hour delay - it was to be delivered yesterday before 20h00 but estimated between 10h20 and 14h20 on 8 Jul. If you try and log a complaint on FEDEX website or through your app and I have a user name it gives a virtual assistant who can not help and you cant find an email address to find the head of complaints or customer service. I could have paid a cheaper rate to get it there later than yesterday - and no communication to apologies about delays - Never mind that it was for a birthday gift - Quick to charge alot of money but zero deliverance on paying for what you don't get
392 replies
11 months ago
MIWAY doing Pensioners in
My mother is a pensioner - she called miway to amend her address- They increased her premium, then she asked but she is a pensioner does she get discount and they then reduced it a bit . She told them that she is also informing them that I (her daughter) handle all her admin and gives her POPPI act permission for them to deal with me. I then emailed and told them to review the policy amount and gave all the credentials of why the house should be eligible for better rates. Had no reply since and I have emailed and asked for someone to email me back. NOTHING but MIWAY was happy to then run a debit order on Saturday 31st May of over R600 which is R200 more than originally quoted as a pensioner. I again emailed and asked for someone to email me yesterday and then said if I get no joy I will lodge on HELLO Peter - well here I am lodging it
159 replies
12 months ago
George Rennie Management Agency are stars
I couldn't be more impressed with George Rennie Managing Agency! Having used them in the past when I was the chairlady, I knew I wanted to return after experiencing issues with another agency. As a current director in my HOA, I made the decision to move our community's management to George Rennie, and it has been the best decision. William Nagy and Lizandi Butler are absolute gems! Their professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail have made managing our HOA so much easier. They take all the stress and worry out of the equation, and we can finally trust that everything is being handled efficiently and effectively. Their communication is top-notch, and they go above and beyond to ensure that everything runs smoothly. It's clear that George Rennie Managing Agency values its clients, and with team members like William and Lizandi, I know we're in the best hands possible. Highly recommend
53 replies
20 months ago
PIONEER FOODS/ BOKOMO - PRONUTRO - REMOVE GOODS BUT DON'T REPLACE
I bought 4 x large boxes of Pronutro - they were old and Rancid -It is one of the ONLY CEREALS one can eat that is GLUTEN FREE . I reported it and they were brilliant they communicated, apologized - came and collected the product - sent it for testing - I had a report back on their findings. I had to even send photos on whattsap of the boxes,batch numbers etc with my reference no, But this was a few months ago - since then I have set emails and after emails and whattsaps to ask when do I get my 4 x boxes of PRONUTRO replaced - and it has gone on deaf ears - I went as far as to resend a message and made the subject line "THEFT" - and wow - Amazing - I got read reports but zero reply and I still don't see my 4 x large boxes of PRONUTRO - never mind that Pronutro is not cheap and I battle to find cereal compatible with my GUT - SO be warned consumers their marketing and complaints are brilliant at taking the complaint - but you will be out of pocket - even if you tell them you putting it on social medias - they could not give a damn - I even reported it on HELLO PETER under BOKOMO - and they never rep**** their either - No I see PIONEER FOODS is their big Holding company I assume - so perhaps we lucky now?? REFERENCE NUMBER IN ALL MY CORRESPONDENCE BO24-06-797 - EMAILS SENT TO jared@121bposervices.co.za, chane@121bposervices.co.za,pieter@121bposervices.co.za
0 replies
20 months ago
Pronutro uplifts stock ock but neber replaces
Bought 4 largest boxes of Pronutro. Opened 1st one. It had a funny taste and smell. Opened 2nd box, same thing. Complained, they made me send photos and batch no etc on whattsap, they gaveva regwrence no. They collected the boxes. Later i got a report on findings. Been asking when are u repacing my Pronutro.. And i get ignored. I have sent numerous emails and whattsaps... No reply.. I even expressed I'm gluten intolerant, so there ate very few cereals can eat. But nothing
0 replies
22 months ago
TELKOM RAIN DOUBLE CHARGES AND NEVER FIXES ACCOUNT
Upgraded my TELKOM RAIN to get the new modem with the new Skins and took their new package with it for extra sims. Problem is they are billing me for it as well as the OLD PACKAGE. I have called and been sent from Pillar to post to try and Get this sorted - I HAVE NOT EVEN USED THE NEW SIM CARDS, so I am at a loss there too, as any calls and data on there have probably expired. No one seems to be able to assist me and fix up the account. They owe me alot of money as they are basically double billing.It has been going on for months and I get no joy, Each person says, Ill transfer your call and then I get cut off, I have emailed as well, still get zero assistance
265 replies
Review Distribution
5 Star
7 (11.11111111111111%)
4 Star
0 (0%)
3 Star
0 (0%)
2 Star
16 (25.396825396825395%)
1 Star
40 (63.492063492063494%)