BJ
boy J
Active since Jan 2025
4
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4 reviews5 months ago
Heineken International & the JC Le Roux Farm, Stellenbosch (South Africa)
In 2022, Heineken International concluded its acquisition of Distell Group’s wine, cider, and ready-to-drink portfolio in South Africa—an expansion that included the JC Le Roux estate in Stellenbosch. The transaction was understood not only as a strategic strengthening of Heineken’s global footprint, but also as an opportunity for revitalisation, local investment, and long-term sustainability for the farm’s workforce and their families. However, reports from residents and community members indicate that the transition has not been as progressive for all stakeholders—particularly the families residing in worker housing on the farm, some of whom have lived and worked there for decades, and include retired employees whose livelihoods have historically been tied to the estate. A key recent incident has drawn public concern. On Monday, 3 November, the JC Le Roux estate reportedly had its electricity supply disconnected by Eskom due to unpaid electricity accounts. Production operations continued through the use of industrial generators, ensuring business continuity. However, the employee and retiree homes on the estate remained without power for approximately a week, according to affected families. Community members reported that: Families were left without refrigeration, resulting in loss of food and groceries already purchased. There was impaired access to heating, lighting, and safe living conditions. Many of the impacted families are historically classified as “coloured” communities—a factor that raises painful echo of long-standing patterns of labour-based housing vulnerability in the Western Cape. While Heineken may not have intended harm, the perception among residents is that the welfare of farm workers was not treated with the same level of urgency as operational requirements. This perception matters—particularly in a country where land, dignity, and labour history remain deeply sensitive and unresolved issues. In recent years, many rural communities across South Africa have witnessed a trend where long-standing farm residents face subtle or direct displacement pressures following ownership changes. In this context, decisions that compromise or destabilize worker housing—even indirectly—contribute to a broader climate of insecurity and distrust. Human Impact and Responsibility Corporate acquisitions come with more than contracts and vineyards. They come with people: families, histories, and communities who have been the human foundation of agricultural production for generations. When a multinational corporation enters this space, its responsibility is not merely economic—it is social, ethical, and reputational. Leaving workers’ homes in prolonged darkness while production runs uninterrupted—even if not intentional—communicates a hierarchy of priority that the public cannot ignore. A Question for Heineken Heineken publicly commits to sustainability, responsible operation, dignity, and respect for employees and the communities it touches. But do the events at JC Le Roux reflect those values in practice? And more importantly: Is Heineken comfortable with how this reflects on its image in South Africa— a nation where corporate accountability and historical sensitivity are not optional, but necessary? As the country watches, the answer—and the corrective action taken—will speak louder than any marketing campaign.
0 replies
12 months ago
Old Mutual Client Service Review – Extremely Disappointing Experience
I am deeply disappointed with the level of service I have received from Old Mutual. In February 2024, after retiring from my job, I made the decision to cancel several funeral policies I held with the company, as I could no longer afford to keep them. I initiated the cancellation process telephonically, thinking it would be quick and efficient. Unfortunately, what followed has been nothing short of a nightmare. It is now April 2025, more than a year and three months later, and I am still struggling to get these policies cancelled. Despite numerous phone calls and countless visits to various Old Mutual branches, the issue remains unresolved. Each time, I am either told to wait, redirected to another department, or promised that someone will follow up — yet nothing ever happens. I find it completely unacceptable for a company of Old Mutual’s size and reputation to treat a long-standing client in this manner. The lack of urgency, poor communication, and general disregard for my time and situation is appalling. Being a pensioner now, this continuous back-and-forth has placed an unnecessary emotional and financial strain on me. Old Mutual should seriously reconsider how they handle customer queries, especially those related to cancellations and the financial circumstances of retired clients. I expected professionalism and efficiency — instead, I’ve been met with endless frustration. I do not recommend Old Mutual to anyone looking for reliable service or respectful client care. My experience has been nothing but disappointing.
58 replies
15 months ago
Tracker's Aggression Escalates After My First Review: ************ Instead of Accountability
On January 10, 2025, I wrote the following review on HelloPeter: "In March 2024, I contacted Tracker South Africa to cancel my subscription as I was unemployed and could no longer afford their services. Additionally, I had sold my vehicle, making the service unnecessary. I spoke with a consultant on either the 13th or 14th of March, who assured me that the subscription would be canceled immediately. The conversation was reportedly recorded for quality assurance. Despite this, at the end of March 2024, Tracker South Africa continued to deduct money from my bank account. The same happened at the end of April 2024, even though I had canceled the service over a month earlier. Frustrated by this negligence, I reversed the April 2024 debit order. To my surprise, in November 2024, I began receiving calls from Blake Attorneys, claiming I owed Tracker South Africa for one outstanding payment. This was deeply frustrating, as the failure to cancel my policy was entirely due to the negligence of Tracker South Africa’s consultant. Their lack of follow-through on my cancellation request resulted in unwarranted charges and unnecessary stress. This experience highlights poor service and a lack of accountability on Tracker South Africa's part. I strongly urge them to address their internal processes to ensure cancellations are handled promptly and customers are not unfairly charged." Despite this public review, on January 14, 2025, Blake Attorneys contacted me again, adopting an even more aggressive approach. They threatened me with legal action if I did not pay, despite my repeated explanations that I am unemployed and living on an old-age pension. One of the primary reasons I sold my vehicle was to alleviate financial strain. Their actions have caused me unnecessary stress and frustration. It is disappointing to see both Tracker South Africa and their legal representatives disregard my situation and instead escalate matters through ************ and threats. I strongly urge Tracker South Africa to take accountability for their poor handling of cancellations and to train their legal representatives to approach such matters with greater empathy and professionalism. This ongoing ordeal reflects very poorly on the company and their partners.
0 replies
15 months ago
Poor Service from Tracker South Africa
In March 2024, I contacted Tracker South Africa to cancel my subscription as I was unemployed and could no longer afford their services. Additionally, I had sold my vehicle, making the service unnecessary. I spoke with a consultant on either the 13th or 14th of March, who assured me that the subscription would be canceled immediately. The conversation was reportedly recorded for quality assurance. Despite this, at the end of March 2024, Tracker South Africa continued to deduct money from my bank account. The same happened at the end of April 2024, even though I had canceled the service over a month earlier. Frustrated by this negligence, I reversed the April 2024 debit order. To my surprise, in November 2024, I began receiving calls from Blake Attorneys, claiming I owed Tracker South Africa for one outstanding payment. This was deeply frustrating, as the failure to cancel my policy was entirely due to the negligence of Tracker South Africa’s consultant. Their lack of follow-through on my cancellation request resulted in unwarranted charges and unnecessary stress. This experience highlights poor service and a lack of accountability on Tracker South Africa's part. I strongly urge them to address their internal processes to ensure cancellations are handled promptly and customers are not unfairly charged.
221 replies
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4 (100%)