RS
Red Sea Jol Pty and Mr. Zidane Mohamed Kamal Walid
Unclaimed Business
RS
Red Sea Jol Pty and Mr. Zidane Mohamed Kamal Walid
Unclaimed Business
0 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
Performance(last 12 months):
Ranked In Travel & Vacation
#9NPS Score
0Unlikely
Ranking
#9
in Travel & Vacation
NPS Score
0
Recommended: Unlikely
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Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
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Ivor V
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 Dec 2022, 18:20
Be aware Divers!
Also had my flight and boat money stolen by Kimo! His tactic is to buy time. Promising he’ll pay the money back, but when the time comes to pay, there’s just more stories! Would suggest to rather use another liveaboard.
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Ivor V
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
28 Dec 2022, 18:20
Be aware Divers!
Also had my flight and boat money stolen by Kimo! His tactic is to buy time. Promising he’ll pay the money back, but when the time comes to pay, there’s just more stories! Would suggest to rather use another liveaboard.
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Adelle P
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Sept 2022, 05:51
CAUTION ⚠️ DIVERS BE AWARE
Divers Please be aware!!!!!!! Me and my husband was part of this group of 31 people that lost our trip and money with Red Sea Jol. Since court cases won't resolve the matter, my husband contacted Kimo and asked if he can't include us on another trip and we were willing to pay the exstra for the new flight tickets. Kimo was keen. He said he will refund the ticket money and then we can book our own flights and that he will check for a group in beginning of November or end of November. His condition was that we take down any and all complaints or posts that was made on social media against him. Even though that is not an ideal time for us, we decided to rather take it than lose everything. And guess what happened he stopped communicating with us AGAIN and did not do as he promised namely give us a new fixed date, proof that we are on a boat and our ticket money back. Anyone wanting to take a trip with Red sea Jol, take caution since Kimo is not being truthful and is not trustworthy. For someone that has done so many trips already with such good reviews I can not understand why he does not do everything in his power to rectify the situation. We have done everything form our side, negotiate, accepted to pay more, change of dates and he has done nothing but make empty promises and prentend that he is not at fault.
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Adelle P
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Sept 2022, 05:51
CAUTION ⚠️ DIVERS BE AWARE
Divers Please be aware!!!!!!! Me and my husband was part of this group of 31 people that lost our trip and money with Red Sea Jol. Since court cases won't resolve the matter, my husband contacted Kimo and asked if he can't include us on another trip and we were willing to pay the exstra for the new flight tickets. Kimo was keen. He said he will refund the ticket money and then we can book our own flights and that he will check for a group in beginning of November or end of November. His condition was that we take down any and all complaints or posts that was made on social media against him. Even though that is not an ideal time for us, we decided to rather take it than lose everything. And guess what happened he stopped communicating with us AGAIN and did not do as he promised namely give us a new fixed date, proof that we are on a boat and our ticket money back. Anyone wanting to take a trip with Red sea Jol, take caution since Kimo is not being truthful and is not trustworthy. For someone that has done so many trips already with such good reviews I can not understand why he does not do everything in his power to rectify the situation. We have done everything form our side, negotiate, accepted to pay more, change of dates and he has done nothing but make empty promises and prentend that he is not at fault.
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Vicky C
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Sept 2022, 09:24
BEWARE!!!Red Sea Jol Diving trip scam
I booked a R37K trip with this company for a diving trip 19 Aug -28Aug included were flights to Egypt, 7 nights stay on a live-aboard yacht and a Cairo pyramid tour. NONE of which was received nor refunded. Zidane Mohamed has basically stole my money along with 32 other individuals. He isnt communicating with us regarding a refund or rescheduling the trip. HES A LIAR,SCAM ARTIST AND THIEF!!!! DO NOT USE HIM OR HIS COMPANY!!!
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Vicky C
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
7 Sept 2022, 09:24
BEWARE!!!Red Sea Jol Diving trip scam
I booked a R37K trip with this company for a diving trip 19 Aug -28Aug included were flights to Egypt, 7 nights stay on a live-aboard yacht and a Cairo pyramid tour. NONE of which was received nor refunded. Zidane Mohamed has basically stole my money along with 32 other individuals. He isnt communicating with us regarding a refund or rescheduling the trip. HES A LIAR,SCAM ARTIST AND THIEF!!!! DO NOT USE HIM OR HIS COMPANY!!!
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Marinda S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Sept 2022, 15:53
Warning warning Red Sea Jol
Warning ⚠️ Warning ⚠️ Red Alert 🚨 Red Sea Jol pty So it’s been just over two weeks now since our so called Red Sea Trip with #redseajol and owner Kimo Zidane. Our departure date was to be the 19 September but 3 days prior to departure Kimo cancelled and left our group. Walking away with almost 1.2 mil rands worth of guests Hard earned cash or years savings. To date we have had no communication what so ever on our refund or rescedualed dates. Shocking I know. 😡😡 It just blows my mind how this man works. In my opinion he keeps his divers happy in surrounding countries. So when he leaves a group of 31 people behind after booking and paying directly to him Red Sea Jol Pty They can vouch for him and say how good and reliable he is. Making his name look fabulous while other battle and fight for there money and answers. Other groups depart as planed and our group of 31 is left behind stranded with no communication. Makes no sense. If this #kimoshark and #redseajol is such a reputable company. Then why hid and block us from your Facebook Page and removed him self from our group chats. Refuses to answer emails or what’s app. After kimo said he would refund. Once again the truth hurts and the devil will have his day. I will not give up until our money has been returned. I ask that all our friends on Facebook please #redseajol and SHARE & LIKE with others so the word may spread. Even though we have been block from social media.
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Marinda S
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Sept 2022, 15:53
Warning warning Red Sea Jol
Warning ⚠️ Warning ⚠️ Red Alert 🚨 Red Sea Jol pty So it’s been just over two weeks now since our so called Red Sea Trip with #redseajol and owner Kimo Zidane. Our departure date was to be the 19 September but 3 days prior to departure Kimo cancelled and left our group. Walking away with almost 1.2 mil rands worth of guests Hard earned cash or years savings. To date we have had no communication what so ever on our refund or rescedualed dates. Shocking I know. 😡😡 It just blows my mind how this man works. In my opinion he keeps his divers happy in surrounding countries. So when he leaves a group of 31 people behind after booking and paying directly to him Red Sea Jol Pty They can vouch for him and say how good and reliable he is. Making his name look fabulous while other battle and fight for there money and answers. Other groups depart as planed and our group of 31 is left behind stranded with no communication. Makes no sense. If this #kimoshark and #redseajol is such a reputable company. Then why hid and block us from your Facebook Page and removed him self from our group chats. Refuses to answer emails or what’s app. After kimo said he would refund. Once again the truth hurts and the devil will have his day. I will not give up until our money has been returned. I ask that all our friends on Facebook please #redseajol and SHARE & LIKE with others so the word may spread. Even though we have been block from social media.
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Linda W
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
1 Sept 2022, 16:10
Untrusted and Potential scammer
Official Letter of Complaint and Call to Response On behalf of the attendees of the Red Sea jol , I am writing to express our strong dissatisfaction, poor customer Service and fraud action against the below company: Red Sea Jol PTY Ltd, Company Registration: 2********107 No Vat No: 0************76 and 0************36 Director: Zidane Mohamed Kamal Passport No: ******** Tax No: 9********8 Address: 236 Rondebult RD, Libradene, Boksburg, 1459 On the 02 February 2022 a tour was advertised by the Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd with Bobby van Jaarsveld and Juan Du Plessis. The Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd has been a tour operator in the Red area for over 8 years and believed to be a “Top Quality Tour Operator / Tour Agency” based on its Facebook history and reviews posted by its clients. This can be seen on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/redseajol/ and website: http://redseajol.co.za/ I, including another 31 people were supposed to leave 19 August 2022 to the Red Sea booked through Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd which subsequently did not happen. We have further received no formal communication or have any recourse from/to the Red Sea Jol as to how and when we would receive a refund or alternative dates for the trip proposed. I can provided a summary of information and facts for reference if required. We kindly request that our voice be heard, and some action taken to intervene for the 31 people who paid their money over to the Red Sea Jol can be refunded or compensated. In our opinion we would not recommend this company for any trips advertised on Facebook or other platforms.
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Linda W
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
1 Sept 2022, 16:10
Untrusted and Potential scammer
Official Letter of Complaint and Call to Response On behalf of the attendees of the Red Sea jol , I am writing to express our strong dissatisfaction, poor customer Service and fraud action against the below company: Red Sea Jol PTY Ltd, Company Registration: 2********107 No Vat No: 0************76 and 0************36 Director: Zidane Mohamed Kamal Passport No: ******** Tax No: 9********8 Address: 236 Rondebult RD, Libradene, Boksburg, 1459 On the 02 February 2022 a tour was advertised by the Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd with Bobby van Jaarsveld and Juan Du Plessis. The Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd has been a tour operator in the Red area for over 8 years and believed to be a “Top Quality Tour Operator / Tour Agency” based on its Facebook history and reviews posted by its clients. This can be seen on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/redseajol/ and website: http://redseajol.co.za/ I, including another 31 people were supposed to leave 19 August 2022 to the Red Sea booked through Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd which subsequently did not happen. We have further received no formal communication or have any recourse from/to the Red Sea Jol as to how and when we would receive a refund or alternative dates for the trip proposed. I can provided a summary of information and facts for reference if required. We kindly request that our voice be heard, and some action taken to intervene for the 31 people who paid their money over to the Red Sea Jol can be refunded or compensated. In our opinion we would not recommend this company for any trips advertised on Facebook or other platforms.
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Jessica B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
1 Sept 2022, 09:26
Red sea Jol! ALEART!!!!
WARNING WARNING ALERT!!! NEWS!!!! So I have waited a while to post this, because I haven't had words to express how upset, broken and torn I've been. I booked a trip with Red Sea Jol and I was beyond excited! I am pretty sure 90% of you heard me telling you about everything that was included and how I was literally counting down the days till I went! It was meant to be my prehoney moon vacation before moving to George and getting married! Unfortunately 3 days before the trip Kimo (the owner of the business) informed us that he failed to book our flight tickets to Egypt and that The trip was no longer happening. After which he left the whatsapp group. He then proceeded to message us one on one that we will recieve a refund but made no effort to inform us of when this will take place. Not only that but excuse after excuse was given, lies and stories were made up of why we won't be able to recieve a refund. The joke and peak of this whole story is this man still thinks he is innocent and did nothing wrong! The story only gets better! He is still going out on red sea jol trips with other clients while he has stolen almost 1.2 million from a group of 50 of us! He has no remorse for what he has done as he jols on the ships and pretends like he didn't ruin 50 peoples holiday! I would NOT recommend Red Sea jol to anyone and will be advising ALL South african dive clubs to stay away from him! Please because your trip is not guaranteed. I am sitting here depleted...this whole process has been a complete nightmare for all of us. Linda Swanepoel Williams and Lorette Swanepoel Bridges have been doing everything in their power to help us get a refund and I thank them for everything they have been doing! I am asking my friends and family to please please repost this and spread the word. I may not be able to get my money back but I can sure that nobody ever goes through the trauma we have had to endure in the last couple of weeks! Red sea jol if you see this just know that you have zero integrity, you have failed to produce a service that was paid for in full! We have ample evidence of your lies, stories and none stop excuses. If you think that I am stopping here with this post you are very mistaken and naive. I am going to make sure that I use ever social media platform I have avaliable to make sure that Kimo and his business ( Red Sea Jol ) never scam people like they have us. I will not stop until I have my money refunded to me in full. Again Please Please repost this and be aware of this man and his scam! #redseajol #redsea #liveabroad #scubadiving
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Jessica B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
1 Sept 2022, 09:26
Red sea Jol! ALEART!!!!
WARNING WARNING ALERT!!! NEWS!!!! So I have waited a while to post this, because I haven't had words to express how upset, broken and torn I've been. I booked a trip with Red Sea Jol and I was beyond excited! I am pretty sure 90% of you heard me telling you about everything that was included and how I was literally counting down the days till I went! It was meant to be my prehoney moon vacation before moving to George and getting married! Unfortunately 3 days before the trip Kimo (the owner of the business) informed us that he failed to book our flight tickets to Egypt and that The trip was no longer happening. After which he left the whatsapp group. He then proceeded to message us one on one that we will recieve a refund but made no effort to inform us of when this will take place. Not only that but excuse after excuse was given, lies and stories were made up of why we won't be able to recieve a refund. The joke and peak of this whole story is this man still thinks he is innocent and did nothing wrong! The story only gets better! He is still going out on red sea jol trips with other clients while he has stolen almost 1.2 million from a group of 50 of us! He has no remorse for what he has done as he jols on the ships and pretends like he didn't ruin 50 peoples holiday! I would NOT recommend Red Sea jol to anyone and will be advising ALL South african dive clubs to stay away from him! Please because your trip is not guaranteed. I am sitting here depleted...this whole process has been a complete nightmare for all of us. Linda Swanepoel Williams and Lorette Swanepoel Bridges have been doing everything in their power to help us get a refund and I thank them for everything they have been doing! I am asking my friends and family to please please repost this and spread the word. I may not be able to get my money back but I can sure that nobody ever goes through the trauma we have had to endure in the last couple of weeks! Red sea jol if you see this just know that you have zero integrity, you have failed to produce a service that was paid for in full! We have ample evidence of your lies, stories and none stop excuses. If you think that I am stopping here with this post you are very mistaken and naive. I am going to make sure that I use ever social media platform I have avaliable to make sure that Kimo and his business ( Red Sea Jol ) never scam people like they have us. I will not stop until I have my money refunded to me in full. Again Please Please repost this and be aware of this man and his scam! #redseajol #redsea #liveabroad #scubadiving
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jacques B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
31 Aug 2022, 15:55
Red Sea Jol
I was meant to be on the same trip as the above group with Red Sea Jol. These guys have taken our money and not provided us with any tour. They even went to the point of encouraging us to recruit more people to join the trip one week before the time and left us stranded with no trip. I would advise any potential clients to look for a more reputable operator where you would not be done in like our group has been.
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jacques B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
31 Aug 2022, 15:55
Red Sea Jol
I was meant to be on the same trip as the above group with Red Sea Jol. These guys have taken our money and not provided us with any tour. They even went to the point of encouraging us to recruit more people to join the trip one week before the time and left us stranded with no trip. I would advise any potential clients to look for a more reputable operator where you would not be done in like our group has been.
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Lorette B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
31 Aug 2022, 15:40
My Experience with Red Sea Jol and Mr. Zidane Mohamed Kamal Walid
My Experience with Red Sea Jol and Mr. Zidane Mohamed Kamal Walid Official Letter of Complaint and Call to Response On behalf of the attendees of the Red Sea Jol, I am writing to express our strong dissatisfaction, and poor customer Service against the below company: Red Sea Jol PTY Ltd, Company Registration: 201508081107 No Vat No: 000004800277776 and 000004200288936 Director: Zidane Mohamed Kamal Passport No: A15035441 Tax No: 9470239188 Address: 236 Rondebult RD, Libradene, Boksburg, 1459 On 02 February 2022, a tour was advertised by the Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd with Bobby van Jaarsveld and Juan Du Plessis. Amazing and well-known singers in South Africa. The Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd has been a tour operator in the Red area for over 8 years and is believed to be a “Top Quality Tour Operator / Tour Agency” based on its Facebook history and reviews posted by its clients. This can be seen on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/redseajol/ and website: http://redseajol.co.za/ I, including another 31 people were supposed to leave on 19 August 2022 for the Red Sea booked through Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd which subsequently did not happen. We have further received no formal communication after many attempts to correct the situation or have any recourse from/to the Red Sea Jol as to how and when we would receive a refund or alternative dates for the trip proposed. I have provided a summary of information and facts below for reference and kindly request that our voice be heard, and some action taken to intervene so the 31 people who paid their money over to the Red Sea Jol in full can be refunded or compensated. Summary of events and facts On 02 February 2022, a fully inclusive trip to the Red sea was advertised by Red Sea Jol Pty Ltd on Facebook. The trip was advertised and known signers Bobby van Jaarsveld and Juan Du Plessis would be in attendance and in the dives as they are themselves, keen divers. This was a massive draw card in booking the event. I, including 31 other persons contacted the Red Sea Jol to book our space. The Tour operator and owner of the Red Sea Jol Mr Zidane Mohamed Kamal Walid hereafter known as “Kimo” email address: kimo@redseajol.co.za acknowledge our request and on Friday, 28 January 2022 15:42 and sent our deposit invoices to be paid, for 2 guests. The costs for the trip were R 37 299.00 per person fully inclusive including Flights, Full board accommodation on the boat including daily dive, nights’ accommodation on land, Cairo day trip and nights’ accommodation and return flights. A securing deposit of R 10 000.00 was to be paid on receipt of the invoice and the balance on request when invoices and statements were received. From calculations, the Tour operator would have received (31 persons x R 37 299.00) = R 1,156,269.00 which is a substantial amount of money. All monies were paid into the below bank account: Red Sea Jol PTY Account Type: Business Account Branch Code : 250655 Account Number : 62571056483 Bank : FNB Northmead Square SWIFT CODE FIRNZAJJ For reference: L & J Bridges paid the deposit of R 10 000.00 A confirmation mail was received from Kimo Zidane (kimo@redseajol.co.za) that the deposit was received. A WhatsApp group was created on 01 June 2022 to manage the communication and related information for the trip confirmed for 19 August 2022. The group continually asked for Statements / Invoices, so that payments could be finalised and all schedules for example flights / Transfers / Hotels and Boats could be supplied. Kimo always had excuses, for why people had not received this information. Towards the end of July 2022, the group had still not received updated statements and/or invoices to make payments. A request was then sent from Kimo to request that the group needed to send Kimo confirmation of the payments made by everyone so he could reconcile. The information was sent directly to his email kimo@redseajol.co.za as per the request received on 25 July 2022 at 07:37:16 To our knowledge, all payments were made into the Red Sea business account below and Kimo was the person responsible for receiving and allocating all payments. The bank account details provided were: Red Sea Jol PTY Account Type: Business Account Branch Code : 250655 Account Number : 62571056483 Bank : FNB Northmead Square SWIFT CODE FIRNZAJJ A message posted on the Group was sent out by Kimo requesting via what’s app that all payments be sent to him to confirm all have been allocated correctly. All persons submitted their information and Kimo confirmed via WhatsApp confirmation thereof. On the 5th of August considering that the trip was planned for 19 August 2022, I and a number of other persons started to get concerned that we had not received confirmation of the trip, the itinerary nor ticket confirmation. Just after people started to raise concerns Kimo on the 6th of August 2022 hit us with his first Bomb shell, Informing us of a price increase. This was not well received considering the fact that no one in the Group had received any confirmations or updated statements and now asked to pay an additional R 8500.00 per passenger. At this stage most believed that this was a scam. In addition, a lot of people paid their monies in February months before the trip and Kimo should have reserved flights to prevent such an increase from happening. The group was furious and had a lot of questions which he did not answer: 1. Why do we need to pay increases if we have already paid in full and months prior? 2. Why were flights not booked in advance and prices secured with the deposits paid? 3. The Group had constantly requested information which was not supplied and now request to pay additional funds. The reaction was very mixed. Some people asked for immediate refunds, others stated that Red Sea Jol needs to cover the additional cost, some asked why he did not have insurance for situations like this, and some asked if there were alternatives as they did not have the additional funds and what would happen if they were unable to pay the additional increase requested. Kimo's response was vague and, at this time, advised the Group that he had fallen ill which was making it challenging for him to handle the stress caused by the matter. At this time, it would have been prevalent to have someone assist him seeing he was sick and unable to deal with the matter especially considering has notified the group of the increase on 06 August 2022 ten days prior to the trip. Kimo requested to resolve the matter by going to Egypt Air to discuss the price increase and would revert with a possible solution. The Group agreed and thanked Kimo for his efforts. The following Morning dated 07 August 2022, Kimo posted a reply at 9:55 am via what’s app confirming that he managed to reduce the price increase and this difference would be covered by the Red Sea Jol. There would be an increase in the service charge which needed to be paid upon arrival from EUR 165.00 to EUR 190. The Group agreed and the matter was resolved and the booking was back on track. Kimo requested if the Group knew of additional passengers, we should let them contact him to assist with filing up the boat. I referred my parents who are pensioners to Kimo on the 7 August 2022 who then booked the trip last minute and paid over the monies due in full. REF: Mr & MRS SWANEPOEL. At this time the Group had not received an infinitary nor confirmation of the tickets. Info was supplied by Zidane Mohamed Kamal (Kimo) regarding our trip while we wait for tickets. The Group started to request the information a couple of days after in order to arrange foreign exchange and connecting flights for this they do not reside in Johannesburg. Kimo confirmed that he was waiting on the tickets to be issued which would take a couple of days. Confirming that the trip was still to happen and some of the details pertaining to trip arrangements and equipment needed. On 14 August when clients followed up on Flight tickets it was confirmed by Kimo that the tickets had still not been issued and the pricing that Kimo has secured was not in question. Kimo opted to turn off his phone and refused to speak with any of the parties or reply to anyone's messages. On Tuesday 16 August 2022 with the trip planned to leave on Friday 19 August 2022 Kimo returned to Group and posted terms and conditions. Note, that the Group had never seen these terms and conditions and any other related communication except for the initial invoice received. The Group had now a suspicion that the trip was cancelled. After numerous messages on the WhatsApp Group asking about the status post the terms and conditions being posted Kimo opted to remove himself from the WhatsApp Group leaving all the guests in the dark. Needless to say, the trip never happened even with huge efforts to try and make my own arrangements, speak with Kimo directly, and arrange tickets directly. The Tour company Red Sea Jol has taken in excess of R 1 million rands from customers that paid for a trip in full that never happened. In addition, have no recourse with the Tour Company Red Sea Jol as they are based in Egypt and have refused to deal with the matter or communicate the way forward. The group has requested to the Egypt Embassy is to intervene in this matter to try and get a favourable outcome for this group of people. This is a large amount of money a variety of people have paid a saved for some time including pensioners. Due to the above our pack of 31 clients, which were stranded without tickets on Friday the 19 August 2022 have attempted to resolve this matter with no Feedback. We have proposed the below options to Red Sea Jol with no outcome received to date: 30 August 2022 Option 1: Refund. Option 2: Move the Trip Without receiving any communication from Red Sea Jol, we have moved forward with charges again Red Sea Jol. Case numbers have been received by parties and additional cases are being lodged individually. Post all the events noted above and trying to understand where our money went, L Williams pursued to speak to the Flight operator and other Dive clubs that have operated with Red Sea Jol before. During this investigation, we made contact with Sphinx Travel and Tour who was the appointed Flight Travel agent from the Red Sea Jol. After speaking with the Sphinx, it was confirmed that the flights were cancelled 3 days prior due to non-payment for the tickets. We received the below confirmation indirectly that the deposit was made, and Red Sea Jol had two groups planned for the same time. A Group of 19 people and a Group of 31 persons were our Group. We have confirmation that the Group of 19 persons did indeed go on the trip where the Group of 31 persons were left stranded (our Group). My opinion is the Red Sea Jol did not have sufficient funds to secure both Groups and this decided to pay for the smaller Group which was within the monies paid. The balance after payment of the 19 tickets was paid back to the Red Sea Jol. Confirmation was accidentally posted on our Group and soon thereafter deleted. I trust that all parties involved understand our plea and hope that the Egyptian Embassy will be able to assist or guide us in any way possible. Lorette Bridges
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Lorette B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
31 Aug 2022, 15:40
My Experience with Red Sea Jol and Mr. Zidane Mohamed Kamal Walid
My Experience with Red Sea Jol and Mr. Zidane Mohamed Kamal Walid Official Letter of Complaint and Call to Response On behalf of the attendees of the Red Sea Jol, I am writing to express our strong dissatisfaction, and poor customer Service against the below company: Red Sea Jol PTY Ltd, Company Registration: 201508081107 No Vat No: 000004800277776 and 000004200288936 Director: Zidane Mohamed Kamal Passport No: A15035441 Tax No: 9470239188 Address: 236 Rondebult RD, Libradene, Boksburg, 1459 On 02 February 2022, a tour was advertised by the Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd with Bobby van Jaarsveld and Juan Du Plessis. Amazing and well-known singers in South Africa. The Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd has been a tour operator in the Red area for over 8 years and is believed to be a “Top Quality Tour Operator / Tour Agency” based on its Facebook history and reviews posted by its clients. This can be seen on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/redseajol/ and website: http://redseajol.co.za/ I, including another 31 people were supposed to leave on 19 August 2022 for the Red Sea booked through Red Sea Jol (Pty) Ltd which subsequently did not happen. We have further received no formal communication after many attempts to correct the situation or have any recourse from/to the Red Sea Jol as to how and when we would receive a refund or alternative dates for the trip proposed. I have provided a summary of information and facts below for reference and kindly request that our voice be heard, and some action taken to intervene so the 31 people who paid their money over to the Red Sea Jol in full can be refunded or compensated. Summary of events and facts On 02 February 2022, a fully inclusive trip to the Red sea was advertised by Red Sea Jol Pty Ltd on Facebook. The trip was advertised and known signers Bobby van Jaarsveld and Juan Du Plessis would be in attendance and in the dives as they are themselves, keen divers. This was a massive draw card in booking the event. I, including 31 other persons contacted the Red Sea Jol to book our space. The Tour operator and owner of the Red Sea Jol Mr Zidane Mohamed Kamal Walid hereafter known as “Kimo” email address: kimo@redseajol.co.za acknowledge our request and on Friday, 28 January 2022 15:42 and sent our deposit invoices to be paid, for 2 guests. The costs for the trip were R 37 299.00 per person fully inclusive including Flights, Full board accommodation on the boat including daily dive, nights’ accommodation on land, Cairo day trip and nights’ accommodation and return flights. A securing deposit of R 10 000.00 was to be paid on receipt of the invoice and the balance on request when invoices and statements were received. From calculations, the Tour operator would have received (31 persons x R 37 299.00) = R 1,156,269.00 which is a substantial amount of money. All monies were paid into the below bank account: Red Sea Jol PTY Account Type: Business Account Branch Code : 250655 Account Number : 62571056483 Bank : FNB Northmead Square SWIFT CODE FIRNZAJJ For reference: L & J Bridges paid the deposit of R 10 000.00 A confirmation mail was received from Kimo Zidane (kimo@redseajol.co.za) that the deposit was received. A WhatsApp group was created on 01 June 2022 to manage the communication and related information for the trip confirmed for 19 August 2022. The group continually asked for Statements / Invoices, so that payments could be finalised and all schedules for example flights / Transfers / Hotels and Boats could be supplied. Kimo always had excuses, for why people had not received this information. Towards the end of July 2022, the group had still not received updated statements and/or invoices to make payments. A request was then sent from Kimo to request that the group needed to send Kimo confirmation of the payments made by everyone so he could reconcile. The information was sent directly to his email kimo@redseajol.co.za as per the request received on 25 July 2022 at 07:37:16 To our knowledge, all payments were made into the Red Sea business account below and Kimo was the person responsible for receiving and allocating all payments. The bank account details provided were: Red Sea Jol PTY Account Type: Business Account Branch Code : 250655 Account Number : 62571056483 Bank : FNB Northmead Square SWIFT CODE FIRNZAJJ A message posted on the Group was sent out by Kimo requesting via what’s app that all payments be sent to him to confirm all have been allocated correctly. All persons submitted their information and Kimo confirmed via WhatsApp confirmation thereof. On the 5th of August considering that the trip was planned for 19 August 2022, I and a number of other persons started to get concerned that we had not received confirmation of the trip, the itinerary nor ticket confirmation. Just after people started to raise concerns Kimo on the 6th of August 2022 hit us with his first Bomb shell, Informing us of a price increase. This was not well received considering the fact that no one in the Group had received any confirmations or updated statements and now asked to pay an additional R 8500.00 per passenger. At this stage most believed that this was a scam. In addition, a lot of people paid their monies in February months before the trip and Kimo should have reserved flights to prevent such an increase from happening. The group was furious and had a lot of questions which he did not answer: 1. Why do we need to pay increases if we have already paid in full and months prior? 2. Why were flights not booked in advance and prices secured with the deposits paid? 3. The Group had constantly requested information which was not supplied and now request to pay additional funds. The reaction was very mixed. Some people asked for immediate refunds, others stated that Red Sea Jol needs to cover the additional cost, some asked why he did not have insurance for situations like this, and some asked if there were alternatives as they did not have the additional funds and what would happen if they were unable to pay the additional increase requested. Kimo's response was vague and, at this time, advised the Group that he had fallen ill which was making it challenging for him to handle the stress caused by the matter. At this time, it would have been prevalent to have someone assist him seeing he was sick and unable to deal with the matter especially considering has notified the group of the increase on 06 August 2022 ten days prior to the trip. Kimo requested to resolve the matter by going to Egypt Air to discuss the price increase and would revert with a possible solution. The Group agreed and thanked Kimo for his efforts. The following Morning dated 07 August 2022, Kimo posted a reply at 9:55 am via what’s app confirming that he managed to reduce the price increase and this difference would be covered by the Red Sea Jol. There would be an increase in the service charge which needed to be paid upon arrival from EUR 165.00 to EUR 190. The Group agreed and the matter was resolved and the booking was back on track. Kimo requested if the Group knew of additional passengers, we should let them contact him to assist with filing up the boat. I referred my parents who are pensioners to Kimo on the 7 August 2022 who then booked the trip last minute and paid over the monies due in full. REF: Mr & MRS SWANEPOEL. At this time the Group had not received an infinitary nor confirmation of the tickets. Info was supplied by Zidane Mohamed Kamal (Kimo) regarding our trip while we wait for tickets. The Group started to request the information a couple of days after in order to arrange foreign exchange and connecting flights for this they do not reside in Johannesburg. Kimo confirmed that he was waiting on the tickets to be issued which would take a couple of days. Confirming that the trip was still to happen and some of the details pertaining to trip arrangements and equipment needed. On 14 August when clients followed up on Flight tickets it was confirmed by Kimo that the tickets had still not been issued and the pricing that Kimo has secured was not in question. Kimo opted to turn off his phone and refused to speak with any of the parties or reply to anyone's messages. On Tuesday 16 August 2022 with the trip planned to leave on Friday 19 August 2022 Kimo returned to Group and posted terms and conditions. Note, that the Group had never seen these terms and conditions and any other related communication except for the initial invoice received. The Group had now a suspicion that the trip was cancelled. After numerous messages on the WhatsApp Group asking about the status post the terms and conditions being posted Kimo opted to remove himself from the WhatsApp Group leaving all the guests in the dark. Needless to say, the trip never happened even with huge efforts to try and make my own arrangements, speak with Kimo directly, and arrange tickets directly. The Tour company Red Sea Jol has taken in excess of R 1 million rands from customers that paid for a trip in full that never happened. In addition, have no recourse with the Tour Company Red Sea Jol as they are based in Egypt and have refused to deal with the matter or communicate the way forward. The group has requested to the Egypt Embassy is to intervene in this matter to try and get a favourable outcome for this group of people. This is a large amount of money a variety of people have paid a saved for some time including pensioners. Due to the above our pack of 31 clients, which were stranded without tickets on Friday the 19 August 2022 have attempted to resolve this matter with no Feedback. We have proposed the below options to Red Sea Jol with no outcome received to date: 30 August 2022 Option 1: Refund. Option 2: Move the Trip Without receiving any communication from Red Sea Jol, we have moved forward with charges again Red Sea Jol. Case numbers have been received by parties and additional cases are being lodged individually. Post all the events noted above and trying to understand where our money went, L Williams pursued to speak to the Flight operator and other Dive clubs that have operated with Red Sea Jol before. During this investigation, we made contact with Sphinx Travel and Tour who was the appointed Flight Travel agent from the Red Sea Jol. After speaking with the Sphinx, it was confirmed that the flights were cancelled 3 days prior due to non-payment for the tickets. We received the below confirmation indirectly that the deposit was made, and Red Sea Jol had two groups planned for the same time. A Group of 19 people and a Group of 31 persons were our Group. We have confirmation that the Group of 19 persons did indeed go on the trip where the Group of 31 persons were left stranded (our Group). My opinion is the Red Sea Jol did not have sufficient funds to secure both Groups and this decided to pay for the smaller Group which was within the monies paid. The balance after payment of the 19 tickets was paid back to the Red Sea Jol. Confirmation was accidentally posted on our Group and soon thereafter deleted. I trust that all parties involved understand our plea and hope that the Egyptian Embassy will be able to assist or guide us in any way possible. Lorette Bridges
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