Car burned at Siyanjalo Phambili Projects over 1 year ago and no help!

Possibly one of the worst experiences I've come across! It's been an entire year of fighting a battle with Siyanjalo Phambili Projects.

In January 2024, I had an incident with my 2018 Hyundai i20 1.4. Started my car one morning and there was a knocking sound coming from the bonnet. Got misdiagnosed from several companies stating that my engine seized. They quotes I was getting were way out my price range, so I was patient and started saving up.

A few months later, August 2024, we told that there's a company that fixes engines. We were then in contact with Siyanjalo Phambili Projects. There were some delays with getting the work started, but eventually they did start fixing the car. While they were busy, there were additional requests for payment for parts as some parts were damaged or not working such as my cars battery. When they asked for funds, they were made available.

A few weeks went by and we received updates that the car was almost ready. On the 9th September, the workshop called me to come test whether we were satisfied with the work done. We got there, started the car and there was an issue with one of the parts. The gentleman that was helping us advised that rather we get the car, the following day on Tuesday, 10 September 2024. Unfortunately, I could not go as I had already requested the day before at work and couldn't request an additional day. I then asked my mom and Uncle if they could get the car for me. Indeed, they went to workshop to collect the car. My uncle drove it around and went to the garage to fill up with petrol. The car switched off and had issues starting. My uncle and mom, then returned the car and advised the mechanics of the situation.

Since, we assumed the car would be coming back, I then proceeded to pay for the Labour and parts that they bought. I believe the amount was around R30 000. The mechanic advised my mom to come collect the car the following day, Wednesday 11 September. Since both myself and my uncle couldn't take more time, the workshop said they would personally deliver the car to me in Midrand, where I work.

The day of the 11th September came and there were no updates from the workshop. No calls or texts from them. I waited until knock off time and advised that they will deliver the car at my place of residence.

The evening of the 11th September at around 6:30 - 7:00, my mom came. Thinking that they convoyed with my mom and I was getting my car on the day. My mom proceeded to tell me that the workshop caught fire around 13:00 and a fleet of cars including mine were caught in the fire. My car was burned beyond recognition and repairs.

Shattered. Heartbroken. Broke, financially. I was hurt.

Communication was sent to us from Siyanjalo in the weeks after the incident. They promised that they would schedule meetings with individuals affected by the fire, so that a resolution could be found. It's been over a year now and I am still awaiting the resolution meeting.

During the course of the year, I was in contact with Zama Malunga and Marcus Rakgolela from Siyanjalo and they would tell me that they in the process of finalizing payments for the affected parties. I would follow up with Zama and she would say that there's been no developments or updates. Finally, in March 2025, Zama sent me an email stating that payments will be made month end March/April.

It's December and still haven't received my payments.

In September 2025, the workshop contacted me and said that they wouldn't be able to pay me out the full amount of the damage and asked if there's any way we can reduce the expected payment as they were facing financial struggles I agreed. They got me in contact with a Lebogang Moloi who's is finance and I'm guessing responsible for making payments. She's worked at Dinga. We agreed to payment month end October 2025. October, they don't pay and they advise that they can only do 2 part payments, one in November and December.

Lebo sent an email to me early November, assuring me that payments will be made in 2 parts. Closer to the time, I sent an email asking if payment will be before of after the 30th November as it fell on a Saturday. No response from Lebo. I sent a follow up email with my account details. No response. I've called Lebo over 10 to 15 times in a space of two weeks and she does not pick up the line or return my calls. I sent emails, about 6 and still have not received feedback.

It's been an entire year battling with public transport, while my car got burned and the workshop is not taking accountability for their actions. I'd just like my money!!!!

And the unprofessionalism of Lebo Moloi just makes this matter worse. I would like restitution for the pain and damaged cause.

I am not even sure which route to take anymore!