Total Humansdorp (CBF Management) – 3 Weeks of Delays, Zero Accountability, and a Brand-New Vehicle Damaged

I am submitting this complaint regarding the unacceptable conduct of the TotalEnergies Humansdorp filling station in the Kouga Municipality, Eastern Cape, which operates under the management of CBF and branch manager Johan Esterhuizen.

My brand‑new bakkie has now been standing at Kelston for three weeks due to water‑contaminated diesel supp**** by this station. Instead of resolving the matter urgently, CBF is dragging their feet, delaying payment, and now even questioning why my own insurance cannot cover the damage, despite the fact that:

This was not my accident

Not my negligence

Not my fault in any way

The contamination originated 100% from their pumps

This behavior is unacceptable and unprofessional.

CBF has already acknowledged that there was water in the diesel, and it is widely known that around 50 vehicles have been damaged by this same incident. Yet they continue to delay, avoid accountability, and shift blame onto innocent customers who trusted the Total brand.

Key facts: I filled R500 diesel on 6 May 2026 at the same station.

I filled up again on 8 May, after which my vehicle failed. CBF admitted there was water contamination.

My vehicle is less than four months old, bought new, and still under full warranty.

The repairs must follow manufacturer standards, this is not negotiable.

Kelston and I are now suffering the consequences of a problem caused solely by CBF.

Whether the diesel “dipped clean” after the tanks were flushed is irrelevant. The contamination clearly originated from this station, and it remains entirely possible that water‑contaminated diesel remained in the pump lines or supply system. CBF failed to verify that the diesel from the pump itself was tested and confirmed clean before resuming sales.

Impact on my life: This situation has caused major disruption to my household. I have daily responsibilities, meetings, and children who must be transported. I am currently stranded during the day and must walk to get my children to school.

While I appreciate that the branch manager offered his personal vehicle, this is not a sustainable or fair solution, it merely shifts the problem instead of resolving it.

What I am requesting: I am formally requesting that CBF immediately pay the required deposit to Kelston so that repairs can proceed — even if the company must temporarily carry the cost and recover it from insurance later.

We have had a long‑planned trip to the Karoo at the end of May, and my bakkie is essential for this. It is not acceptable that my plans must be cancelled due to negligence by CBF.

TotalEnergies’ reputation is being damaged This incident is dragging the name of TotalEnergies, a respected global brand, through the mud because of the poor management and lack of accountability from a local operator.

I am requesting urgent intervention from TotalEnergies South Africa to ensure that this matter is resolved without any further delay.