Unjustified Electricity Charges for Zero Usage – Venkam / Brushwood

Dear Janie,

I am lodging a formal complaint against Venkam Property Management, acting on behalf of the Brushwood Body Corporate, for your failure to address inflated and unjustified electricity charges app**** to Unit 289.

Despite near-zero consumption since 23 August 2024 (only 5 units used), I was repeatedly charged R3.83 on 16 occasions and R4.53 once, despite zero electricity usage.

Venkam (Yolanda and Alexia) claimed this was a “council-imposed service fee.” I requested written proof (a municipal invoice or tariff schedule) showing that this fee applies monthly to my unit. No documentation has been provided.

My first enquiry was submitted on 8 October 2025, followed by a formal dispute on 15 October, and a follow-up on 24 October. As of 29 October, Venkam has failed to respond meaningfully, provide justification, or confirm escalation to the Trustees.

The clearance certificate was paid under protest to avoid delaying the transfer. These charges contradict Rule 22.1 of the Brushwood Conduct Rules, which requires levies and ancillary charges to be billed monthly in advance, not inflated arbitrarily.

Venkam’s dismissive handling of this matter reflects a lack of transparency and accountability. I request immediate intervention, documentation, and a refund of all unjustified charges.

Regards, Ronél ten Napel