Ruby’s Events and Catering started their refunding process in October. But many clients tell Weekend Argus they are still waiting for news on when they’ll get their money back.
Another week, another twist in the tale of controversial Cape Town catering company Ruby's events and catering.
The Belhar-based business copped widespread criticism for taking people's money and then failing to either provide proper cuisine for their events, or in some cases, just not pitch at all.
Ruby's had been charging thousands of rands for services ranging from wedding planning to supplying food for events like matric balls, birthday parties and funerals.
Many dissatisfied customers have been demanding their money back, some since October. It was then the wheels really came off for Ruby's. First they blamed power outages, then the hospitalisation of company CEO Andre Jordaan, for an unknown health issue.
Many clients who demanded refunds, said they were still waiting for news on their refunds.
Just last week Philander Attorneys, the law firm tasked with paying clients their refund, told Weekend Argus that they were "processing refunds daily and payouts were being made on a weekly basis".
But dozens of clients complained they weren't given any updates about whether, and when, they'd be getting their money back.
Candice Stevens said her 40th birthday party plans laid in ruins. She paid Ruby's R4000 to cater for 40 guests at her party in Melkbosstrand. Before the big day she said she was "begging for answers regarding my refund", but got a reply email saying: "Good day. We received an instruction yesterday (14 November 2021) from our client that they (Ruby’s) have decided to take over the refund process. Our instruction to deal with the refund process has now been terminated. Our client has requested that we forward the following email address to all claimants (rubysrefunds@gmail.com) which may be used by all claimants to obtain updates relating to their refunds."
Stevens said: "I actually told my husband that I don't think we'd be getting the money back. I'd be surprised if we did. I know there are others who paid way more than we did but, R4000 is a lot to us."
Ruby's admitted to Weekend Argus that they had indeed taken over the refunds process. They confirmed 66 clients have so far been refunded their money to the tune of R290 000.
In an email to Independent Media, Ruby's explained: "CEO Andre Jordaan is out of hospital and can take on the processing of refunds on a full time basis. As Philander Attorney's have other clients to see to, it made sense to bring the process in-house where the focus is only on Ruby's refunds. We would also like to reiterate that it will be a continuation of the process put in place by Ruby's and Philander Attorneys, while Mr Jordaan was incapacitated. Firstly, we are assessing the files received by the Attorney's and making contact with all clients who claimed, informing them where in the process they are; when they can expect payment and if there are any documents outstanding, etc."
Hano Williams said his mother paid Ruby’s to provide food for her 60th birthday two weeks ago. But Ruby’s never showed up. "My question is how if you're not able to deliver, how is your bank account still accepting payments?" asked Williams.
Also on the refunds waiting list is Karen Johns. She provided Weekend Argus with documents showing she deposited half of an R8000 bill into Ruby's bank account.
Haley Prins paid Ruby's R3 500 in July for her wedding, which is supposed to take place on December 16.
"They did not personally inform me that they won't be able to cater for my wedding anymore. I saw via Facebook a few weeks later," said Prins. "I still haven't heard anything from them. And I don't have a Plan B yet." Prins issued this warning to Ruby's: "The mere fact that loyal clients are treated this badly is unacceptable. You guys leave me no choice. If I don't get payment in 48 hours I am going to the police to open a case of theft, because this is stealing from me."
Last week we reported on anxious bride-to-be Gabriella Barries from Southfield, who was waiting to get her R16 000 back from Ruby's for her wedding, which is this weekend. Barries had to fork out thousands more on alternate arrangements. She confirmed that Ruby's finally paid her refund.
"I’m extremely happy, we all are," said Barries. "Really feels like an answered prayer that it’s come through before the wedding. We were hoping that they would be true to their word and it’s a relief that they were. We have a new caterer whom we are very happy with as they are a lot more responsive and engaging. And in the end I just feel it all worked out for the best."
Ruby's said the refunds process was ongoing and that a "false narrative by some that no payments have occurred" was leaving a bad taste. "Will therefore be posting weekly updates of claims paid on Facebook," they added. "We would like to reiterate that we endeavour to refund our clients."