01/09/2026
I’ve been pondering for a long time whether I should post about this event.
As an event professional, you sometimes meet people who present themselves incredibly well — professional, full of exciting ideas, passionate about collaboration and seemingly committed to building long-term business relationships.
This event was genuinely a proud moment for me and my team. I believed it was the beginning of a great professional relationship and an opportunity for businesses to collaborate and create something exceptional.
Unfortunately, the reality after the event has been very different.
A contract was signed.
The work was delivered.
The event happened.
And to date, the account remains unpaid.
After 20 years in this industry, I can honestly say that I have never found myself having to fight this hard simply to be paid for work that was contracted, approved and delivered.
I am now having to pursue the matter through the appropriate legal channels — something I never imagined would be necessary when this collaboration started with so much promise.
There is an important lesson here for everyone working in the events industry.
Our industry may look glamorous from the outside — beautiful venues, incredible experiences, luxury hospitality and spectacular events — but behind every event are suppliers, small businesses, crew members and professionals who have paid staff, committed resources, booked suppliers and put their reputations on the line to deliver.
Contracts matter.
Payment terms matter.
And paying suppliers for work delivered matters.
The outstanding amount in this matter is substantial — approximately half a million rand.
I’m sharing my experience because professionals in our industry need to be extremely careful about who they extend credit to, who they trust and who they enter into business with.
I sincerely hope this matter is resolved and that the outstanding account is paid in full.
Until then, I will continue pursuing the matter through the proper legal process.
Beautiful events should never come at the expense of the businesses and suppliers who make them possible.
