When Vision Sport announced the cancellation of the tours they had organised, many parents were furious. This resulted not only in money being lost, but children’s dreams being shattered.
Initially, the News was informed of only three tours being affected. This was also verified by Vision Sport CEO, Michael Beyneveldt when the News spoke to him on Friday, 29 November, while parents were gathering outside his house demanding answers.
Read the initial article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/krugersdorp-news/396855/parents-want-to-know-where-is-the-moneyorwhere-is-the-tour-money/
When the story broke, the News asked for others who were in a similar situation to come forward and the response has not only been overwhelming, but it is sad to know that so many children have been left disappointed by these actions.
When asked what happened, and why the tours were cancelled, Beyneveldt told the News that parents had failed to pay, adding that he had no option but to close his business.
However, all the parents who contacted the News said they had paid in full – not only the initial amounts, but also the extras such as making up the difference in the exchange rate, the visas and the required inoculations to travel abroad.
Although the consensus is that parents want their money to be paid back, most of them are just sad for their children, who cannot understand why the tours were cancelled.
One mom said they paid R40 000 per child, and that 104 girls would have gone on the hockey tour.
This does not include the rugby, soccer, netball and other hockey tours planned for December.
One parent forwarded a message to the News, which Beyneveldt had allegedly sent to them on Sunday, 1 December, saying that his company had received support and that he would be able to ‘save’ the tours.
“Vision Sport will still trade as per normal and not be closed down,” said the message. It went on to say that although the tours had been ruined, an attempt would be made to have them either postponed or refund the players, ” … after calculating all losses by payments made to service providers”.
A number of parents gathered at the Krugersdorp Police Station on Friday to open cases against Beyneveldt, but in the end it was decided that one case would be opened and that all the parents would add their affidavits to that case.
“This builds one big case against him,” said Andries de Jager, who is representing some of the parents.
He invites other parents to contact him if they are willing to add their affidavits to strengthen the case. You can contact him on 082 576 8529.
