Public applauds SANBI decision to sack service provider

Following some extremely strong reactions of anger, shock and indignation from the community over the Christmas in July event that was held at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has released a press release to the public. The document stated that they have issued a notice of termination of contract with Gallery Naomi Arts, owned by Mr David Huni, the event organiser of Christmas in July, also known as The Enchanted Forest of Lights.

SANBI took the decision to terminate its contract with the service provider and cancel the remainder of the upcoming Christmas in July events at both the Pretoria National Botanical Garden and the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in Roodepoort.

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In the public statement issued by SANBI, they apologised to all affected customers and wished to offer ticket holders/ customers with proof of payment free access, for the whole family, to the Pretoria National Botanical Garden and the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on Women’s Day, 9 August 2019.

SANBI also took the decision not to enter into a venue hire agreement with Mr David Huni for the Giant Creature World Expo event scheduled to take place between 30 August and 8 September 2019.

Members of the public are urged by SANBI not to purchase the Giant Creature World Expo tickets at the gardens and rather to direct all ticket refund queries to the ticket provider, Howler.

In a statement released by Howler, they said they are committed to delivering the best online ticketing services, however they were not in control of the production of the event and had no control over the public’s experience at Christmas in July.

Howler also released the refund steps that will need to be followed:

• Log into your Howler.co.za account

• Select the “Tickets” tab at the top of the page

• Select “Request refund” from the menu icon on the right

• Submit your request

If you are requesting a refund for a Christmas In July event that has already passed, please write a short motivation for why you should receive a refund.

“We hope this has been helpful. For any other queries please don’t hesitate to call our support line 011 880 2199 or email us at support@howler.co.za.”

The public applauded the decision taken by SANBI and expressed their views on the whole saga on Facebook.

Here are some of the comments from the community:

• Nosiphiwo Nkowane Thu – Thank you for hearing the voices of your customers.

• Ranisha Govender – I went on Sunday, was very disappointed. It was nothing what I had expected.Thank you for refunding.

• Christelle Viljoen – Thank you SANBI for taking action! I absolutely love the Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden, and this event almost ruined it for me. I will definitely be back to visit my favourite gardens.

• Stephen Riley – Well done SANBI. Very glad to see that you have listened to everyone and have taken the appropriate steps. Have always loved the past events I have been to at the garden and this one was such a let-down.

• Sandra Hendricks Alcock – I love attending your events, so glad to hear you’ll be maintaining your integrity and name.

• Ian Hendry – Thank you for listening to your patrons.

• Matthew Ribnick – Thank you for doing the right thing, Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden. I love your venue and was so sad to see how the organisers of the event disrespected it and tarnished your good name.

• Melissa Carmen Lidbetter – So impressed that you did something about this … shows integrity. Well done lots of happy people.

• Quinnette Brits – Yes! Totally impressed by this response – we as customers do not have to be left feeling exploited and helpless. Thanks SANBI and also to everyone who complained, radio exposure [on] 702 yesterday and Jacaranda 94.2 today for opening opportunities to voice our dismay and concerns!!! Definitely claiming back my refund!

• Monique Mcleary – So glad, I had already emailed Howler who have already refunded me. This event was really such a disappointment.

In a statement released by The Enchanted Forest Of Lights, the organisation sincerely apologised for the inconvenience caused by long queues and traffic and mentioned that they have put measures in place for their future events and assured the public that this will not happen again.