Only after chaining himself to a fence at an office of the Northern Cape Department of Health in Kimberley, was a local sales consultant granted the commitment of the department that outstanding money of six months would be received by month’s end.
The owner of Excell Catering Equipment, Sean Kriel, claims he has, in six months, not been paid the R617 000 owed for janitor trolleys delivered to the De Aar Hospital.
Kriel believes the Northern Cape Department of Health is “killing small businesses” by not paying them within 30 days.
The situation forced Kriel and his sales consultant, Ockie Fourie, to act on Wednesday, 14 February.
Fourie hung a notice, “Gatvol of non-payment!” around his neck and chained himself to metal fencing in front of the office of the chief financial officer (CFO) of the department.
This quickly attracted the attention of the security guards and an official, who requested them to meet with top officials in an office – during which the CFO vowed the business would be paid by month’s end.
“No business can survive if it is not paid. We cannot finance the Department of Health,” Kriel told the official.
Kriel says he is encouraged by the CFO committing to the outstanding money being paid, and hopes that other businesses in the same position gets the same attention.
Kriel and Fourie had regularly contacted the officials involved to enquire about the payment that was due, without success – hence their demonstration.
“We even approached the provincial treasury. No one wants to sign off the documents and approve the problematic payment.”
Lebogang Majaha, spokesperson, did not comment.
Last week MEC Maruping Lekwene said the department’s financial health was improving. The annual budget is R6 billion.
“In the past two years, no unauthorised expenses have been incurred, which is a positive sign for sustainable financial management. The management of unauthorised expenses is a key focus. The premier, together with the provincial treasury, commissioned a support programme aimed at improving financial management systems and ensuring stability within the department,” Lekwene said.
“To reduce irregular expenditure, a project manager was appointed through the Office of the Premier to lead the legacy project for possible investigation and condonation.”
