Pensioners frustrated over failed Drakensberg trip
News of a possible scam has emerged for pensioners who trusted a company to take them on a three-day trip to the Drakensberg.
Most people look forward to planning a holiday with the excitement of going somewhere new, taking a break, or spending time with loved ones in a different place.
But for 72 pensioners from Umkomaas, it was a huge disappointment.
The Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) received several calls from family members of the pensioners in the Umkomaas area on the South Coast of KZN.
Concerned families contacted RUSA after each pensioner paid R1,950 for a three-day trip to a Drakensberg resort.
Originally scheduled for December 2024, the trip was postponed because of bad weather.
The money was reportedly paid to a Durban-based travel agency.
Many of the pensioners paid in cash through a senior citizens' group, with some even taking out loans to afford the trip.
The postponed trip, which was to take place in March 2025, was cancelled with a refund promise.
After paying over R100,000 in total and facing two postponements, the group was left devastated. Talk of a possible scam soon began to spread.
A granddaughter of one of the pensioners spoke to the Witness, saying, "On Monday (31 March 2025), when they were supposed to leave, they were told that there was an issue with the travel arrangements. My grandmother is a pensioner. She cannot just go on a three-day trip. It needs proper planning, and a lot of money was invested. Seeing her so excited for a trip has truly been sad, and it all disappears."
The granddaughter also revealed that after calling the resort and bus company, she was shocked to learn that no bookings had been made.
Selvie Moodley, chairperson of the Umkomaas Senior Citizens Club, confirmed that she had communicated with the travel agency, and they agreed to refund the pensioners.
The Witness managed to track down the travel agency owner, who reassured the pensioners that he was not a scammer.
“We have worked with this group of pensioners before and delivered on all our promises,” he said.
The owner, who asked not to be named, added that other travel agencies were falsely claiming on social media that his business was a scam.
He clarified that the delay in issuing refunds was due to the large sum involved, which could not be withdrawn all at once.
When booking holidays, always remain cautious. Conduct thorough research on the agency, resort, or bus company before making any payments.
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