It is evident that one of the main topics on the minds of Laudium Sun readers and our social media followers presently, is the saga of ‘Hello Darlings’ and it’s CEO, Tasneem Moosa (formally of Laudium). Our page 4 article in last week’s issue of the Laudium Sun, also posted on our social media platforms, regarding a statement by Tasneem, reached around 600K people, with our Facebook page alone, reaching almost 500K. Naturally and rightfully so, most of those who paid for future planned trips were highly upset with Tasneem’s statement, which was mainly about her business failing and that there were no monies to pay back, responding mainly that all they (creditors) want is their money back and not talks.

Following the huge outcry on our social media pages, condeming Tasneem, the Laudium Sun in partnership with our sister TV channel, Glow TV, pursuaded Tasneem to do a video interview. Due to the sensitivity of the matter, we decided to engage the services of qualified freelance local journalist, Naadiya Adams, who previously worked at the SABC for about 4 years and recently at Radio Islam. Understandingly, many of the viewers were not satisfied with Naadiya’s soft approach and felt that she should have been more “hard lined’. Whilst the Laudium Sun accepts these comments as constructive, we agree with the approach Naadiya took, as she believed that should she have taken a harder line, Tasneem could so easily have dropped out of the interview, as she was not obligated to talk to us. What has now disturbingly emerged, is that there seem to be so called ‘interested parties’ who are coercing those who are owed monies by Tasneem (creditors) to use a certain liquidator in order to recover their monies, even posting requisition forms on social media to give a mandate to the said liquidator, which is unethical practice to say the least.

According to local insolvency practitioner, Fazlul Suliman,”once a liquidator is appointed, creditors will have an option whether they want to submit a claim at the first meeting of creditors or the second meeting. If no money is recovered, then the claimants will contribute towards the cost / shortfall and it will be calculated proportional to the amount claimed and not the number of claimants.”

The Laudium Sun’s advice to all those who are owed monies, is to first consult a lawyer friend or insolvency practitioner (liquidator) of your choice, to find out how best to deal with the civil action aspect of your claim. We also understand that criminal charges have been filed and it is now up to the police and prosecution teams to investigate the matter thoroughly, before bringing it to court.

In the latest development, the Tayfin Group, based in Erasmia, has confirmed that they are representing Tasneem and her company ‘Hello Darlings’. Naeem Essop of Tayfin said, “Tayfin’s view is that an enquiry must be held to investigate and interrogate the trade and dealings which ultimately led to the liquidation of the entity. Considering that admissions were made that some creditors were paid with the proceeds of others, can be construed as a pyramid or ponzi scheme. The evidence will lead the magistrate or commissioner to make an informed decision in his/her report. This report will be the foundation to have the trading declared a scheme to avoid voidable and undue preferences to creditors. Moreover, all refunds must also be repaid so that the ultimate receipts can be divided against proven claims in the appropriate ratios.”