Important Update: Planned Voluntary Liquidation of Fifth Avenue 4x4 Adventure Tours (Pty) Ltd, trading as East Cape Tours

We regret to inform you that Fifth Avenue 4x4 Adventure Tours (Pty) Ltd, trading as East Cape Tours, a valued SATSA member for the past 23 years, has made the difficult decision to close its doors and cease trading with a view to go into voluntary liquidation. This decision undoubtedly affects many stakeholders, including their clients and industry partners like you.

Suppliers to East Cape Tours should note that travellers may arrive at your property expecting their bookings made through East Cape Tours to be in order, but payment for these bookings may not have been received.

While the SATSA Bonding mechanism unfortunately does not apply in this instance, we are committed to supporting all stakeholders through this challenging process.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR SUPPLIERS

Pending Bookings

• If you have received bookings from East Cape Tours, we recommend reviewing your records to identify bookings that may be unpaid.
• All travellers will be contacted, but informing them directly of the situation is advisable.

Actions to Consider

• Contact Clients: Establish whether clients have already paid East Cape Tours for their bookings. If payment has been made and they wish to continue the travel, kindly advise them to:
• Repay and claim from Travel Insurance (if they have
• Repay and contact their bank or credit card issuer to lodge a dispute on the previous payment. They should explain why the service wasn’t provided and attach supporting documents (receipts, correspondence, etc.). The bank might require a written statement or additional evidence. Typically, there’s a deadline for filing a chargeback (usually 30–120 days after the transaction), so they should act promptly
• Should they wish to cancel the travel, please advise them to consult with the appointed liquidator (details will be forwarded in due course) regarding possible claims.
• Policy on Honouring Bookings: Decide whether you can honour these bookings at a reduced rate or on a pay-on-arrival basis. Clear communication with clients will help manage expectations.
• Record-keeping: Keep detailed records of all affected bookings to facilitate communication with the liquidators and clients.

Communication with SATSA

• SATSA is actively coordinating with East Cape Tours and once appointed, the liquidator to gather information and provide updates to affected parties.
• DVL Attorneys is the legal firm currently assisting East Cape Tours. Please contact Michael Von Benecke at Michael@dvlpe.co.za for further information and to add yourself to the creditors list.
• Please notify us of any specific concerns or cases requiring our assistance.

SUPPORT FROM SATSA:

While SATSA cannot directly intervene in financial matters, we are committed to assisting with:

• Guidance on navigating the claims process with the liquidator once appointed.
• Facilitating communication between affected suppliers, clients, and East Cape Tours.
• Offering advice on managing affected bookings to minimise operational disruption.

NEXT STEPS:

We encourage you to exercise caution and carefully assess each affected booking. SATSA will share updates as new information becomes available, and we are here to provide support wherever possible.

Please do not hesitate to contact us for further assistance.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time.