Afhco review: Accountability

My name is Ncedile. On the 8th of Dec 2022, where I park my car at New Kerk, AFHCO building they were experiencing load shedding from approximately 16:00 to 18:00 or 19:00 and I was aware of this because I stay around.

I went to park my car around 16:30 the gate was closing when I was approaching it, I don't know if someone just came in/out.

So I waited for it to close. Then it opened for me, immediately I got in, but only the quarter of my car was in, just the front part, the gate started closing in. It hit the right side of the car, the driver's door got scratched. After hitting the car the gate reversed/opened again. I got inside fully, checked the damage and took pictures I went to the security guard on Shift Bongiwe/le. The security guard claims he didn't open nor closed the gate and he pointed at the gate remote control that was on top of a counter and away from where he was seated. He said he is not even aware that the gate was opening, closed then opened again.

He said when there's load shedding he goes next to the gate to open it because the cameras are off they can't see if there is a car that wants to come in or out. He waits for car to hoot, then he goes to open it. In this case, I did not hoot, but the gate opened for me after closing right in front of me.

I asked him if you say, "you didn't open the gate" then who did? he said he doesn't know. I asked who else has the remote he said the building manager and it is possible that he (building manager) might have opened and closed the gate.

I said I want to lay a complaint, the security guard said I can call the building manager and lay my complaint. When the building manager (Trust) came, he also claims that he didn't open nor close the gate. We went to see the damage on the car and he said he will escalate the matter to their head office and I asked him to cc me on the escalation e-mail, ncedile.[protected]@gmail.com

and I have sent him pictures.

I asked him when can I expect feedback, he said he doesn't know. I asked is it a week, a month or a year. He still said he doesn't know as they have never experienced this issue before.

Obviously this didn't give me any joy and I asked for a number I can call to do a follow up myself, he gave me.

If the gates opens and closes by if self that means our cars ARE NOT SAFE."

Below is the feedback I received today after I personally went to their office a week ago. After numerous email sent and calls made for follow up. They concluded that it is my fault that their faulty gate hitted my car.

Dear Ncedile,

Thank you for your continued communication.

Please accept our sincere apologies for the delay , As per the lease agreement the tenants insurance will be responsible for any loss of goods or damage to personal property.

Part of such are processes relating to insurance. Afhco insures the building you live in and not your possessions. If there is a fire in the building, Afhco’s insurance will pay for repairs to the building and not the replacement of any possessions. Same as during a geyser or pipe burst, Afhco’s insurance only covers damage to the building (except damage through individual or tenant negligence) and not any possessions.

Regrettably, you are responsible for insuring your own movable goods or vehicle .

Should you need any further assistance or require any additional information, do not hesitate to contact us at

Kind Regards