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Local fashion designer Ruberto Scholtz has come under fire for allegedly failing to deliver on a high-profile wedding dress job, prompting questions about customer service in Namibia. The incident sparked widespread social media discussion last week, with many weighing in on the implications for both the designer and the bride involved. The client, local businesswoman Aune Nepembe, took to social media last week to express her unhappiness. She told her followers she commissioned Scholtz to create three wedding dresses, investing N$65 000 in the endeavour. Nepembe says she believed her dresses would be nothing short of spectacular, but was left disappointed. Neither Scholtz nor Nepembe responded to The Namibian’s calls or messages. Supporters of Nepembe have expressed outrage, citing the “emotional significance of a wedding day” and the importance of trust in such a high-stakes job. Former Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) chief executive and service delivery expert Tarah Shaanika says there is a general lack of service delivery among Namibians, which negatively impacts businesses’ reputations. “This is impacting competitiveness in the global arena. There is definitely a need for sensitisation and education, especially in sectors such as tourism and others as service provision determines how we are rated as a country, economy and destination,” she says. Helena Malapi, who has been in the tailoring business for 11 years, says communicating with clients about expectations is important to maintain trust. “When clients come to me, they often bring their own materials or money to buy materials. When you don’t get the items, you have to communicate this to your client in time to avoid disappointing them,” she says. Eenhana dressmaker Sylvia Penehupifo, who has been in the tailoring business for five years, says: “Sometimes people take on more work than they can handle to make more money, but in the end, one gets overwhelmed.” Various social media users have shared their sentiments. “People have been calling out Scholtz, but still they don’t listen. You should have gone to your local designers, they would have delivered perfectly and cheaper, not those celebrity designers,” one social media user says. “Scholtz always disappoints when it comes to local clients. I don’t understand why he cannot tell people he is now only designing for celebrities and people with money,” another user says. Windhoek-based Paula Henckert has come forward to express her disappointment over her experience with Scholtz. “I met a young girl who was permanently hospitalised due to kidney failure. She had a transplant, but her body was not responding. As her matric farewell approached, I had organised to get her a dress made by Scholtz. “We bought the material, put down the required deposit, and we just never got the dress or the deposit back. All attempts to get hold of him have failed to this date. “Unfortunately, the young girl has since died. I am still very disappointed and hurt by Scholtz,” she writes on social media. Some users have, however, come to Scholtz’ defence, suggesting that unforeseen circumstances could have contributed to the situation. “People are just jealous. Scholtz is a great designer and has been a designer for many years. Everyone makes mistakes, and they should let the guy be,” says Tuli Jonas.
