TikTok Users Take Centre Stage as Festival Refunds Stall
The Hey Neighbour Festival, one of South Africa’s rising music events, is facing mounting criticism after ticket holders reported delays and silence surrounding refunds for the 2025 edition, which was recently cancelled. Social media has become a megaphone for frustrated fans, with complaints spreading across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
Among those taking action is TikTok user @mec00lerthanu, who purchased two VIP tickets worth R10,000. After months of trying to recover her money with no response from organisers, she has resorted to legal action, filing a small claims case at the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.
“This is not fun. I just filled this application and emailed a copy to Hey Neighbour, but that means I’ll have to go to Pretoria to sort this out,” she explained in a TikTok video, highlighting the personal and logistical burden of chasing refunds as a student.
@mec00lerthanu @HeyNeighbourFest YOU POES THIS IS CRITICAL! I AM LITERALLY A STUDENT WITH EXAM SEASON COMING UP ! PLEASE ABIDE BY THE TERMS YOU SET- IT IS WELL OVER THE 10th OF OCTOBER WE HAVE BEEN WAITING ON YOUR REFUNDS FOR 4 MONTHS‼️ PLEASE JUST GIVE US OUR MONEY!‼️😡 #PAYBACKMAKHE #tiktoksouthafrica #viral #heyneighbourfest #scammers ♬ original sound – mali
Festival Cancelled, Promises of a 2026 Return
The festival, which debuted in 2023 with major international acts like Kendrick Lamar and H.E.R., was slated to return this year but was cancelled due to funding challenges. CEO Glen Netshipise emphasised that organisers are taking time to rebuild the festival properly:
“Rushing the process with current constraints would compromise the very heart of what makes this event special. This difficult but necessary decision allows us the time to build a solid foundation for a spectacular celebration in 2026.”
While organisers promise that ticket holders will be contacted via email and that tickets remain valid for the next festival, the slow refund process has left many frustrated.
Social Media Backlash Intensifies
Fans have taken to social media to voice anger at the lack of communication:
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@_siiphaa wrote: “It’s the 20th of October and not a single person has come forward to say they got their refund from @HeyNeighbourFes 😭💔.”
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@Sthe_Ayanda added: “Processing a refund for 5 months??? You guys are a joke, honestly.”
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@DeeRolaz commented: “They are moving like thieves now. No communication and not refunding people their monies is insane.”
The public reaction underscores the challenges festival-goers face when large-scale events fail to deliver on commitments, particularly younger attendees relying on their parents for financial support.
Legal Action Signals a Growing Consumer Rights Movement
The case brought by @mec00lerthanu reflects a broader concern: consumers are increasingly willing to take organisers to court when their rights are ignored. For students and young festival-goers, these refunds can represent a significant portion of disposable income, making delayed responses even more consequential.
The legal steps also bring national attention to accountability in South African festivals, encouraging other ticket holders to document complaints and consider legal recourse if necessary.
What’s Next for Ticket Holders?
Hey Neighbour Festival’s website states:
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All ticket holders will be contacted via email.
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Tickets remain valid for the 2026 festival.
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There is no deadline for requesting a refund.
Despite these assurances, the lack of transparent communication has left fans uncertain and frustrated. Legal action by individuals like @mec00lerthanu may force organisers to speed up refund processes and regain public trust before the festival’s return.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Timeout