Despite reports to the contrary, both AST and CS Holdings confirm that they are still locked in a dispute over money owed by AST subsidiary DTS to CS Holdings company Getronics SA.
CS Holdings filed for the provisional liquidation of DTS on 22 January after a dispute arose between the two companies over a contract between Getronics and DTS.
The original sum in question was around R8.5 million for work done by Getronics for DTS.
At the time the application was lodged with the Pretoria High Court, AST executive chairman, Gerrie de Klerk, questioned the figure outstanding as well as certain contractual clauses in the contract between the companies.
According to De Klerk, AST has subsequently paid CS Holdings an amount of R2.3 million in settlement of the amount owing for Getronics` work for September.
In addition, De Klerk says AST has made available a guaranteed amount of R6.107 million which is being held by its bank until such time as further contractual disputes between the companies have been settled to his satisfaction.
DTS is a joint venture between AST and Absa, and Absa is one of CS Holdings` biggest clients.
While De Klerk says Absa will not be pleased with the conflict, CS Holdings CEO Annette van der Laan says she has kept Absa up to date on proceedings, and she does not believe the dispute between the companies will have any impact on CS Holdings` relationship with the bank.
De Klerk is confident the matter can be resolved, but says the ball rests in CS Holdings` court to resolve the matter, or let the contractual dispute have its turn in court.
"While I want this matter sorted out, R6 million is half a day`s turnover here at AST," says De Klerk.
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