The failure of Eclipse Networks, which has finally been wound up, left former staff high and dry, as none of them received their final salaries.
Eclipse Networks closed its doors for the final time in May 2010, leaving 300 staff without a job. The company has since been wrapped up.
However, a copy of the confirmed liquidations and distribution account - in ITWeb's possession - shows that some top-level management and other invoices were paid until October of that year. Staff argue that some of the income should have benefited them as they received no compensation when they lost their jobs.
Eclipse received income and gains on selling equipment of R30.8 million between May and October 2010, of which there was a balance for distribution of R22.15 million. According to the final account, the biggest creditor, Tarsus, would be paid out a total of R20 million.
Eclipse was placed under administration by management after it was unable to pay its creditors, among which was Tarsus Technologies, which was owed R38 million as the biggest creditor.
Running costs
The company incurred trading expenses of R15.66 million between May and October, which staff question as they argue that this money could have been used to pay them some form of compensation.
Former CEO Richard Rix and chief procurement officer Nico Meintjes were relieved of their responsibilities after judicial managers were appointed in March 2010. According to the accounts, sent out by the liquidators, Rix received a total of R210 476 in salary payments until July, while Meintjes was paid R401 774 through to October 2010.
ITWeb contacted the liquidators for comment, who referred questions to the lawyer acting on behalf of the creditors, who referred questions back to the liquidators. MB Technologies, which owns Tarsus, also referred questions to the liquidators.
ITWeb understands that when a company is liquidated, due to insolvency, business activities do not cease as contracts and tenders that are midway need to be resolved and former management can be asked to assist the company to wrap up outstanding matters, for which they are reimbursed.
Eclipse started trading in 1981, and had 13 outlets across SA when it went under administration. It called itself an IT reseller and ICT solutions and services provider. Its offerings spanned infrastructure, data centre solutions, outsourcing and related services.
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