Active since Oct 2014
My very first order with Livestainable - for gate post light fittings and bulbs - up to delivery was hassle-free and an absolute breeze. The whole process took a mere 2.5 business days. The parcel was well secured with each item boxed in original packaging. A very pleasant surprise was the high quality and robustness of the light fittings which I am confident will withstand the harshest weather conditions. It was as a result of online research that I found my ideal gate post lights, offered by two different companies. The price difference was negligible, but what stood out was the differing online reviews. Livestainable was miles ahead in terms of positive reviews, which then was a no-brainer for order placement.
Makro Pretoria has completely ignored my request for a refund for an appliance (ordered online) which was not delivered on the stated date. Each and every communication from me has been disregarded. I contacted the CGSO by completing a complaints form. This entity is the Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman, which mediates and resolves complaints lodged by private citizens against businesses who are participating members of the CGSO; Makro is a member. Within a day, the CGSO rep**** having already submitted my complaint to Makro, with a 15-day timeline to respond. Subsequently, Makro acknowledged receiving the complaint and issued me with a reference number. I am awaiting feedback from Makro.
I believe it is important for me to share with Tshwane Customers what I discovered today. For 2 months since 15 Jan 2015, I have 'battled' with Tshwane for anyone there to understand the negative impact of having my faulty conventional electricity meter removed and replaced with a new meter (bearing a new meter number), due to a lack of a concurrent process to update the Tshwane system to reflect the new meter number. Without customer intervention requesting a system update, online submission of electricity readings against the new meter will not be possible. Expect to receive an estimated electricity bill..... yes, displayed against a meter number which no longer exists! Despite numerous email communications to at least 4 different Tshwane departments and logged online queries, including a complaint to 'Disputes' and referral to 'Escalations', after 2 months had elapsed, someone had a light bulb moment, BUT only after I used the words 'Register' and 'Activate' the new meter number. So today (13 Mar 2025) I was informed and I quote "new meter to be updated on SAP and reading to be captured". SAP refers to the software CoT uses. During the course of today, I received 2 auto replies, one standard reply from 'support' and another three more from 'escalations', ALL of which were cut and pasted bearing the same Ref. No.; with what aim in mind we may ask? In my past and current experience, staff (nameless, faceless, silent) at the coal face in all Tshwane departments, are exceptionally skilled in the cut and paste function, but with no basic training in the SAP system (are they even aware it exists?), from an end-user perspective, the likelihood of such staff rendering meaningful assistance to / resolving system-related issues for customers, is highly improbable. My 2-month frustrating experience with non-action from a non-customer-centric municipality, will hopefully not be repeated at least in the short-term. I trust Tshwane customers will find my narrative of use down the line.
On 5 Feb 2025, I posted a review about the Department of Home Affairs (Pretoria) lack of response in terms of phone calls and email correspondence. My queries concerned documentation required by applicants - for smart ID cards - who were Naturalized SA citizens., in the light of such citizens being permitted to apply from August 2024. The DHA website clearly states that Naturalized SA citizens are now able to apply. This morning, I finally received an email response from the DHA. Wait for it .... "at the moment, only SA-born citizens are permitted to apply for smart ID cards". Agents at the 'coalface' confidently misinform the public without first verifying the facts. This is when trust flies out of the window never to be regained.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) began accepting applications for Smart ID cards in Aug 2024 from Naturalized SA Citizens, inviting applicants to book an appointment at a Home Affairs office using the Branch Appointment Booking System (BABS). It's a FARCE!! The DHA website has NOT been updated to accept profile registration by Naturalized SA Citizens, and hence access to the BABS system is not forthcoming. The only recourse currently available to Naturalized SA Citizens is a walk-in into a DHA branch and waiting in a queue for 4-5 hours (if lucky), as experienced by citizens posting negative DHA reviews. Attempts to obtain verifiable information regarding required documents to email address hacc@dha.gov.za on 27 Jan with a follow-up on 30 Jan, remain ignored. A similar request to Steven.Nchabeleng@dha.gov.za on 31 Jan was also ignored. Phone calls to 3 different DHA numbers in Pretoria went unanswered. In view of DHA's clear demonstration of dereliction in its duties to the public, it makes no sense in pursuing an official enactment which has failed miserably in its implementation, merely adding insult to injury. I am done expending any more of my valuable time on a disinterested and unresponsive DHA. I will continue to rely on my existing well-worn bar-coded ID document for many more years to come.
Despite contacting tvlic.info@sabc.co.za on 4 Jan 2025 and again on 15 Jan to report a system problem with login interface https://pay.tvlic.co.za/Account/Login, to date the problem has not been fixed to enable users / customers to login and transact a TV licence payment. What is the problem? Captcha does not accept submission of result for a simple addition (e.g. 2+2=4). It is inconceivable to prevent customers from paying TV licences and then hold them responsible to pay a penalty for non-payment!! Today, I am sending an email of complaint to complaints@sabc.co.za BUT have zero confidence in receiving a positive outcome.
My thrilling experience with company Home of Living Brands (HOLB) is a first and unlikely to ever be repeated with another company. Until five days ago, I was sadly unaware of the existence of HOLB, which is in partnership with reputable brands. Unable to locally source Hoover Ultra + carpet cleaning solution for my Hoover appliance, a HOLB lady consultant Ms Laurian Kekana, in the Customer Service Department (I assume, in Fourways) came to my rescue. This 'rescue' was beyond belief, namely, and I quote "Unfortunately, this is the only bottle we have left. We are not charging you for it. Kindly provide us with your address and we will arrange delivery". This feedback from Ms Laurian Kekana is clear proof of outstanding after-sales service support. HOLB's objective "we pride ourselves on giving our 100% every day to ensure that our customer’s needs are being met" is surely beyond reproach based on my experience. Together with her her colleagues Ms Sindi Letlape and Ms Amanda Willem, Ms Laurian Kekana went above and beyond my expectations. Within a couple of days, a cheerful and friendly gentleman named Solly delivered the bottle ..... approx., 45 km each way to / from my address. I will repeat .... 'For free'. Being so thoroughly impressed and grateful, I have every intention of supporting HOLB via their 'gateway' to purchase an item from one of their brand partners. It will be a small gesture on my part in saying THANK YOU for a fantastic service. Thank You for listening, Helena Simpson
When the need arose for my home air conditioning units to be serviced, good fortune was on my side with a friend highly recommending a company called PRONTO COOL in Monument Park, Pretoria, owned by Mr Heinz Katzke. Service and repairs to refrigeration and air conditioning systems are Heinz's specializations. Heinz duly kept his appointment and I was thoroughly delighted by his approachability, integrity and knowledge of his craft. What amazed me, not having seen the methodology used by previous AC service providers, was the combination of electrical steamer plus antibacterial solution used to eradicate the build-up of internal grime in my AC units. A very cleverly-constructed (by Heinz) metal casing supported by a webbed strap was placed beforehand to collect residual fluid from the internal cleaning process. What a pleasant outcome .... no mess and no fuss. The cherry on the cake has to be the extremely reasonable / competitive price. Look no further than PRONTO COOL ..... I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. Thank you for listening, Helena
Until recently, I had not heard of Bights Hardware online store. This was the only online store stocking Franke Spare Basin Strainer Plug Design 90MM. I needed to replace my existing Franke strainers, hence placed the online order. What a joy it was doing business with Brights and their courier company Pargo. From ordering to delivery - 3 days - was a seamless and hassle-free experience. At every step of the 'journey', I was informed of progress. A key feature of Brights delivery offerings is a multitude National Pick-up Points. I selected a Clicks outlet which is 2 km from my residence. The Franke product is of the highest quality and the ordering process, efficient and effective. Congratulations Brights Hardware from a very satisfied customer who will definitely use your first-class services in the future. With much appreciation, Helena Simpson
I wish to commend Multi-Dex on the outstanding customer service rendered in preparing my roof (cleaning, checking the integrity of the torched-on waterproofing with repairs where necessary), and subsequently recoating the roof with bitumen aluminium protective paint. The office team, namely Gavin, Shaun and Natasha provided feedback to my many queries promptly and patiently. The worker team arrived as per plan with Shaun spending time to inspect, direct and supervise the team. Video footage of work in progress was provided unexpectedly, which was an 'extra mile' surprise. The worker team left my property as they found it, that is, clean and tidy with my 50 metre hose pipe neatly rolled up. With much appreciation, Helena Simpson
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