SERVICE: GOOD AND BAD

It is atrocious the way recipients of the Sassa system are treated. These poor people not only have to rely on transport to get to this service provider but have to sit for hours with no protection from the sun and the smell of urine and filth to put up with.

Many are elderly or have small children with them too. They get their turn at the office only to be told, “Uh, you need this or that” paperwork. Many have to go back another day, costing them more expenses.

Why can’t they have loud speakers or signs up to alleviate some of the waiting by letting people know what they need to do or bring? I’m sure it would not cost them anything to go the extra mile. MERLE STIEGER, EMAIL

I was treated with mistrust from the moment I arrived at a big retailer’s return counter with my faulty new kettle and two-year warranty. I was interrogated at length. Had I dropped the kettle? Fair question, I suppose, but no I hadn’t. Did I break it? No.

The manager unboxed the kettle, filled it with water and switched it on. We waited for the leak to appear and the electricity to trip. I watched in dismay as neither of these things happened, making him doubt me even more. “A watched kettle never boils,” I said weakly.

Thankfully, the kettle began to leak and he switched it off before it tripped something. “Fill in these forms and you will hear from us in 27 working days while the factory investigates. You may be charged repair fees,” he said.

“What about now?” I asked, “Do I have to buy another kettle?”

“It’s always good to have spare”, he replied smartly.

I retaliated with, “It’s good to have spare everything! Spare time, spare cash. Spare me! Pfft.”

Lesson: examine the T&Cs before purchase. Test an appliance before leaving a store. Always have spares and avoid stores that don’t play fair.

BELLADONNA, EMAIL

I had to go to the municipal offices in Daisy Street, Sandton, the other day because the Randburg branch had had a fire in their rates department.

What a wonderful surprise. The offices were beautiful, clean and organised. The staff were friendly and professional.

I could sit down on a chair while I waited to be attended to. In Randburg I would have had to stand in a long queue in the freezing cold.

I was attended to by a very well-mannered young man. My query was dealt with in a professional way. Well done to Sandton municipal office staff. You are amazing.

JENNY BARKER, RANDPARK RIDGE