Several months ago I decided to subscribe to the Vodacom DSTV package (16 channels). The whole subscription went smoothly. However, it took me about a week to realize that if I was going to get DSTV, I should do it properly and get the full DSTV bundle with all the channels. So I made the necessary phone calls to migrate my Vodacom DSTV package to the regular DSTV package. So far, so good…

Then in December last year, I received two copies of the TV guide in the post. I didn’t really think too much of it (ok, so the mailing department messed up), so I didn’t do anything. In March, I realized that Vodacom had suddenly re-activated the Vodacom DSTV subscription, and they had been billing me since December (hence the two TV guides). I was paying for two subscriptions on the same smart card!

I called Vodacom to cancel the contract, and to request a refund for the four months billing. I was told it would all be sorted out, and I was given a reference number. I called a few days later, and they had no record of the reference number, so they gave me a new reference number, this time via  SMS, so I had proof! The SMS also had the message “We will contact you within 1 working day…”

Today I called back, and the call centre was really busy. So, I dutifully pressed 9 to get them to call me back. Ten seconds later, my phone rang…

“we are transferring you to an agent” (canned voice)

“sorry, our call centre is busy ” <click>

What exactly was the point of calling me to tell me that the call centre is busy?

I am still waiting for them to call me back, and I have all but given up on getting through to an agent in the call centre. Good business tactic – provide such bad service that the customer eventually just gives up!

Three onions to Vodacom

I didn’t get to ride the Argus this year, but I did manage to take a few photos on the route, and at the finish line. Most of them are of my team – Team Whiff – who raise funds for physically and mentally disabled people.

The video below was taken on Lakeside Main Road. This is just a few of the 35000 cyclists than cycled past. If you listed to the audio, it sounds like a swarm of bees. Looks a bit like a flash mob, doesn’t it?

Here are the pictures. You can view them all at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cdstrachan/sets/72157604184022280.

Nowadays, most people have prepaid electricity meters. So, why don’t you simply buy as much electricity as you can afford before the proposed +-60% tarriff increases. So, in essence you are stockpile your electricity.

It is only a short-term solution, but it could save a bundle. It might even be worth while using your bond to but (for example) R5000 worth of electricity. The interest that you pay on R5000 on a bond is far less that that the 60% that Eskom want.

What you you think – it it worthwhile?

The most bizarre thing happened to Lois and me this weekend. We booked to fly to Johannesburg on Kulula.com (one of our budget airlines), and the aircraft and crew that we used was branded as Air Prague. The entire crew were from Prague as well!

I told a friend of mine about this, and he told me that he recently flew on a Russian aircraft – also Cape town to Johannesburg. It seems like Kulula are renting surplus capacity from Eastern Europe while they wait for new aircraft which they have ordered to arrive.

Bizarre!

Remember all the hawkers on Adderley Street? Aren’t you tired of the crowded pavement caused by all of the stands? Sure, everybody is trying to earn a living, but look how ugly and unsightly the stands are.

So, wasn’t I presently surprised to walk down Adderley Street this week? Somebody who is very creative has come up with a fantastic solution that benefits everybody. The hawkers now have really nicely made modern stands. They look good, the goods being sold are neatly displayed, and the stands don’t take up much space!

And, I am sure that the hawkers appreciate being able to simple wheel their stand off at the end of the day without going through the rigmarole of unpacking and dismantling it every evening! It is an absolutely fantastic idea, and makes the road much more pleasant to walk down.

So well done to whomever made this happen. It is this type of creativity that we need in South Africa – Simple solutions that make a difference!

I hope that they extend the programme to the other hawkers as well.

ps: I also see the back of the stands being a huge advertising opportunity. I can just see the MTN or Vodacom signage on the back.

Isn’t it strange that about the only person that will let me ride in the Argus Cycle Tour on Sunday is my doctor?

Nobody else will let me: my pharmacist, physio, friends, family, clients and colleagues. So, while I am really going to miss it – not this year. I will get my back sorted out completely, and then start my training again. I should be taking my bike out in the next couple of weeks.

However, I will still be supporting Team Whiff – the trust that I usually cycle for. I will be cheering everybody as they fly past me on Lakeside Main Road, and then see team at the finish line!

I will be arranging our annual fund-raising due shortly – there might be a helicopter flight in the lucky draw, so watch this space! But in the mean time, you can still make an online donation to the trust.

Good luck to everybody cycling!

According to the Department of Science and Technology, Stephen Hawking will be in South Africa for a few days in May, mostly speaking to the academic community.

However, he will be presenting a public lecture on 11 May at the Muizenberg Pavilion. I have no idea what that particular venue when we have so many fantastic venue’s in Cape Town. Nevertheless, it is close to my house, and I will definitely be attending.

Ticket details have not been announced yet.

My chilli treas have gone completely crazy this year – there are so many chilli’s on the tree’s that they actually being pulled down by the shear weight of the chilli.

I am going to eat what I can, but I think that we are going to have figure out how to make some pickled chillis, or perhaps grind them and make some chilli sauce!

Any suggestions?