Hello, Rivonia Central!

"I have seen the future and it doesn't work" — that was the tagline of the long-forgotten film "Zardoz". In that sci-fi movie the rich live forever in a protected computer-run paradise while the masses outside have reverted to superstitious barbarism.  Any similarities to the direction SA is going are of course coincidental...

However, that dystopian future is not the one we're considering today. Rather, since this is "Shopping in Sandton" and aimed at the shopping masses, we're considering what gives a shopping centre a good future.  Using two adjacent examples.

There is a shopping centre in Sandton that has now had its fourth name change. This centre was built on the site of a Carmelite convent and started life as "The Cloisters".  Then it revamped and rebranded as "Rivonia Square".  Under new Chinese ownership it became "Rivonia Oriental City".  It was recently renamed, without any other changes, as "Rivonia Central".

Your Editor (or *E*D*I*T*O*R*, as James Clarke would say) visited what is now Rivonia Central a few weeks ago: If this is the future of shopping centres, I have seen it and it doesn't work.

The centre is not in good shape.  At least half the lettable space is untenanted.  Make that two-thirds if we count the disappearance of Planet Fitness upstairs.  Of the shops that are still open, only a few were there 18 months ago.

Contrast that with the Rivonia Village centre right next door on the other side of 9th Avenue. There is hardly a vacant shop or parking place to be found.  The centre oozes life and prosperity.

What makes the difference?  [to be continued...]

Need a Stroke?

Today, Thursday, 29 October 2020, is World Stroke Day.

If you haven't had a stroke yet, make sure you get yours before they run out.  Instructions here.

Odd Jobs

Schizophrenia means you'll never be alone again.

New on the Block, Movers and Shakers  Back to top

• Oriental City Rivonia has been renamed as Rivonia Central.
• Leesk, Shop 44, Upper Level in Morning Glen Mall – "Authentic clothing" for women and men.
• Regalia Tailor, Shop FF16, 1st Floor in Rivonia Village – Clothing made to order. Alterations.
• Mr Yang Hotpot BBQ Private Dish, GB01/02 in Rivonia Central – Chinese Restaurant.
• Paris Store, Shop GB16, Ground in Rivonia Central – Ladies' and Men's Clothing.
• Befitting Barber Shop, Shop GB15A, Ground in Rivonia Central – Ethnic men's hairdresser.
• Villa Fragrances, Shop GB13, Ground in Rivonia Central – Perfumes.
• BBQ Bar, Shop GC2A, Ground in Rivonia Central – Chinese Restaurant.
• Xiang Cai Restaurant., Shop GC2B, Ground in Rivonia Central – Chinese Restaurant.
• De Luxe Circle Fresh Mart, Shop GC05, Ground in Rivonia Central – Fresh produce market.
• Capitec ATM, Ground in Rivonia Central – ATM just outside De Luxe Circle Fresh Mart.
• Often Skin Care, Shop GC06, Ground in Rivonia Central – Nails and lashes.
• Luggage Shop, Shop GB10, Ground in Rivonia Central – All kinds of travel bags and suitcases.

Thought for the Day:

"Hope is seldom as effective a solution as doing." – Rick Raubenheimer.

Bought a One-Way Ticket  Back to top

• May Omo, Shop GB04 in Rivonia Central – African and English ladies wear.
• Rivonia Tailors in Rivonia Central – Tailor. Clothing Alterations.
• M & W Empire, Shop GB16 in Rivonia Central – Chinese Men's Clothing Store: Not prepared to give contact details or speak English, clearly does not want your business.
• Secret Zone, Shop GB15A in Rivonia Central – Ladies lingerie, erotic fantasy costumes and games.
• Nail Stop Bar, Shop GB12 in Rivonia Central – Handbags and luggage.
• Red Rose, Shop GB11 in Rivonia Central – Chinese traditional clothing and gifts. Dresses, jackets, trousers, accessories, shirts, bags. Eco and white porcelain. Cordless and stovetop kettles. Gifting accessories: Chinese tea sets, cloths, fans, lanterns, umbrellas.
• Maxway, Shop GE14 in Rivonia Central – Ostrich and crocodile leather handbags, purses, wallets and belts.
• Zubi Cellular & Computer Accessories, Shop GC06 in Rivonia Central – Wholesale cell phones, cellular accessories, and watches.
• Pei Light House, Shop GB10 in Rivonia Central – Lights and chandeliers.
• Playtime, Shop GB07 in Rivonia Central – Apparently plastic play-parks for small kids. No attendant - phone for information.

Funny Language, English....

Don't be reckless, be wreckless!

Nigeria to Disband SARS; Shouldn't SA Do The Same?

The Nigerian government has undertaken to disband their version of SARS.  In Nigeria, "SARS" stands for the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

This police unit stands accused of various crimes itself: Intimidation, brutality, even hundreds of unlawful killings and disappearances.

This impunity might remind you a bit of our local SARS and their alleged "rogue unit".

The so-called "rogue unit" turned out to be a slanderous lie. Still, our own SARS, the so-called South African Revenue "Service", is indeed breaking the law with impunity.

How so, you may ask?

South African tax law, inherited from the apartheid regime, forces business owners to collect tax on behalf of SARS. Yet the South African Constitution, implemented since, prohibits this.  Chapter 2, the Bill of Rights, clause 13, says “No one may be subjected to slavery, servitude or forced labour”.

Collecting VAT, PAYE and UIF on behalf of the South African government might not quite be slavery. But it is definitely forced labour. SARS forces every business owner to do specified work for the government, on pain of imprisonment.

Note that we are not talking here about paying tax, but about collecting tax. When you pay tax, you are free to use any form of employment, even crime, to make your income. As long as you declare it to SARS!  Not so with collecting tax. This has to be done, submitted, and paid in a highly prescribed way –with penalties attached.

One can only describe this as forced labour. It comes very close to servitude.

The SA Revenue "Service” thus violates the South African Constitution thousands of times daily.  Isn’t it time that SARS –our dear South African SARS– was also disbanded for its crimes? Go here to make your contribution.

Make a Real Contribution to Society

Blood is still needed during lockdown.  Judith, currently in High Care at Care @ Midstream, needed two units on Tuesday.  Donating blood costs you an hour of your time and 450ml of blood once in two months, yet each unit can save three lives.  Isn't this a bargain, giving so much to the nation for such  a small individual contribution?

It also probably has health benefits for the donator.  Your body gets accustomed to dealing with blood loss, making you more robust in case of an accident.  If that were not enough, SANBS, the SA National Blood Service, also gives sometimes-useful gifts to donors.

Today and tomorrow, you can donate at Benmore Gardens Shopping Centre, Fourways Donor Centre, Northgate Donor Centre, Sanridge Square Shopping Centre, The Colony Donor Centre, and The Daily Grind.  Times are at least 10:00 to 17:00, longer at some sites.  Visit the SANBS website to find out more or chat to them.

Overheard Nowhere Near the Checkout

“This recipe for mulberry jam is strange."

"How so?"

"It says. 'stand overnight, turning several times.'”

"What's strange about that?"

"I fail to see how my standing up all night is going to improve the jam."