What's happening to service in South Africa? (CFM Security Systems example)

I don’t normally use this forum to complain about poor service, however a recent incident, has really angered me about the total disrespect companies have for customers. My dreadful experience started when I called CFM Security, who installed a gate motor, at my place, a couple of months ago, when there was a problem with the motor. The owner, Chris promised that he would come out to resolve. He gave me a date and time and did not pitch nor did he give me a courtesy call to say that he is not coming. This happened on 5 different occasions. It got so bad that he even started ignoring calls from me. When I finally get through to him, he always stated that he can’t talk right now because he is so busy. To test whether, he was talking the truth, I did a small experiment, where I called, pretending to be a new customer. He answered immediately and said that he is not busy and can install a motor immediately. When I told him, who I was, he panicked and started complaining about how bad his day was (as if I was his physiatrist). When I questioned him about his unethical behaviour, he put the phone down. This is how bad the service has become. I am still pondering what could make a human act this way but what I do know is that if it continues, we as South Africans are in big trouble. By the way - Do not use him - you will regret it. CFM Security Systems in Germiston.

....Angry Me

The Dubai Blogs

Day 5 - "Every good thing must come to an end ... until the next good thing"

Dubai Creek



Festival Mall



We started our final day in a frantic rush, to visit places, we had on our to do list but did not manage to get to thus far. We started with a metro ride to the Dubai Festival Mall. The mall is massive, but extremely quiet compared to the Dubai Mall and Mall of Emirates. We tried out the ‘Yogaberry’ fruity yogurt and purchased a stuffed toy camel for my daughter - best quality I'd seen in Dubai.

Creek

We then headed back to Souk Al Waseel to collect some abayas that were being altered, before grabbing a quick lunch at Burger King. Next we headed to the Dubai Creek, where for just 2 AED, you can cross the creek in an old style Abra, and immerse yourself in ancient Dubai with its fishing boats, antique style merchants and traditional foods. After sampling some customary street food (I did not get sick :) ), we relax at the creek, enjoying the magnificent and tranquil views.





Traditional Souks



Taskeen enjoying the Creek

We spend the evening at the Mall of Emirates, doing some last minute "expensive" shopping and enjoying a scrumptious dinner at ‘California Pizza Company’.

As the sun sets on another glorious day in Dubai; so too does our fabulous trip. Dubai is a city that took itself from a small fishing village to a super rich metropolis. A case study on this Arabian City has probably detailed some interesting findings. I do hope to one day return for another visit to Dubai.

All that's left is a quick check out and a taxi back to the airport!

...Me

The Dubai Blogs



View of the World Islands from Burj Khalifa



Day 4 - "Live with enthusiasm"

We spent the morning doing some retail therapy at Souk Al Waseel and Naïf Souk. Some bargains, some cons. These souks are great for abayas and scarves. Be warned - you need to bargain or you will be ripped off...

Burj Khalifa

After a quick bite, we took our Dubai adventure to record breaking heights - Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa at night

The tallest building in the world is spectacularly amazing - beautiful architecture and symmetry. At the 124th floor viewing deck, break taking sights await tourists. Views of the 'world', 'palm' and other Dubai buildings can be seen. However at 100 AED, I don't think it's worth price.



Candyshops



The Burj Khalifa is situated right next to the Dubai Mall, which is one of the largest and most extravagant malls in the world. It boasts an aquarium, easy entry to Khalifa, branded stores from all over the world, a menu of restaurants, a 'Candilicious' store and most of all, the Dubai Fountain Show - The highlight of the day.

...Me



Dubai Fountain



The Dubai Blogs

Day 3 "Its not the fall that kills you, its the landing"

Sunset in the Arabian Desert

After 2 water themed days, we decided to skip the heat and hit the slopes. That's right, snow in Dubai.



Snow Park



The snow park is truly amazing. Ski slopes, tubes and snowmen. The kids just love this place and if it was not for your hands almost falling of and your nose permanently frosted,you might be able to spend a day here. The slopes are pretty intense and you need to be an expert, if you want to come out alive.

Taskeen ready for the snow tubes

After lunch, we conducted some window shopping at the Mall of Emirates for a few hours before heading back to the hotel.



Camel Ride



Our next adventure is the Arabian Desert. Massive dunes, serene sunsets, camel rides (our camel's name was Champat), belly dancing, shishas, henna and a truly Arabian BBQ equals an unforgettable experience. This is certainly one experience, you cannot miss, when visiting Dubai.

 

Desert Safari



There is still one more adventure for the evening - Mina Bazaar souk. All I have to say about this is that I got ripped off. Biggest tourist trap in Dubai.

... Me

The Dubai Blogs

Day 2 - "Enjoy every moment of your life"

Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah

Our day begins with a view of the Dubai Marina; complete with its flashy yachts and exclusive cars. We quickly hop on the Palm Monorail to Atlantis. A view of the palm shows an isolated and unpopulated man made island - Further evidence of the effect of the global depression.



Palm Jumeirah Beach



As we approach the grandeur of Atlantis, my daughter's excitement becomes unbearable. We hit the slides, kids area and tubes and it's everything we were anticipating.



Kids Play area



The Shark Tank



The kids area has about 6 slides of varying 'scariness' and a huge water bucket that offloads every once in a while to give the kids a nice surprise.

The 'leap of faith' is the most terrifying of slides, a vertical drop into the shark tank below. For the squeamish, there's the shark tube ride which also exits in the shark tank but without the screams. The 'plunge', 'stinger' and 'falls' are all thrilling slides and loads of fun. Queues move fast and the place runs with the kind of efficiency of Disneyland. The 'rapids' and 'torrent' are kid friendly rivers, which is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Leap of Faith

Lost Chambers of Atlantis

After an eventful and fun-filled day at the Aqua-dome, we head off to the Lost Chambers. Beautifully erected and marvelous to look it, however, the aquarium unfortunately does not live up to its hype.

We end the day with a visit to Bur Juman shopping center for dinner and drinks.

...Me

The Dubai Blogs

Day 1

Souk Al Madinah - Dubai

Someone once said, that there 3 classes of flying- First class, Economy and lastly with kids. Our two and a half year old however managed very well on the 8 hour flight from Johannesburg to Dubai on Emirates. The Emirates in-flight entertainment kept her busy for most of the hours up in the air. I was particularly disappointed by the lack of perfection normally associated with Emirates. The fruit platters were disorganized and tasteless, the toddlers didn't receive a little goodie bag, and there were no toothbrushes or plane socks on board either.

Once you step of the plane at Dubai Terminal 3, you are slightly overwhelmed by the glitz of Dubai. Organized and professional, we were out of the airport and in our hotel in under 2 hours.



Dubai Metro



On route to the hotel, one is left in awe at the majestic buildings, each one towering higher over the next. One clear building over the Dubai skyline, is the elegant Burj Khalifa. We stayed at the Golden Sands 5,in Bur Dubai (review on hotel is available on this blog and tripadvisor). For under 300 AED a night per room, the Sands are a bargain in super expensive Dubai. 

Jumeirah Beach





After a much needed nap, and freshening up, we hit the streets, searching for the Khalid Ibn Al Waleed Metro station. Modern and efficient, this metro took us directly to the Mall of Emirates. We then grabbed a taxi to Jumeirah Beach to spend a relaxing afternoon in the soft sand and welcoming seas. The beach overlooks the splendid Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel. The Souk-al-Madinah is close by and worth a quick stroll. The quaint stalls remind you of Morocco but the prices are closer to Paris.

 

We enjoyed some Cold Stone Creamery Ice cream before calling it a night anticipating a visit to the Palms Jumeirah.

Cold Stone Creamery

... Me

“Decent hotel apartments in the heart of Bur Dubai”



Lobby of Hotel



Golden Sands 5 is best described as a decent budget hotel apartment, that can be used as a base to see the amazing sites of Dubai. The apartments are well priced and for under $70 a night per room, it is certainly value for money.

There are no frills or extras. The studio room has a King size bed, lounge and a tiny kitchen, with the necessary utensils to prepare a small meal. The views from the room are not great but you will be most likely touring the city than sitting in your apartment.

Old shower

Some negatives - The bathroom requires a major uplift. Old shower that does not work properly, taps are rusted and broken, toilet is like something out of a bad movie. The cleaning staff are very friendly, however, their cleaning skills leave a lot to be desired.



The reception area is well decorated and the desk staff are helpful and delightful. Location is great, about 10 minute walk to Khaleed ibn Al Waleed metro station. A taxi to the station will cost 10AED. the supermarket (Spinneys is also about 10 minutes away), however there is a small cafe across Golden Sands 5 which is convenient for milk, bread etc.

Overall, I would return to the hotel as long as the price per night did not increase and the cleaning improved.

...Me

3 star hotel that is what it says it is

Sparkling Waters near Maglieberg and Rustenberg is a decent 3 star hotel with good facilities and friendly staff. The surroundings are beautiful and provide relief from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The bedrooms and bathrooms are slightly outdated and in need of some refurbishment, however, they are adequate for a few nights stay. Tea and Coffee are provided each night. The windows don’t close fully so you could get a surprise in the evening when you find a frog under your bed as some of my colleagues experienced.

The conference centre is also well looked after with drinks supplied regularly. The pool looked clean and enjoyable. There was also a jungle gym and putt putt on the hotel grounds.

The breakfast was simple and fine – what you can expect from a 3 star place. The hotel organised halaal lunch and dinner for me from one of the external suppliers which was great.

I would go back, if the price was low and comparable to other 3 star hotels.

...Me

Beautiful surroundings

Alpine Heath is situated amongst picturesque mountains and charming rivers. The views from almost all the rooms are exceptional which makes this resort great for nature lovers. The chalets (6 sleeper) are spacious and delightful, however, the cleaning services leaves a lot to be desired. Dead insects could be seen lying on the floors for days. Also, requests for towels are very slow. For a 4 star resort, I was surprised that the chalets did not have air conditioning.

I was at the resort with my company, which meant we used the conference facilities. No complaints here – food and drinks were provided and were of a decent quality.

The activities at the resort are abundant, from horse riding, hiking, mini golf, squash, etc. We did the hikes and it was fantastic.

Overall, a nice resort in the Berg, but maybe a bit overpriced.

...Me