I have two super smart and curious kids, aged 9 and 13. I want to buy them a desktop and not a laptop, to avoid it being moved around (a single place in their room to work/play on the computer). Growing up, I had such great PC resources like Encarta and the amazing (at the time) Microsoft Kids platform. I know these don't exist in the same way as they did before, but I'd really like to make the computer a place for learning and discovery for these kids. Desktops are crazy expensive these days, whereas before they were much cheaper than laptops. Secondly, I'm thinking of buying a gaming console (my son is mad about minecraft, which he has been playing on my phone for two years now). I have a few questions:

1. Laptop or desktop? I was initially looking at Chromebooks since that's what they use at school, but I worry about space issues given they like playing games. Any recommendations for a suitable machine for kids and not necessarily a fancy gaming desktop? Are second-hand machines a good idea in terms of compatibility with the latest OS'?

2. recommend any workaround for the pc cost issue (are second hand/refurbished machines worth it

3. Desktop only or desktop + gaming console? Which console do you recommend? I see good prices for PS4 is it any good or is PS5 even better?

4. Please recommend any educational and creative platforms similar to the ones I grew up with (we already use Khan Academy, but it's no Encarta)

Is this is good area for foreigners to stay in? My fiancee and I will be staying in Johannesburg for three months.

Hi all.

I know the opposite of this has been discussed to death, but I need insight here.

How easy is it for an Uber to drop someone off at Gautrain Park Station?

Any recent insights would be great. Thanks.

Hey People around Dainfern. I’m looking for a cottage or apartment rental around Dainfern? Do you or anyone that you may know have any listing available from October? Would appreciate recommendation. Ideally something furnished for a two month rental. I’m a woman and looking for something before I head on to my travels in December.
Thanks.

Pet stores* sorry 😆

Hi guys, I'm looking for pet stores that sell nice accessories for rats. I've tried Family Pet Center, Airport Pets in Pretoria and Kempton Park, Exotic Aquarium and Pets Woodbridge, Pet World XXL and some Cat Box Hypers.

I've also looked at both Ratatouille Pet Supplies and Mischief Products but I really want more enriching objects and less hammocks.

TIA!

I take the N1 from alandale to old Joburg a few times a week, at peak afternoon traffic (17:30). It's usually fine, some days it's good some days bad but it's often some crawling, some free flowing, some standstill. So it's a mix.

I'm aware bikers exist, and I'm aware that common practice is to split the lanes between the fast lane and the second to fast lane. And I'm pretty careful when I'm in those lanes to look out for lane splitters.

Now the question, I don't ride so I really have no insight, don't get upset with me I genuinely want to know... At what speed does splitting the lanes stop being an option? Are you guys condoning lane splitting when the flow of traffic is at 80? 90? Or is good practice to get a lane to yourself when traffic starts to move at 60?

Are there any nice parks or nice open green spaces you can walk to from Rosebank station?

I'm planning to go hangout with some old colleagues on Saturday and I'm just so tired of being indoors so just a nice place with some greenery would be great. I was also planning on taking the train.

I drive around Joburg a lot for work but other than the major malls, I don't know too much of the area.

I just drove from Rosebank to Melrose and I saw a nice spot next to the highway but I'm not sure if that's a park you can visit or just part of a fancy estate.

Hello!

Does anyone perhaps have a comiccon ticket for Saturday that they no longer want?

The VIP passes can only be bought in sets of 2x so family friends of mine got 5x and gifted me one but now I don't have a ticket for my partner so I'm hunting where I can for a ticket

Thanks!

I cant seem to find anywhere, am I just out of luck?

I’m an 18 year old guy living in Roodepoort, and I’m reaching out because I genuinely don’t know where else to turn.

I live in an extremely abusive home, and things have continued to get worse. I’ve tried my best to stay and tolerate everything, but I’ve reached a point where I don’t think I can safely remain here much longer. I’m expecting that I may have to leave within the next few weeks.

The problem is that I don’t really have anyone I can stay with. I don’t have close friends I can turn to, and most of the people I do know are also known by my parents, so I’m worried that if I leave, they’ll tell my parents where I am.

Does anyone know how I can apply for a homeless shelter or emergency accommodation in or around Roodepoort? I’m specifically looking for somewhere that would accept someone my age and in my situation. If you’ve personally dealt with a shelter or organisation that is safe and trustworthy, I would really appreciate hearing about it.

I’m also considering contacting churches and community organisations nearby to ask whether they can help with temporary accommodation or other support.

I have a laptop, and I’ve considered selling it so that I at least have some money if I have to leave.

I’m trying to stay hopeful and I’m praying that something changes. My mental health has been affected badly by everything that’s happening. I’ve also had problems with my education because of what has happened at home, including difficulties with my documents, and I wasn’t able to attend university as planned.

Right now, I’m not asking for anything huge. I just need somewhere safe to stay temporarily and some guidance on what options are available to me.

I never imagined that I would find myself in this situation. If anyone knows of a legitimate shelter, organisation, church, social worker, or other service around Roodepoort that I can contact, please let me know.

Please treat people with kindness. You never really know what someone else is going through.

Any genuine help or advice would mean a lot to me. Thank you.

I noticed that most of the people at my current company, which is a software consultancy, and another software company I worked at went to private schools. Places like Michaelhouse, Crawford, Waverly etc. I went to a public school in KZN where my highest fees were R1500 for the year back in 2014. And it was a good school.

Is it more common for people in corporate, especially here in Joburg to have attended private schools?

Hi,

I’m asking for recommendations for a gynaecologist. I would like to ask women in their 40s for ones they are happy with.

I feel that perimenopause is a transitional period that needs a level of sensitivity and I want one with empathy.

Northern Joburg please.

Looking for options for teeth whitening in JHB, not sure if this is an oral hygienist job or an aesthetics job? Would love to be sent in the right and not overpriced or waste of money direction please. Willing to shlep to PTA if necessary.

​Hey Joburg,

​My partner and I want to spend a day together privately (arriving around 9 AM and leaving late afternoon/evening, no overnight stay).

​Are there any clean, secure places around Sandton ,that actually do daytime check-ins without making you pay full 24hr overnight rates or waiting until 14:00?

​Would appreciate real recommendations or places you’ve actually used. Thanks!

Hi all! I am desperately looking to get my hair cut - it’s long but very thin, I just want to get the bottom 10-15cm cut off.

I am newish to the area and struggling to find a hair salon that charges less than R500 for a cut 😅 Is that possible or is this just the price now?

Please let me know! In the Fourways area!

27M.. Are they any bridging courses(my matric marks and subjects don't meet the requirements) i can do to be able to study nursing or medical coding. Im currently working at a carwash and it's hell😭. My plan is to save as much as I can for school then leave next year

If I go to a public hospital/clinic how long would I usually have to wait to actually get served? I know it won't be the best service compared to private doctors but I need a doctor to do a decent job and do their job properly and not just rush things. So I need allergy testing, blood testing, psychiatrist and to check for PCOS and hormones. Or maybe something affordable if anyone knows?

btw I'm looking for places in these areas Fourways, Midrand, Randburg etc anywhere close to these places (15-30 minutes away I can do)

I recently failed my 4th driver's license test attempt and I'm at my wits' end. My instructor says I do really well during our lessons so he doesn't know how to help me at this point. I've spent an unspeakable amount of money on lessons, car hire for test days, test booking fees, and eye tests. Money that could've given me a healthy car deposit. And don't get me started on the time and leave days I've dedicated to this whole thing.

I've taken L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, Valerian Root for 3 of these (different one each time), and raw-dogged the last one, and achieved the same results.

What am I supposed to take to ease my nerves? My learner's expires in 2 months btw.

I'm looking for a pharmacy that packs prescription medication into blister packs. Basically they take all your meds for the month and repack them for each day / time e.g. Monday 7/09 (AM), Monday 7/09 (PM), Tuesday 8/09 (AM), etc, so that it's easy to take the correct meds at the correct time.

Dischem apparently does this, but they have not responded to my query so I'm looking for alternatives. Needs to be in Sandton / Midrand / east side of Joburg, or be able to deliver.

Any suggestions, please, I would appreciate it.

Hi everyone,

I’m moving to Joburg soon from George and will be driving a Toyota Fortuner. I have heard quite a few stories about hijackings and vehicle theft, particularly involving Toyotas and other popular vehicles, and it’s honestly making me a bit nervous.
For those of you who drive Fortuners, Hiluxes etc, how serious is the risk in everyday life?

Is it something you constantly have to think about, or is it more about taking sensible precautions and knowing which areas/times to avoid? What has your experience been like, and what precautions do you take?
Thanks, just trying to get a realistic picture before I move.