Shopping and Signage in Mthatha

A chain store is a chain store is a chain store.  Or is it?

In Mthatha, the similarities to Cape Town stores are remarkable, except for some of the signage and niche-marketing of products. 

As usual, there are some signs which are quite puzzling:

I've heard of Briketts, but this is a new one.  This sign was mounted at the butchery counter, and I've yet to see the actual product.  Even Google can't tell me what this is.

Some products are unique to each location:

I had to smile at this one.  And of course I bought it.  It's jolly good!

I confess I didn't buy this one.  Nor did I buy any of the several other similar products in the same cabinet.

There are also products which you might not have spotted in chain stores in other towns:

Duct tape in Game. Camo duct tape!  Just imagine what fun could be had with cow-pattern duct tape!  Set-building could be raised to a whole new level...

There are very few food products and brands that I cannot find in Mthatha (chicken stuffing being one of them), and there are quite a few new products which I still need to try (madumbi being top of the list).

But there are some signs which I am pretty sure I will not see in Cape Town.  I was telling a friend about the Nando's sign which I saw.  Not to be outdone, she whipped out her phone and showed me these two signs she saw in the last week or so:

Ew.  I cannot un-see this sign.

This is my personal favourite:

Navigating in Mthatha

Navigating in Mthatha is a serious challenge, as very few of the roads are marked with their names. Even Google battles. Here's why it took me half an hour to travel 2.4 km to a factory that makes desks (to replace Bob's firewood): 

"1. Head southeast on Park Road..."

I'm in Delville Road. You know that. Why are you giving me directions from Park Road? Where is Park Road? None of the streets have names, remember?

I'm a girl - which way is southeast - left or right?

"2. Turn right towards Zanemali Road."

From where? Park Road or Blakeway Road? Why only TOWARDS Zanemali Road?

"3. Take the first left onto Zanemali Road."

From which Road? Am I still in Park, or am I on Blakeway? Remember the streets have no names. You haven't mentioned that I have to cross the N2.

At this stage, I stop at Cashbuild and ask where Zanemali Road is. No-one knows. I phone the furniture company and ask for directions. She says, "We're in Southernwood. (Phew, I know where that is) Go to Coca-Cola, turn left, go past SAB, and there we are."
"How do I get to Coca-Cola?"
"Just come into Southernwood and go up the hiil."

Yeah right.

Deep breath.

"4. Take the 2nd left to stay on Zanemali."

WTF???? It's a 90 degree turn. Okay, I'll do what I'm told.

Meanwhile, I'm dodging cattle drinking from puddles in the potholes. I need wine.

"5. Turn right onto Errol Spring Avenue."

Okay. I'm guessing it's the first right, as the streets have no names. But we already know that.

I still need wine, and I can see Pick n Pay, so there is wine at the end of the tunnel.

"6. Take the 1st left towards Timber Street."

What do you mean TOWARDS Timber Street? What is the name of the street I'm turning into? Where the hell is that wine?

"7. Turn left onto Timber Street."

YAY, I can see Coca-Cola! And SAB! I must be on the right road!

But I still need wine, and it's only 3.15pm

"7. (continued) Destination will be on the left." Er...no. It was on the right .

Not long now till I have that wine. I've earned it.