Nestled within the heart of Rand Aid’s Tarentaal Village lies a quirky little shop that locals affectionately call The White Elephant. But don’t let the name fool you – this second-hand store is anything but forgotten.
Run by residents Allan Neilson and Heather Johnson, it’s more like a mini Aladdin’s Cave, brimming with curious odds and ends, nostalgic gems and the occasional mystery item that prompts the classic question: “What on earth is this for?”
Heather Johnson, who has been volunteering in the shop for around four years, is the engine behind the pricing, packing and selling. Always with a smile, she’s the kind of person who could probably convince you that yes, you do need that porcelain hippo wearing sunglasses.
Then there’s Allan, aka the ‘Gadget Man’. With years of experience running the shop and an auction-savvy background, Allan is the go-to guy for anything with buttons, wires or suspicious blinking lights. A born tinkerer, Allan fixes things before they go on the shelf.
Step inside and you’ll find shelves overflowing with everything from classic DVDs and nostalgic CDs (yes, CDs!) to boxes of remotes, tangled cables, and enough cellphone covers to make an informal trader jealous. Looking for that oddly specific plug from 1997? There’s a good chance it’s lurking in one of Allan’s famous ‘bits ‘n bobs’ boxes.
The White Elephant is more than just a shop – it is a social hub, a treasure trove and a gentle reminder that one man’s junk is truly another man’s delight. Whether you’re on the hunt for a rare find or just in the mood to chat with Heather and Allan, pop in on a Tuesday or Thursday between 9 and 11am. All monies raised go into the village’s kitty.
Who knows – you might walk out with a vintage stapler, a perfectly good kettle, or simply a great story.
Location: 200 Modderfontein Road, corner Wordsworth Road, Edenvale.
