Volunteers power Edenvale’s White Elephant shop

Nestled in the heart of Rand Aid’s Tarentaal Village is a quirky little shop locals affectionately call The White Elephant.

Run by residents Allan Neilson and Heather Johnson, the store is like a mini Aladdin’s cave, brimming with curious odds and ends, nostalgic gems, and the occasional mystery item.

Heather, who has been volunteering in the shop for about four years, is the engine behind the pricing, packing, and selling.

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Always smiling, 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, affectionately known as the “Gadget Man.” With years of experience running the shop and an auction-savvy background, he’s the go-to guy for anything with buttons, wires, or suspicious blinking lights. A born tinkerer, Allan fixes things before they hit the shelves.

Step inside and you’ll find shelves overflowing with everything from classic DVDs and nostalgic 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’s a social hub, a treasure trove, and a gentle reminder that one man’s junk is truly another man’s delight.

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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 09:00 and 11:00.

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.

The store is located at 200 Modderfontein Road, corner Wordsworth Road, Edenvale.