TL
The Local Choice
Claimed Business
TL
The Local Choice
Claimed Business
13 Reviews (last 12 months)
Does not respond to reviews
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, The Local Choice receives sharply divided feedback across its various branches. Customers consistently mention unprofessional conduct, rude pharmacists, and dispensing errors involving chronic and scheduled medications, with a recurring theme of dismissive attitudes and poor communication when concerns are raised. On the positive side, certain branches earn warm praise for attentive staff who go above and beyond, remembering refills, proactively calling about stock, and delivering friendly, knowledgeable service. Experiences appear highly dependent on the individual branch and pharmacist encountered.
Performance(last 12 months):
Trustindex Rating
2.8TrustIndex
2.8
Review Distribution
1.9|13 Reviews
Jul '25 - Jun '26
Recent reviews (13)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperienceA
Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
8 May 2026, 15:32
Terrible dispensary - dangerously ***********
The Local Choice Pharmacy in Sandbaai, Herm****, is completely unprofessional. I was given the wrong dose for my Schedule 5 medication with no explanation (later I found out that they had run out of the dose I was prescribed). To top that off, the sticker with instructions for use on the box gave the wrong instructions - it said to take 1 per day, but the dosage was wrong. I called and was not even offered an apology.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
8 May 2026, 15:32
Terrible dispensary - dangerously ***********
The Local Choice Pharmacy in Sandbaai, Herm****, is completely unprofessional. I was given the wrong dose for my Schedule 5 medication with no explanation (later I found out that they had run out of the dose I was prescribed). To top that off, the sticker with instructions for use on the box gave the wrong instructions - it said to take 1 per day, but the dosage was wrong. I called and was not even offered an apology.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 May 2026, 12:50
Poor service
Local choice in Komatipoort needs to do better from their pharmacists I received poor service from the lady not sure if she doesn’t like people of colour but she was very rude. Mareli please do better
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Apr 2026, 17:20
Consumer Protection Act violation
I had a horrible experience at this pharmacy(Walker Drive branch in Port Elizabeth) Yesterday I went to get my chronic medication(privately) and I am on a tight budget for the next few months, so I asked the Pharmacist, Rodney Harris, to help me stick to my budget. I could only afford R350, and my chronic meds cost R1900 normally. He was casually chatting to his colleagues and barely paying any attention to me and what we were discussing. I asked for the cheapest generics of some of my meds - Tramacet generic and alprazolam generic(I had to cut out more than half of my chronic medications because I just can't afford them) and he advised me, at the end, when I had budgeted for the most important medication that is absolutely necessary, that it would cost R323.94, but he was also short by 10 of one of my chronic medications,(request was for 60 and he gave me 50 - My usual script is for 180 tablets per month, so I had to cut it down already by 120 tablets to meet my budget) so he said the balance should arrive by today and he will make a note and I can just come and pick up the balance this evening. So I accepted and paid for my medication and went on my way. The next evening(today) I went to get my Mom some flu medication and pick up the balance of my medication too. I was then told by the female pharmacist that there is an outstanding balance for my medication from the previous month, due to a cashier not ringing up all of my medication properly at the till last month, and that the pharmacist from last night also only charged me for a quantity of 6 of my chronic medication, instead of 60. After debating with the head pharmacist, they said that I either have to pay in the extra R200 for the chronic medication, and pay for the previous month's medication that was missed by the cashier now, that he didn't charge me for, or bring the medication back. Otherwise their stock will be short. So now I have to take my chronic medication back to the pharmacy and go without it for a whole month. This is absolutely unacceptable!!! Pharmacists have a duty to assist patients with attention, care, and consideration. A business cannot later change the price after a sale is completed due to their own mistake. After you’ve paid and left, the agreement is considered concluded. Their internal error (wrong quantity captured, cashier mistake last month) is NOT my responsibility. They cannot force me to pay more later for that same transaction. They also cannot force me to return medication unless there was ***** or misrepresentation from my side (which there clearly wasn’t) They failed to charge me correctly last month, that is their administrative error. Pharmacists should always act in your best interest, provide accurate dispensing and counselling and ensure proper attention and care. They cannot hold my current medication hostage or force me to return essential medication. The pharmacy’s mistakes - both last month and now - should not be shifted onto me, especially in a way that risks your health. This is unprofessional conduct and potential violation of the CPA and I EXPECT a response and attention to be made to this issue. I paid the quoted amount and the transaction was completed. Any pricing or dispensing errors are internal and not my responsibility under the Consumer Protection Act.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
9 Apr 2026, 17:20
Consumer Protection Act violation
I had a horrible experience at this pharmacy(Walker Drive branch in Port Elizabeth) Yesterday I went to get my chronic medication(privately) and I am on a tight budget for the next few months, so I asked the Pharmacist, Rodney Harris, to help me stick to my budget. I could only afford R350, and my chronic meds cost R1900 normally. He was casually chatting to his colleagues and barely paying any attention to me and what we were discussing. I asked for the cheapest generics of some of my meds - Tramacet generic and alprazolam generic(I had to cut out more than half of my chronic medications because I just can't afford them) and he advised me, at the end, when I had budgeted for the most important medication that is absolutely necessary, that it would cost R323.94, but he was also short by 10 of one of my chronic medications,(request was for 60 and he gave me 50 - My usual script is for 180 tablets per month, so I had to cut it down already by 120 tablets to meet my budget) so he said the balance should arrive by today and he will make a note and I can just come and pick up the balance this evening. So I accepted and paid for my medication and went on my way. The next evening(today) I went to get my Mom some flu medication and pick up the balance of my medication too. I was then told by the female pharmacist that there is an outstanding balance for my medication from the previous month, due to a cashier not ringing up all of my medication properly at the till last month, and that the pharmacist from last night also only charged me for a quantity of 6 of my chronic medication, instead of 60. After debating with the head pharmacist, they said that I either have to pay in the extra R200 for the chronic medication, and pay for the previous month's medication that was missed by the cashier now, that he didn't charge me for, or bring the medication back. Otherwise their stock will be short. So now I have to take my chronic medication back to the pharmacy and go without it for a whole month. This is absolutely unacceptable!!! Pharmacists have a duty to assist patients with attention, care, and consideration. A business cannot later change the price after a sale is completed due to their own mistake. After you’ve paid and left, the agreement is considered concluded. Their internal error (wrong quantity captured, cashier mistake last month) is NOT my responsibility. They cannot force me to pay more later for that same transaction. They also cannot force me to return medication unless there was ***** or misrepresentation from my side (which there clearly wasn’t) They failed to charge me correctly last month, that is their administrative error. Pharmacists should always act in your best interest, provide accurate dispensing and counselling and ensure proper attention and care. They cannot hold my current medication hostage or force me to return essential medication. The pharmacy’s mistakes - both last month and now - should not be shifted onto me, especially in a way that risks your health. This is unprofessional conduct and potential violation of the CPA and I EXPECT a response and attention to be made to this issue. I paid the quoted amount and the transaction was completed. Any pricing or dispensing errors are internal and not my responsibility under the Consumer Protection Act.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Apr 2026, 15:01
Poor customer service and patience
The Local choice pharmacy lifestyle in Rustenburg Customer service must really improve The lady "Vin....."was not really friendly and patient with me.am not impressed xam....please improve customer service and be patient with customers
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Apr 2026, 15:01
Poor customer service and patience
The Local choice pharmacy lifestyle in Rustenburg Customer service must really improve The lady "Vin....."was not really friendly and patient with me.am not impressed xam....please improve customer service and be patient with customers
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Mar 2026, 19:25
Rude nurse
Today I went to The local choice pharmacy in Pretoria Sunnyside(the biggest one). I went to get my family planning injection and I must say that the lady nurse there was so rude. I was due to go on the 20th of Feb but I couldn’t because I was out of the country. The old woman did not even want to know why I didn’t come on that day. She just told me that she will not help me because my date has past and that she does not even see the reason why they give us the dates and went on to shove me off by giving showing me her hand and said I must go. While I was talking to her she ignored me and went ahead to speak to the people behind me. She has no respect, I’m a mother like her and I’m a wife like her and to give so much disrespect infront of people and yet you made an auth to serve us with respect! I will not let her go, I’m going to make sure that she trends and to ensure that The local choice pharmacy knows the type of employees they hire…
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
5 Mar 2026, 19:25
Rude nurse
Today I went to The local choice pharmacy in Pretoria Sunnyside(the biggest one). I went to get my family planning injection and I must say that the lady nurse there was so rude. I was due to go on the 20th of Feb but I couldn’t because I was out of the country. The old woman did not even want to know why I didn’t come on that day. She just told me that she will not help me because my date has past and that she does not even see the reason why they give us the dates and went on to shove me off by giving showing me her hand and said I must go. While I was talking to her she ignored me and went ahead to speak to the people behind me. She has no respect, I’m a mother like her and I’m a wife like her and to give so much disrespect infront of people and yet you made an auth to serve us with respect! I will not let her go, I’m going to make sure that she trends and to ensure that The local choice pharmacy knows the type of employees they hire…
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
27 Jan 2026, 19:54
Local pharmacy Fairlands recommended
The local choice pharmacy in Fairlands is definitely is definitely recommended. I spoke to Michelle on 2 occasions. She was friendly and very helpful. Each time she had my order correct and her advice was appreciated. Pieter delivered my order and was quick, helpful and friendly. Thank you for caring and your quick response each time.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
27 Jan 2026, 19:54
Local pharmacy Fairlands recommended
The local choice pharmacy in Fairlands is definitely is definitely recommended. I spoke to Michelle on 2 occasions. She was friendly and very helpful. Each time she had my order correct and her advice was appreciated. Pieter delivered my order and was quick, helpful and friendly. Thank you for caring and your quick response each time.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Jan 2026, 10:17
Unprofessional Service and Condescending Attitude
I am extremely disappointed with the unprofessional service and "rotten" attitude encountered at this branch. After a simple request to have my original script returned, the staff failed to do so. This necessitated an unnecessary second trip back to the pharmacy. Instead of an apology for the oversight, I was met with an entitled and condescending attitude from both the staff and the pharmacist on duty. The communication style was patronizing, making us feel as though we were being spoken to like primary school children rather than adult customers. This lack of basic professional courtesy and efficiency is unacceptable in a healthcare environment. I would advise management to look into the interpersonal skills of their team, as the current atmosphere is dismissive and disrespectful to the local community. I will be taking my business elsewhere. Bron Pharmacy always treated me with respect.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Jan 2026, 10:17
Unprofessional Service and Condescending Attitude
I am extremely disappointed with the unprofessional service and "rotten" attitude encountered at this branch. After a simple request to have my original script returned, the staff failed to do so. This necessitated an unnecessary second trip back to the pharmacy. Instead of an apology for the oversight, I was met with an entitled and condescending attitude from both the staff and the pharmacist on duty. The communication style was patronizing, making us feel as though we were being spoken to like primary school children rather than adult customers. This lack of basic professional courtesy and efficiency is unacceptable in a healthcare environment. I would advise management to look into the interpersonal skills of their team, as the current atmosphere is dismissive and disrespectful to the local community. I will be taking my business elsewhere. Bron Pharmacy always treated me with respect.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
2 Jan 2026, 07:50
Local Choice Waterstone: Best Pharmacy I've Ever Used
Five out of five stars for The Local Choice Waterstone in Somerset West, consistently. I just had a call from someone at the pharmacy to tell me an antihistamine I was really suffering without is back in stock. The stock shortage is international - it wasn't due to the pharmacy neglecting to order. They didn't need to specifically call me and tell me it was in, but they did, meaning I will be so much healthier than I have been since supply chains gave out late last year. Starting today. I was actually dreading 2026 - the medicine makes that much of a difference to my life.
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Anonymous
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
2 Jan 2026, 07:50
Local Choice Waterstone: Best Pharmacy I've Ever Used
Five out of five stars for The Local Choice Waterstone in Somerset West, consistently. I just had a call from someone at the pharmacy to tell me an antihistamine I was really suffering without is back in stock. The stock shortage is international - it wasn't due to the pharmacy neglecting to order. They didn't need to specifically call me and tell me it was in, but they did, meaning I will be so much healthier than I have been since supply chains gave out late last year. Starting today. I was actually dreading 2026 - the medicine makes that much of a difference to my life.
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