We had our VAT refunded to our Visa card both times, so that cut out one line that I stood in. Having the stuff inspected before we checked the luggage was pretty painless, because I had everything in one suitcase and was able to show her everything she wanted to see (which wasn't every single thing we bought). Then I stood in line forever to turn those invoice in and get the Visa credit, but since Mark had bought the black diamond, it was worth it and we had plenty of time. That final guy wanted to see the stone, and I had to go get it from Mark, but I had "parked" him close to where I was standing in line. I really didn't want to do any shopping in the airport shops anyway, so we got the VAT thing done and went on to the (very nice) Air France lounge.

S. Africa is very efficient in giving you back that VAT, so they try to make it difficult and tiring for you, so that you'll give up and go away. That line charges a 10% fee, then if you get a check, they charge another fee to cash it; crediting to Visa doesn't incur that fee.