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South Africans are notoriously tolerant of bad service. At least, that's what I’ve heard from countless radio programmes, TV shows, columns and random news stories over the last decade.
As someone who used to waitress for almost seven years (yep, I did that, and it didn’t even come close to my worst job ever) I would be inclined to agree. In comparison to Europeans – oh Lord, the French! – and Americans, we are a very meek people when it comes to demanding our dues.
I mean, look at this whole Eskom mess. Sure, there are a few grumbles in the dark, but it feels as if we’ve almost effortlessly crossed over into Living with Loadshedding. Gosh. That sounds like a self-help book.
Thankfully, we are a nation that loves to braai.
But where does this general laissez faire attitude come from? Well, a bunch of places, I think.
I mean, most of us were taught that it’s rude to make a scene. (Something which I’m thankful for by the way, and, which I wish parents would focus on a bit more today. Seriously, is it just me or are children positively FERAL these days?)
On top of that, I think a lot of us are basically just resigned to the fact that government – first the awful old one that ignored the needs of the majority, and now the new one which is dropping balls and promises at a rapid and alarming pace – is not going to ever meet our needs.
What I don’t understand, is why we take so much nonsense from institutions that are supposed to rely on us.
Tell me, how many hours have you spent in bank queues? How many meetings have you had to miss because your bank operates during hours more fitting for a playschool than a financial institution? How many thousands have you spent in bank fees charged simply for accessing your own money that you put there in the first place?
And yet, we allow ourselves to be intimidated by banks, by insurance companies, by medical aid administrators…
I have now waited six weeks for a credit card that was supposed to take five days. Last week, I finally cracked, and asked to speak to a manager, since the consultant was clearly unable to help me. So far I’ve received nothing but platitudes, and what I suspect are downright lies.
I have had enough. I am sick and tired of the fact that banks and other financial institutions are treated with such deference and reverence.
So in future, I’m saving my patience and my respect for the nurses and garbage men and housekeepers and bus drivers and all of those who actually deliver a service instead of taking our money – and the mickey.
Are you with me?
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