ƒ† •‡”˜‹…‡ †‡Ž‹˜‡”›
Sir,
Common decency has become an uncommon practice among ourselves as the words do not resonate with us anymore. It is as though none of us can recall the importance of it or understand the emphasis our forefathers made on common decency. We have all been subjected to lack of common decency through questionable customer service in almost every sector in this beautiful kingdom.
I am reminded of the countless personal experiences where service delivery has been compromised by the mere attitude of the individual rendering it. From grocery stores, to public enterprises, to downright government offices, you name it, I’ve had my fair share of bad experiences. Bad service delivery has become a norm in this country, when you are rendered good service you find yourself thinking there must be a catch.
This honestly baffles me because, for a country that prides itself on dignity and respect, we sure do know how to give bad customer service. Many can attest to this, mostly the lower middle class, as I have had a variety of conversations with frustrated individuals in queues, letting me know of how the system is rigged and entirely favours the wealthy. I’ve never seen a customer service personnel smile and greet someone, including myself, who has only purchased two or three items, let alone one item that doesn’t amount to much, and I have concluded that good service is selective, it is only afforded to those who let you ‘keep the change’, or ‘buy you lunch’ for a job you get paid for. I’m not saying don’t tip the waiter, tipping is standard procedure, I’m saying you tip for a service already rendered to you, not tip to actually receive the service.
Are we asking for too much by requesting for better service in a country that is aiming for First World status, I think not? However, it’s not all dark and gloomy in the customer service world; we need to give credit where credit is due. Petrol attendants honestly deserve all the awards, all of them. They are not recognised enough for their respect for customers and overall spirit of Ubuntu.
LaThwala