Queue Vadis...Comment by David Batzofin

“We have a problem, please be patient “…” Your call will be transferred to the first available operator”…”All our operators are currently busy”…AARGH!
Do any of these phrases cause you want to reach for medication of some description?
Telephone messages which profess that ” Your call is important to us”, when really what they mean is “We actually don’t care about you, but we will see how long it takes you to hang up” rank along side queuing which causes my blood pressure to soar.
And we stand in queues without a murmur or a complaint, or do we?
Recently at a branch of a well-known bank there was a lengthy, silent queue with only one teller in attendance. ” Simpler, better faster? I don’t think so,” I said loudly. As if by magic the manager appeared. ”Is there a problem?” “What is wrong with this picture?” I asked, pointing to the queue and to the single teller. Only then was the issue addressed while the crowd applauded.
But why do we need to resort to those strategies?
Supermarkets are no better with adequate tills but only two tellers in attendance. When you approach management you are met with a blank stare as if your query is something that needs to be addressed by a decision from head office.
But we as South Africans seem to be an exceedingly patient bunch. And very accepting of the fact that we have to wait while some incompetent behind a till or a counter decides whether or not to serve us or talk to a colleague.
It seems as if Government departments are the worst. Very little signage invariably means that you spend time in the incorrect queue, which you only discover when you reach the staff member, usually sitting behind a thickness of bullet proof glass. The tiny opening cut into this barrier is designed so that your query will not be heard on the first attempt to communicate with said employee. Once your voice has reached a level that only dogs can hear, you are dismissed to another queue and the waiting game starts all over again.
But why not turn this enforced stress test into an opportunity to meet fellow ‘sufferers’?
Seeing that everyone in a queue is in the same predicament it is often easy to strike up a conversation. I have a habit of looking into fellow shoppers’ baskets while standing in the inevitable queue at my local supermarket. Commenting on contents has often started interesting conversations for me and before I know it I have a new best friend and the stress of waiting for a cashier to return from breakfast/lunch or tea does not seem to take forever.
However, I believe that it is time to make our voices heard and to stand up for our consumer rights.
My time is important to me, but I intent to make the most of my queue time to meet and interact with fellow South Africans. “Viva Queues,Viva”!