A recent incident that unfolded at the University of Johannesburg has hopefully taught a few of its graduates a lifelong lesson — that a relaxed attitude towards time can make you miss opportunities which were meant just for you.
Last week, several videos surfaced on social media depicting security guards facing off with a group of parents and students, some dressed in graduation gowns, as they attempted to close the gates.
The situation escalated, resulting in a chaotic scene where the gate was forcibly removed from the rails and individuals scrambled to enter the campus.
Disturbing scenes showed people, some of them elderly who were dressed to the nines, falling against the gate in their efforts to push their way through the security guards.
The video struck a chord, with many raising concern and criticising the university for seemingly denying access to students on what should have been a day where they were being celebrated.
The conversation for others leant into how the youth struggle for education and after conquering that hurdle is now faced with the struggle to graduate and after this will also most probably struggle to find employment.
It later emerged, however, that the crowd was locked out because they were late and had missed the time that was stipulated for them to be seated inside the venue for the graduation ceremony.
Logistical complexities
It's important to recognise the logistical complexities involved in organising such events, where the timely procession of graduates is essential for the smooth running of the event. Therefore, calling for punctuality as a prerequisite for entry into the graduation hall is understandable.
The incident at UJ also evokes memories of a tragic event in 2012, where Gloria Sekwena, a parent, lost her life in a stampede at the gates of the university, when scores of parents and students turned up at the institution, hoping to secure late applications. Since then, the institution has tried to better prioritise safety and learn from past mistakes in managing crowd control, doing away with walk-in applications.
What happened at the university last week, however, threatened to reverse all the efforts made.
While some have speculated on the reasons behind the lateness of the crowd, it's essential to acknowledge the importance of punctuality in all aspects of life. Habitual lateness should not be excused, as it may reflect a lack of respect for others' time and commitments.
This is not to overlook the structural challenges that some families face, such as long distances and the reliance on public transport. The university could help address this by shuttling parents and students from bus stations, taxi ranks or airports.
The notion of punctuality and its service to capitalist systems has been criticised, even as far back as 1944 by the likes of George Woodcock. The Western conception of time is rigid and linear and may be at odds with cultures that follow “African time”.
But strict punctuality is the unspoken, though still challengeable, contract around which organisers run events and institutions set their goals. And breaking the contract can send plans crashing — and lead to the pandemonium seen at UJ — in no time.
Let what unfolded at the gates of UJ be the last time that such is seen for these graduates and prospective employees. It’s an opportunity for self-reflection and improvement. Let the incident serve as a reminder of the importance of punctuality. Punctuality is the key to success. It is etiquette. It shows how one holds respect for themselves, their co-workers and for the task at hand. Let all professionals cultivate a culture of respect and responsibility, where punctuality is valued and upheld.
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