Sunday 9 November 2014

African Time in Cape Town

When we speak about African time, many will actually know what it is you referring to. Africans are perceived to be more laid back and have a relaxed attitude towards time. They are said to be late for appointments, events and meetings. This is where the ‘African time’ phrase comes from. Today I woke up super early for a 08h30 appointment and when I blinked again it was 15h00. Time waits for no-one, African time waits for no-one. 

Cape Town is a very laid back city with regards to the city bowls hussle. Having been in Cape Town all my life, going to Johannesburg for the first time was a complete shock. Apart from the obvious cultural differences, everything seems so much faster. The people of Johannesburg wake up early to be at work early only to get home and sleep early. Strangely enough if feels as though the sun rises much earlier in Johannesburg than in Cape Town. It is amazing what a few kilometres of space can do. The city of gold is what they call JHB, perhaps it is because they are always working just like miners are always digging. (Okay I’m not serious about that, it’s a partial joke). 

It is nearly not possible to find any positive side in being late. When I first started university, my lecturer once said that every person should set their watch five minutes earlier than what the time actually is to ensure they would always be on time. This method actually works, why wouldn’t it?  Try it, this way not only will you get used to being early, but others will get used to you being early and not invite you to an event saying “Normal time, not African time”. 

No comments:

Post a Comment