Vernon Chalmers SEO

On Monday I read about the UNISA students that came late for an examination due to the current Transnet strike. I expected a similar situation from my CPUT Communication Science students from the Travel and Tourism department sitting for their examination 09:00 Tuesday morning. Bearing in mind that more than 90% of the class travels from various townships around the Cape Peninsula I expected some sort of a contingency start. And the fact that they had to travel to the Somerset Campus in Green Point - not just to the CPUT Cape Town campus.

Tuesday exam - on time
But was I wrong – the first SMS from a student came through at 07:00 on Tuesday morning informing me that some students are stuck on a taxi rank and they may only arrive at 10:00. This after many of them already waited a few hours. At 08:00 I phoned the faculty to enquiry about possible contingencies and prepared for a possible late start. I entered the examination room at 09:00 and more than 90% of the students were present. At 09:15 the attendance was close to a 100%.

Friday exams - on time
Friday was the same story. I invigilated two of my exams and both the Human Resources Management and Self-Management papers started on time. It goes to show that people do want to be disciplined, students do want to attend classes and write their examinations. It's a pity that industrial action should disrupt so many diligent individuals and groups in this country.

As a labour relations lecturer I more than understand the purpose and [possible] requirement for this type of Collective Bargaining, but unfortunately too many people are unnecessary affected by this.

I commend each and every one of these students making the effort to be on time. My heart when out to them knowing the sacrifices they had to make to be there.