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It is that time of the year when most institutions celebrate the end of their financial year.
The end of March means these companies have to balance their books and scramble to get missing monies somewhere.
It is the time when we get inundated with calls from left, right and centre from people we have never met. One of those companies is our own SA Revenue Service (Sars).
So it did not come as a surprise when one of their agents called me this week, demanding to know when I was going to settle my debt.
Nothing wrong with checking. But it is the manner in which this agent approached me that got me hot under the collar.
Firstly, I know that I owe and I have, voluntarily, been paying back the money every month.
The agent did not even acknowledge this fact and was not interested in listening to my side of the story.
All she wanted to know was when was I going to settle the debt. And her excuse was that Sars doesn’t normally acknowledge receipt of payment.
What bollocks!
She even had the nerve to threaten me, saying they have the right to go to the next step, which is to access my bank account and take their money.
I found her attitude despicable, to say the least. She had no manners.
When you talk about money you have to be sensitive and considerate. I don’t remember people harassing Sars when it owes them money.
In fact, the organisation always takes its time before paying back the money, yet it wants us, the taxpayers, to drop everything we’re doing and pay it promptly.
As much as I tried to explain my situation, the lady on the other side was not interested in my story.
All she wanted was to know when I was going to pay. I found her behaviour and attitude unprofessional.
I have never refused to pay back the money. When you owe someone, the last thing you want is to be constantly reminded of your sins.
As much as I understand that she was doing her job, it was her approach that left me seething with anger.
Sometimes it is not all about chasing the profit or the targets, but rather about how you achieve them.
A colleague also received a threatening call from the city council after failing to pay her monthly municipality rates. She was annoyed about the fact that they even called her son.
“There are so many people who are not paying, yet they call me for missing just one month. What are they doing about all those who are in arrears? Is it because we are sitting ducks, because they know where to find us?” she lamented.
So, my advice to Sars and many other companies: please teach your agents some manners so as to maximise your returns.
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