I guess it depends. I’m usually “fashionably late” for parties and stuff like that. I have friends who show up at 1 o’clock on the dot if I say a party at my place starts anytime after 1 though. If it’s something important and scheduled, I’m early. I don’t like being late. Usually if you’re late to class, it starts anyway. If you’re late for an appointment, they may take the next person in line. I don’t think the US really has the same culture as South Africa in that regard.
If you’re early, you’re on time.
If you’re on time, you’re late.
If you’re late, don’t even bother.