Zandile wakes up early. She dresses for work and gets the kids ready for school. As soon as their transport arrives she is on the internet, reading up what she can find on the Kasi Chef and his wife.
She goes through their profiles on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. From what Zandile sees on social media it seems Kasi Chef and his wife live a perfect life. The more Zandile looks at their pictures and status updates, the more she is convinced that something sinister has happened to the wife. Someone so happy in her marriage doesn’t just disappear.
Bongani wakes up to the sight of Zandile pacing up and down in their bedroom. She is so deep in her thoughts she does not realize he is awake. Bongani knows Zandile is thinking about work; he always wakes up to this sight when a particular case is on her mind.
“Morning, Babe,” Bongani says, stretching.
“Morning,” Zandile says, without even looking in Bongani’s direction.
“So, have you given it any thought?” says Bongani. “Have you made your decision?”
“What decision, Bongani?”
“A decision on my proposal.”
“Yes, Bongani. I said yes to your marriage proposal.” Zandile keeps pacing.
“I mean the decision on my other proposal, about leaving your job. Have you decided yet? I need to make plans for our–”
“Listen, Bongani,” Zandile cuts him off. “I have been offered a great opportunity to join an elite task team. We will be dealing with high profile cases.”
“What will you be doing in this special team? Will you work fewer hours?”
“There’s no need to even ask that because I have already accepted the offer.”
“How could you say yes without consulting me? Are we not a partnership?”
“Just stop it, Bongani!” Zandile snaps. “I have no time for this, not now. I have a major case to solve; it’s a big opportunity for me. Like you and your companies, I also have dreams for my career. I can’t just shut off my ambition in the blink of an eye.”
“It’s just that I see the stress in your face when you are deep into solving cases. Your work affects you.”
“I have no time for this, Bongani. People depend on me for closure,” she walks out the door.
***
Tell us what you think: Do married women with children have the right to pursue high-level careers, like men? Why or why not?