[Busi has just recently graduated from University. Her degree was in Medicine, she is now a qualified doctor. All the 3rd Avenue residents are gathered at the Nene household to celebrate her success.]
Mr Nene: Congratulations my girl, you have made me the happiest man alive. Since you got your degree, what are your plans for the future?
Busi: I don’t want to waste anymore time – I just want to open my own surgery.
Mr Nene: You should also think of starting your own family. Your mother and I we are not getting any younger, we want want to see our grandchildren before we die. We also want to see your big day, to be precise: we want to be there when you get married.
Busi: Marriage, dad? We haven’t thought that far.
Mr Nene: What do you mean by “we”? Are you trying to tell me that there’s someone in your life? Who is he and what does he do for a living?
Busi: His name is Siyabonga he lives in Phase 3 and we’ve been together for two years now.
Mr Nene: Siyabonga… the taxi driver?
Busi: Yes, dad…
Mr Nene: What!!! I’m not going to to allow that to happen! My daughter will never marry a taxi driver. I’m not going to be made a laughing stock by the residents of 3rd Avenue. Out of all man why him? Why does my one and only girl want to marry a taxi driver? THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!
[Henry walks in to the dining room and interrupts the conversation.]
Henry: Did I come at a bad time? I can come back later if you’re busy.
Mr Nene: No, we’re done. I’ll leave you too to catch up.
[Mr Nene walks out of the room leaving Busi with Henry.]
Henry: What was that all about?
Busi: Trust me, my friend, you don’t want to know.
Henry: Try me!
Busi: I’ve just told my dad about my relationship with Siya and he doesn’t want anything to do with it. All because Siya is a taxi driver. He says he will never allow me to marry someone who is not educated.
Henry: But you two are madly in love…
Busi: Try telling that to my dad.
Henry: By the way, congratulations my friend! I did not congratulate you properly on your graduation.
Busi: Thanks, my friend. So whats been happening on your life?
Henry: Hey chomma, things are not so good.
Busi: What do you mean by that?
Henry: I’ve just told my family that I’m gay. Now they don’t want anything to do with me. I also refused to see a priest. My mom thinks being gay is a disease or a curse that you can heal by prayer!
Busi: I’m so sorry to hear that, my friend, but hang in there … everything is gonna be fine.
[A young boy named Yanga walks in to the Nene household with a paper bag in his hand.]
Mrs Nene: Afternoon, my boy. What brings you here?
Yanga: Afternoon to you too, ma’am. My name is Yanga – I live in Phase3.
Mrs Nene: What brings you here in 3rd Avenue?
Yanga: My uncle sent me here to hand this gift to auntie Busi.
Mrs Nene: Who’s your uncle?
Mrs Nene: Listen here, my boy, and listen very carefully: Take your paper and tell your uncle to stay away from my daughter. My daughter is way out of his league.
[Yanga did as instructed by Mrs Nene and went out of the house. He carried the paper bag, which had had a watch that Siya had bought Busi as a gift to congratulate her on her graduation.]
Busi: Who were you talking to?
Mrs Nene: Who was I talking to?
[Mrs Nene acts suprised.]
Busi: I thought I heard you talking with someone.
Henry: Maybe you heard wrong.
Mrs Nene: Henry is right, maybe you heard the radio.
Henry: (laughing) Seems like someone is getting old.
Busi: And that someone is not me!
[Mrs Nene and Henry both laugh at Busi.]
Henry: My friend, it’s getting late – I have to get going.
Busi: Okay, let me walk you out.
[Busi walks out with her friend Henry. On her way home Busi bumps into Yanga.]
Busi: Hey, Yanga
Yanga: Hello, Auntie Busi.
Busi: How are you today?
Yanga: I’m good and you?
Busi: I’m also great.
Yanga: Thank god, I ran in to you. Because I have something for you. Siya said I must give you this gift and apologise on his behalf for not making it at your graduation ceremony.
Busi: Thank you, Yanga!
[Busi rushes back home and picks up the phone to call Siya.]
Siya: Hello, beautiful, how are you today?
Busi: I’m good thanks and you?
Siya: I’m also great and I miss you dearly.
Busi: I miss you too, my love.
Siya: Oh no, duty calls. Look, love I’ve got to go we’ll chat again later.
Busi: Okay, later then bye..
[Mrs Nene walks in to Busi’s room, she finds Busi talking on her cellphone]
Mrs Nene: Who were you talking to?
Busi: I was talking with Siya.
Mrs Nene: I thought your dad told you not to talk to that boy again.
Busi: Why Ma? Because he is a taxi driver?
Mrs Nene: We only want what’s best for you, my girl. This Siya of yours doesn’t love you, he is just after your money.
Busi: So that’s what this is about, money isn’t it? I thought my happiness was more important than money. And I love Siya! No one will tell me what to do – I’m old enough to make my own decisions!
[Mr Nene overheard the conflict between Busi and her mom]
Mr Nene: Busi, what did you just say?
Busi: I said I’m old enough to make my own decisions, Dad.
Mr Nene: As long as you live under my own roof, you’ll do as I say.
Busi: Well, if that’s the case then I’m moving out.
Mrs Nene: Busi you don’t have to go.
Mr Nene: (angrily) Nkosikazi, if Busi wants to go then let her go!
Mrs Nene: Where are you going to stay?
Busi: I’m going to move in with Siya until I find my own place.
[Busi packs her bags and leaves the house – both parents stand in shock.]
Mr Nene: Starting from today I do not have a daughter, I don’t want anything to do with you…
[The end of Act 1. But, stay tuned for Act 2 of 3rd Avenue.]