(It is a sunny Monday morning at Tlhompho Secondary School. Mr Mahungela walks into the class carrying a textbook and two chalks in his hands. He is going to teach Natural Sciences.)

Mr Mahungela: (He stands in front of learners in the class with a smiling face.) Greetings everyone. (Learners greet him back.) Thank you. So today we are going to be learning about animal nutrition. Before we start, what is a herbivore, and can you give me an example of one?

Lesedi: (She raises her hand and Mr Mahungela notices her.) Well, sir, a herbivore is an animal that eats plants or grass only, such as a cow.

Mr. Mahungela: Good answer, Lesedi. That is very true. Can we clap our hands for her?

(As the learners in the class clap their hands for Lesedi, Thato stands up and walks to the door.)

Mr Mahungela: (Surprised.) Where are you going, Thato?

Thato: (Rudely.) Do you have problems with your eyes? Can’t you see that I am going out? For your information, I am going to the toilet.

Mr Mahungela: You could have asked for permission first. This is the reason why you keep failing. How many times have you repeated this Grade? You are supposed to be doing matric by now. Why can’t you change your bad attitude?

Thato: Whether I am failing or passing, it is none of your damn business. And I am not going to ask for your permission whenever I want to go out. This is not your school. You are just an employee here, so do not be too big for your own shoes.

(After speaking, Thato goes out. Almost everyone in class is laughing while Mr Mahungela remains puzzled.)

Tell us: What do you think about Thato’s behaviour towards Mr Mahungela?