“Hurry up Kwazi, you’ll be late for school!” Mr Mtshali shouted from the kitchen as he had been long waiting to take his son to school.

“But Dad I’m still making my bed and I haven’t had breakfast yet.” Kwazi shouted from his room.

“Aunty Dora will make the bed for you as soon as she comes to do her duties, and your mother has already prepared breakfast for you.” Mr Mtshali shouted. Kwazi walked up from his room with his hair uncombed and his school shirt not tucked in his trousers.

“You should stop your laziness and start doing things quicker.” His dad snapped.

“But Dad, if only you could allow me to sleep earlier I would wake up fresh and active.” Kwazi nagged.

“Nonsense! I would cross-night everyday back then when I was in high school but wouldn’t have any difficulties with waking up early in the morning!” Mr Mtshali said in a roar.

“Good morning, class.” Mrs Moodley said.

“Good morning, Mrs Moodley.” responded the students, simultaneously.

“How are you all doing this very morning?” asking her pupils.

“We are fine thank you mam, and how are you?” they replied.

“I’m fine as well, thank you. You may be seated.”

As soon as they were seated, Mrs Moodley introduced a new student who was standing right next to her in front of the class.

“Class I’d like you all to meet Ntando who will be joining our class.” Mrs Moodley said, and Kwazi muttered something mean about Ntando to those who were next to him. The whole class burst into laughter.

“I don’t understand what’s humorous about having a new student in our class.” Mrs Moodley said, shocked.

The students carried on laughing without minding her, until the moment Kwazi made an uncalled for comment.

“Nice trousers!” He said increasing the students’ laughter.

Mrs Moodley eventually realised that they were laughing at Ntando’s school trousers, which had stitches all over.

“Kwazi! What has gotten into you? You are staying after school for detention!” she shouted.

***

Tell us: What do you think of Kwazi’s behaviour towards other children?