It was the beginning of a tough day for all the radiographers. The number of posts in the Department was going to be cut and Thamsanqa, who had only just been moved to Addington from Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, already faced losing his job.

In Mr Mkhwanazi’s office the mood was tense. The budget cuts were making his position untenable and to lose top-notch radiographers was a blow. But he knew what he would do. There was only one doctor in the hospital whose opinion he really trusted on this matter: Dr Mbele.

She had no friends and no alliances, and over and above that she seemed to have an ice-cold heart with all men too. She was completely professional. She would give him an honest view on who should be slotted into the only junior radiographer position, and who should be retrenched. He picked up the phone to call her.

“Doctor Mbele, I need your help again, my dear. You know who works diligently. Please help us make the right choice,” Mr Mkhwanazi said.

Dr Mbele had done her homework. The radiographer with the best reputation was Thamsanqa Xulu, who had been at the hospital for five months. So long, she thought, and she had only seen him once. Mind you, radiography was not a Department where she ventured often. From the reports, it looked like he was professional and really cared about his work. When it was time to give her view to Mr Mkhwanazi, her neighbour had been given the thumbs up.

When Anele arrived home Thamsanqa was waiting for her with a bottle of champagne. “I kept my job,” he laughed. “After all my worries, they didn’t retrench me.”

For the first time in her life Anele found herself warming to a man. This Thamsanqa was so enthusiastic, and just plain nice. As she watched him open the champagne she felt herself being pulled into the warmth and friendliness of his eyes.

***

Tell us: Could Thami be the one to turn Anele’s social and romantic life around?