“What were you doing in the past two years when you couldn’t find a teaching job? You didn’t mention this on your CV,” Principal Jobela asks.

“I was tutoring children in my community when they needed help with maths. I apologise for missing this on my CV,” Thandiwe says.

“It’s important not to leave out any essential information when looking for a job. Some employers throw incomplete CVs in their dustbins because it shows the applicants are careless,” Principal Jobela says, not expecting an answer.

Thandiwe feels like dragging her feet and leaving the principal’s office. His words make her feel small in her chair. What the principal is saying is true and she knows it, but she didn’t expect him to say it the way he did. She feels that’s a bit harsh.

“I called you to this interview because I saw how well you did on your modules. I know that university’s syllabus is challenging for most students. I went there too. Also, on your CV you wrote that you once won a beauty pageant while you were studying there,” Principal Jobela says, scanning Thandiwe’s body.

Thandiwe feels uncomfortable and shifts around her chair when Principal Jobela’s eyes land on her chest. She buttons up her shirt tightly to the neck even though it’s too hot outside. Principal Jobela quickly shifts his eyes away from Thandiwe’s chest after noticing she’s uncomfortable. He looks her in the eyes again and smiles.

“My daughter is slightly older than you. She also won a beauty pageant a few years ago. You remind me of her. Sorry, if I’m making you feel uncomfortable,” Principal Jobela says. Not knowing what to say, Thandiwe simply nods.

Principal Jobela continues, “I’d be happy if I could hire a teacher that could also help our learners prepare for their beauty pageant that will be in the next eight months. Do you think this is something that you can do?”

“Yes, Principal. I can use my experience to help coach the learners for this competition. I give my best in everything I do and I strive to deliver positive results,” Thandiwe says.

“Good. I don’t have any more questions. Do you have any question for me?” Principal Jobela asks, putting down the pen he was using to write Thandiwe’s answers.

“Yes, I do, Principal. How many learners in each classroom and how’s their behaviour?” Thandiwe asks.

“They are less than 40. In terms of their behaviour, children will always be children, but they listen and are respectful,” Principal Jobela says. He is leaning back on his chair with his hands resting on his falling stomach.

“Thanks, Principal. I don’t have another question,” Thandiwe says.

“Good. You can be on your way, Miss Velani. Wait for my call regarding the outcome,” Principal Jobela says, pulling himself up from his chair. He shakes Thandiwe’s hand.

“Thank you, Principal,” Thandiwe says. She turns around and heads for the door.

Principal Jobela follows behind her. He stares at her backside and wipes bubbles of sweat off his forehead. After opening the door, Thandiwe finds six well-dressed people sitting on the bench she had sat on while waiting to be interviewed.

“The next candidate can come inside,” Principal Jobela says, standing at the door behind Thandiwe. She loses hope when she sees that she’s competing with so many people for the job.

In the evening, after coming back from work, Noma asks her daughter about the interview she had in the morning.

“A lot of people had an interview with Principal Jobela today. I was hopeful before the interview but I’m not that hopeful now,” Thandiwe says, clicking buttons on her cell phone.

“No, my child. Don’t lose hope yet. Did you say you were interviewing at Siyakhula?” Noma says.

“Yes, Mama.”

“People are saying good things about that principal. I was speaking with a woman who stays around Siyakhula. We take the same taxi to town every morning. She says that principal lifted the school to greater heights. The learners who go there are respectful and the teachers have nothing but respect for him.

“I know you, Bhelekazi. You have gossip,” Thandiwe says, chuckling.

“I won’t tell you anything any more,” Noma says, throwing a folded piece of paper at Thandiwe.

Noma continues regardless, “That woman also says that one of the teachers reported that he tried to sleep with her forcefully.”

“Then what happened, Mama? Is it true?” Thandiwe asks, putting her cell phone on the coffee table. Noma has all her attention.

“It turns out it was just a conspiracy to have him fired. There are people who would do anything to have that title for themselves. If he was guilty, do you think you would’ve had an interview with him?” Noma says.

“That’s true. Principal Jobela seems to love his job,” Thandiwe says, with a little doubt in her voice.

Tell us: What do you think of the rumours about Principal Jobela?