Nkuli walks into an office space, gossiping on the phone. There is a boardroom visible through a glass door.

NKULI: Chommie, I wanted to tell you about the office drama. Hee yazi just yesterday uLerato and Lungelo had a huge argument. I was so sure uba bekuzoba yi WWE wrestling match right here while the people were in the boardroom. Yoooh awazi wena! I am telling you babes, you have no idea …

While she’s talking, Kgosi walks in. He clears his throat.

KGOSI: Nkuli, shouldn’t you be working? I don’t pay you to take personal calls at work.

NKULI: (Noticing her boss) Yhu chommie, the boss just came in. Just hold the line a bit … Morning sir. (Fixing her hair) Mrs Tlale called to ask if her meeting can be moved to 9h30, because she has to fly to Japan this afternoon.

KGOSI: Since when does Lerato schedule my appointments? And why didn’t I know about Japan?

NKULI: Eh, sir. I know it’s early neh, but focus here. Mrs Tlale – Lerato’s mother – is meeting with you today. You agreed to the meeting two weeks ago. Haibo yintoni nah?

KGOSI: Something’s come up. I can’t do 9h30. Get Lungelo on the line and tell him that I want him in the boardroom immediately. Call Mrs Tlale and reschedule. And Nkuli, remember this is a place of work so I expect you to act accordingly. Be more professional, please! (Walks into the boardroom)

NKULI: But sir … (Kgosi ignores her and continues to walk away. She goes back to her call.) Did you hear that friend? Now do you see what I have to deal with, chommie? Let me go before he comes back and starts shouting again. Bye love.

Lerato enters.

LERATO: Good morning Nkuli. Is Kgosi in yet? I need to speak to him. (Noticing that Kgosi is in the boardroom, she walks in and takes a seat, not waiting for a response from Nkuli) I was up all night trying to make sense of these figures so I checked the financial reports from the past three months, and there is at least nine million rand unaccounted for. It just disappeared. So I asked my department to look into it and the money went to an account registered under your name. What was the money used for?

KGOSI: I don’t need to explain myself to you. This is my company and I will run it how I see fit. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting to prepare for.

LERATO: Your company? Lucille built all of this (gestures with her hands) from the ground up and you’re here claiming her company? And yes, you do need to explain yourself to me, because I am the CFO. Unlike you, I had to work hard to get to where I am. You better enjoy riding the gravy train while you can, because one of these days, Clayton will be in that very seat and you will be left powerless.

Lerato storms out, outraged and angry. As she leaves she pauses just outside the door and begins typing on her phone then she reads softly out loud.

LERATO: (While typing) Hashtag. You can only hide from the truth for so long. (Exits)

KGOSI: (Grabbing his belongings, he walks to Nkuli’s desk) Nkuli, cancel all my meetings. I’ll be out for the rest of the day.

NKULI: Haibo, sir. All meetings? Mrs Tlale won’t be happy about this, but what does Nkuli know?

Kgosi ignores her and walks out of the office. Moments later a woman walks in.

SOPHIE: Good morning. I’m here to see Mr Mojanaga.

NKULI: (Jumping to her feet.) Oh, Mrs Tlale. I was just about to call you. Mr Mojanaga had to attend to family matter. He won’t be able to meet with you today.

SOPHIE: Typical. Tell Mr Mojanaga that our deal is off. I can’t work with amateurs. I’m taking my business elsewhere.

NKULI: What must happen now Ma’am? Mr Mojanaga won’t be happy and I don’t want to be the messenger he kills.

SOPHIE: My dear, I don’t know how any of that is my problem. Make sure you tell him not to bother calling me, and that my company wants nothing to do with him or this place! Now if you’ll excuse me, I will be on my way. (Walking away)

NKULI: Claps once!

As Sophie leaves she bumps into Lerato, just arriving.

LERATO: Mama! What are you doing here?

SOPHIE: I was supposed to meet your boss, but I’m told that he had to attend to family matters. At least he’s still concerned about his family – unlike some people who have abandoned their mothers.

LERATO: Mama, I–

SOPHIE: (Interrupting her) I know! You’re in love with that … woman. All I’ve ever wanted was to protect you from the world. I wanted grandchildren. But you’re single-handedly destroying this family with your disgusting ways. I’ll keep praying for you. That’s all I can do. I have to go.

LERATO: Mom, wait! I love you. I just wish you could see things from my perspective. I am lesbian, not a mass murderer. Please stop treating me like I’ve done something wrong. This is who I am.

SOPHIE: I don’t have time to discuss this. When you have pulled yourself out of sin then maybe we can talk. In the meantime I will continue to hope and pray the Lord spares your soul. Now I really have to go. (Holds up her hand when Lerato tries to talk.) That is enough! I have said all I want to say, now (pushing her out of the way) I have a flight to catch.

She walks away leaving Lerato upset. Nkuli, who has been leaning forward gawking at the scene, falls out of her chair with a squeak. She quickly gets up. Lerato realises that Nkuli has been listening to her conversation.

LERATO: You could at least pretend to not have been listening in on my private conversation Nkuli. Honestly, being professional won’t kill you. (Storms off)

NKULI: Yhuu! Drama for your mama! Hayi I have to call Dudu and tell her this! (Dialling)

***

Tell us: What do you think about Sophie’s attitude to her daughter’s sexuality?