Everyone started murmuring; wondering the reason behind this speech.

“Ill just cut to it. All 30 of you are dying tonight. Yes, dying. You see when i started working I made a pact with the underworld that I want to have everything my heart desires. I want to be revered and respected and I dont want to work harder than i should” That would come at a price; and the price was that I would enjoy that for five years and on the night of my 30th; i would die and go and work permanently for them on the other side.”

“Hao mntanam; what is this you’re saying” Nomalizos father interrupts.

“Oh sit down Baba!” Nomalizo berates her father. “Where in this world do you find a daughter giving her parents R50 000 every single month. I built you a mansion; my brothers and sisters don’t work. They go on holidays abroad; all on my account. And i dont even get a thank you. Instead Ma will call me telling me that the geyser burst or her precious Mbali is pregnant once again so this fool being me should foot the bill?”.

At this time people at the long table were looking on with horror in their eyes. Others were crying.

“Im feeling funny; Noma what’s going on” Cousin Sthe asks.

“Oh Cousin Sthe; if you would shut up; i would tell you. Remember how you and your wicked mother would make me do all the work when i would come to you during holidays. Remember how yoi would pull my hair and put a pillow over my head when i was sleeping at night? To this day; dear cousin i cant sleep with blankets covering my face” Nomalizo continued while taking a sip of the expensive champagne.

‘So I made a pact with the underworld; as I was saying; on my 28th birthday; I said Lizo… you dont have to be the one dying. You see there was footnote on the contract. Its either me on my 30th or 30 of my nearest and dearest.”

Just then; the chaos started. Her sister Nompi and mother dropped down; followed by Aunt Uedy; then her childhood best friend Thoko followed.