everyday attitudes

Skype chat between Beth in office, and her colleague Melanie who is working from home

Melanie:  I’m so tired after another raucous party next door – I think my neighbours are away for the night, and their kids had their music blaring ‘til 2 in the morning. We eventually called the police to come and quiet them down.

Beth: Ah, that’s not much fun. Did the noise wake your little one?

Melanie:  No, thankfully she slept right through. But I’m exhausted. I won’t be coming into the office today – going to work from home rather.

Beth: Still in your pyjamas?

Melanie: Yes, of course!

Beth: The joys of having an internet connection at home

Melanie: Exactly. I just wanted to find out what’s happening with Vuyokazi: she arrived at work late on Friday, and it’s now 8:45am and I see she’s not yet online. Has she arrived at the office yet?

Beth: She’s probably running a little bit late – let’s give her a little Monday grace.

Melanie: Grace is all very well; I just don’t want her to start taking advantage. I’m going to take a shower now – will you let me know what time she comes in, please?

Beth:  Sure

Vuyokazi arrives visibly stressed, checking her watch.

Vuyokazi : Morning Beth

Beth: Hi Vuyokazi. What happened?

Vuyokazi: The train was delayed.

Beth: The train? But I thought you normally take the bus to work?

Vuyokazi: Well, over the weekend we moved. We’re now staying in Simons Town.

Beth: What? That was a quick change – I didn’t even know you were planning on moving.

Vuyokazi: Khayelitsha is just not okay anymore. On Thursday I was robbed by two young guys with a knife.

Beth: Oh no! (Gets up from desk and stands closer to Vuyo) How scary! Are you okay?

Vuyokazi: Yes, thanks God, I’m okay. There was nothing much in my bag except my bus ticket – I’d only used 4 days transport of the ticket so I’m sure they will sell that. But there was nothing else in my bag. I forgot my phone and wallet at home on Thursday.

Beth: Yho, thank goodness for that.

Vuyokazi: I just know God was looking after me. And it was also good that its school holidays so my daughter was with my sister, not with me.

Beth: Was it frightening? Did they hurt you?

Vuyokazi: They were very angry and aggressive – I don’t know why they were so angry…

Beth: Maybe they were high on Tik?

Vuyokazi: Could be. They didn’t hurt me –when I saw their knife I didn’t argue, I just gave them my bag and then they ran away. I couldn’t believe it – these skollie teenagers don’t even wait for dark  -they do it in broad daylight.

Beth:  Were there people around you?

Vuyokazi:  Yes it was busy. I was coming home from work on Thursday. But it was all so quick and they just ran off.

Beth: And you didn’t even say anything on Friday?

Vuyokazi:  Well losing my bus ticket made me late on Friday as the taxi queues were so long, so I thought I should just start working and not waste time talking.

Beth: I thought you didn’t look so happy on Friday. I’m sorry you had that horrible experience.

Vuyokazi: When I told my sister what happened she phoned some people she knows and one of her friends has a house in Simons Town that was available for rent. We just decided we don’t want to take any more chances – the crime is just increasing and increasing in Khayelitsha. So we moved to Simons Town over the weekend.

Beth: So fast!

Vuyokazi: Yes, we spent the whole weekend packing and cleaning, and moved our stuff yesterday afternoon.

Beth: You must be exhausted.

Vuyokazi: It’s okay- at least we know it’s safer there.

Beth: So now you catch the train from Simons Town to work everyday.

Vuyokazi: Yes, I need to wake my daughter up early early, and we catch the train together at 6:15am.

Beth: Yho! I’m not even awake at that time!

Vuyokazi: Yes, it’s early. My daughter slept a bit on the train. We would have been on time, but then the train just stopped at Newlands for about 20 minutes – they didn’t tell us why.

Beth: Well I think it’s amazing you’re here at all after the hectic few days you’ve had.

Vuyokazi: I think Melanie will be cross that I’m late.

Beth: Don’t worry, I’ll explain to her.

Vuyokazi: Thanks

Back on skype with Melanie, who is sitting in her bathrobe, holding a cup of coffee.

Beth: Hi Mel, Vuyokazi has arrived.

Melanie: okay, and what pathetic excuse for being late does she have this time?