Raising standards
Pregnant Katlego is moving out of her father’s home and in with her babydaddy Vusi’s mom Thandaza.
Vusi and Katlego (Raphael Griffiths and Anne Modula) are expecting a baby and their unplanned pregnancy is giving the pair sleepless nights from Wednesday 1 February. While Kat goes through the emotional journey of being a teen mom, her boyfriend Vusi is furiously working on plans to support his young family. He’d better hurry though – Kat’s dad Mr Mapetla (Marothi Modiba) can’t afford to take care of his daughter and her medical needs and he sends her packing on Tuesday 7 February to live with Vusi’s businesswoman mom Thandaza (Sindi Dlathu).
UNDER ONE ROOF
Living with Thandaza means that Kat is going to be pampered and her every need will be taken care of. As Anne explains, “For that moment, Kat can now breathe and relax. She can enjoy her pregnancy and the Moekena family take good care of her.” She adds that Kat staying with her family would’ve been difficult “because they’re classified as disadvantaged and they don’t have money to take care of themselves, let alone a pregnant teen”. However, Kat’s moment of indulgence is shortlived when her father sends Vusi a list of demands on Thursday 9 February. “It is in our culture that if a girl is pregnant before marriage, the father of the child must pay for damages,” explains Anne. Mr Mapetla wants Vusi to cough up for what he’s done and since he isn’t working, Thandaza will have to foot the bill. It’s no secret that Thandaza suffers no fools and asking favours of her isn’t the easiest or most pleasant thing, even for her son!
GRANDMA MOTIVES
Getting his way isn’t going to be easy for Vusi, especially since his mom isn’t pleased with him right now, says Anne. “Thandaza isn’t a fan of Kat – they’ve never got along and Thandaza is convinced that Kat is a golddigger and the pregnancy is a way to trap Vusi for his money.” However, the grandma-to-be puts aside her differences with Katlego on Friday 10 February and she suggests that she’ll happily raise their child as her own so that they can go on with their lives. Kat can pursue her dreams of becoming a model while Vusi can still attend Harvard overseas, where he’s already been accepted to study. It starts off well but the plan sours by Monday 13 February when Kat and Vusi argue about the suggestion.
FIGHT OR FLIGHT
Vusi is intent on furthering his studies overseas, but Kat is unhappy because she’s unable to afford a plane ticket to go with. On Tuesday 14 February, Vusi asks Kat to rethink Thandaza’s suggestion but the pregnant teen can’t wrap her head around handing her child to Thandaza. “Giving Thandaza this baby to raise isn’t what Kat had in mind. She wants to go through with the pregnancy. She also wants Vusi to be there with her for emotional support,” says Anne. “If Vusi goes to Harvard, Kat will feel betrayed and scared, left to fend for herself.” Unfortunately for Kat, she’s stuck between a rock and a very hard place – Vusi and his mom – but that’s still a better place for her than returning home to struggle.