Double debt drama
Alfred’s desperation to keep his fancy car has him ready to stab his colleague Principal Thobakgale in the back
Skeem Saam Weekdays SABC1 (*191) 18:30
Deadbeat high school teacher Alfred Magongwa’s (Putla Sehlapelo) expensive taste has him drowning in debt. He’s been having sleepless nights since he bought a luxury car in mid-2017 that he can’t really afford and his wife Celia (Shoki Sebotsane) gives him an ultimatum on Wednesday 28 March: the car or me! “His first thought after Celia threatens him about selling the car is ‘what are people going to think?’” reveals Putla. That’s the last thing on Celia’s mind since they’re still paying off their home loan and struggling to repay Alfred’s other outstanding debts too. “Alfred insists on having things that he can’t afford,” explains Putla. As it turns out, Alfred is willing to burn bridges if it means keeping his swanky wheels.
CUTTING COSTS
For the time being, Alfred’s lifestyle remains parked in his driveway until he can clear some of his debts. He takes his ride out for quick spins now and then “to keep the battery charged”, says Putla, but something seems off on Monday 2 April. “The petrol gauge has dropped while the car was parked. Alfred hasn’t driven his car for a few days and neither has Celia. So who has been in his car?” asks Putla. Alfred suspects his stepson Nimrod (Buhle Maseko), who is trying to get his driver’s licence. “But Alfred doesn’t have the proof to confront Nimrod. This setback affects his finances and he scrambles to get cash just to refill his petrol tank. But to do that, he may need to get a new job…” hints Putla.
PLAN B
With time running out and the bank grabbing his cash, Alfred thinks that he’s got a solution on Thursday 5 April: he wants Principal Thobakgale’s (Elizabeth Serunye) job. “Headmasters are paid more than teachers and he not only wants the salary, but also the respect,” smirks Putla. But while Alfred is focussed on his scheme, his students notice that he doesn’t use his fancy car anymore, which they figure out means that he’s broke again like in 2015 when the bank repossessed his belongings. The students mock his cash crisis on Tuesday 10 April with a chalk drawing on his class board but Putla says that “Alfred takes little notice. His anger and embarrassment subside. Besides, he has bigger fish to fry if he’s going to get Principal Thobakgale’s job!”