The principle of things
Alfred would rather risk his marriage than dent his ego and tell his wife that he’s quit his deputy principal job.
Alfred (Putla Sehlapelo) has found that betraying Principal Thobakgale (Elizabeth Serunye) and getting her fired last year has consequences that he can’t handle. Instead of manning up and accepting punishment though, he walks out on his position at Turf High because it’s the only thing he can do, explains Putla: “It’s a toxic working environment. After being re-instated, Principal has increased his workload but she added a psychological attack too – she talks down to him, leaving him overworked and insecure too.” As her sub-ordinate, Alfred dare not speak out of turn and give his former best friend reason to fire him. Instead, he leaves with his tail between his legs to save his image. But Alfred has gone from the frying pan into the fire – he’s hidden his quitting secret from his wife Celia (Shoki Sebotsane) and “that will be a massive issue,” warns the actor.
SETTLING THE SCORE
Resigning wasn’t easy for the life-long teacher. “He couldn’t concentrate on completing his work because he had to triple- check everything to ensure it was up to Principal’s standards, only for her to find something new to shout about,” says Putla. She has wanted revenge for months after finding out that Alfred stabbed her in the back with help from
Mr Langa (Phillip Molepo). “They framed Principal for stealing school funds and she has wanted to see them destroyed ever since. Alfred’s world has been crushed and he is left moping at home,” explains Putla.
FIGHTING BACK
Alfred’s kids let slip to his working wife that he has been staying home instead of being at school. “He has no option but to come clean when Celia corners him,” says the actor. But instead of fury, Alfred gets a sympathetic ear and Celia tries to convince him to beg for his job back. For her, Alfred working is more about her family than his insecurities. “She has fears about their expenses with Alfred unemployed. As head of the house, it’s his duty to provide for them. Besides, her salary won’t help them go far,” says Putla. But Alfred isn’t having any of it. “He has never felt this free in his life. He is tired of being pushed around and will not let it happen again – even from his wife,” explains the actor. Besides, he isn’t going to be a couch potato forever. “Alfred doesn’t have a clear plan of what he wants to do next. He has been teaching for a long time and something is bound to come up at some stage. He is just relieved that he’s no longer in an office with controlling Principal,” adds Putla. Will Celia have the patience – or funds – to keep the family afloat while Alfred finds himself? Probably not.