Chopping block
A petition blazes through Turf High for Principal Thobakgale to step down… and guess who has already signed it.
There’s plenty of muttering and grumbling against Principal Thobakgale (Elizabeth Serunye) in the Turf High staffroom, some of it down to sour grapes but a lot of it due to her 24-7 unapproving eye and habit of crushing anyone with ideas. Thobakgale might not be aware of it, but her actions have brought her career to the brink of collapse. A petition starts doing the rounds – calling for her to be removed from power – and spearheading the push is teacher Alfred (Putla Sehlapelo), who’s back at Turf seeing clearly now that his vision has returned (after he fell prey to one of the students’ “pranks” against Principal Thobakgale in June). And he’s not the only one.
SIGN THE PETITION! JEALOUS ALFRED
His motive for leading the petition against Principal Thobakgale is to take her place in a simple power grab. The two don’t get along, and Thobakgale has always wanted Alfred to leave and vice versa. This isn’t the first time that Alfred is scheming to get rid of Principal for his own selfish ends.
SLIGHTED KWAITO (Clement Maosa)
As a former pupil and now leading a literacy project, Kwaito has always felt as if Principal Thobakgale has had a personal vendetta against him. So when he is presented with the opportunity to join the petition and get rid of Principal Thobakgale, he grabs it with both hands and sets out to give his story.
SIDELINED CAROL (Lebohang Chidi)
Teacher Carol has always felt overlooked and this is her perfect opportunity to get revenge on her boss for assigning a project that she was supposed to spearhead to someone else. This is her way of showing Principal Thobakgale that she should haven’t have ignored Carol or her talents.
BULLIED EVELYN (Vele Manenje)
We’ve seen Thobakgale bully and belittle teacher Evelyn for years despite her intelligence and helpful suggestions, to the point where it’s affecting Evelyn’s mental health! And now the wheel is turning. Evelyn views the petition as her escape route and leaps onboard to get Principal Thobakgale fired.
PETITION PROMISES
Will this be the end for the principal? It’s going to depend on how well those four defend their case, because if they come across as jealous, incompetent whiners, sympathies will be on Principal Thobakgale’s side. They have a point but it’s going to take a lot more than just wishes to get rid of the mean headmistress.