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Scene 8 - Emmanuel's sphaza shop

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 May 2019

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Summary

PORTIA is paying for some groceries. EMMANUEL stands on the opposite side of the counter. They greet each other warmly, as if they are old friends.

EMMANUEL: Good afternoon, Lieutenant.

PORTIA: Bon dia, Emmanuel.

EMMANUEL [speaking carefully in basic isiZulu]: Kunjani namhlanje?

PORTIA: Your Zulu is getting good! Some bread and R12 Vodacom, please. [Pause.] How are you keeping?

EMMANUEL: Things are okay.

PORTIA: You look worried.

EMMANUEL: People came round here this morning and threatened me in my shop.

PORTIA: Again?

EMMANUEL: Ai! I am not sleeping anymore.

PORTIA: Is it the same people as before?

EMMANUEL: It's hard to say who. It's hard to know who to trust anymore in this community. The other night after I had locked up they broke in here and stole all my stock.

PORTIA: Again?

EMMANUEL: Ja.

PORTIA: I am sorry to hear this, Emmanuel.

EMMANUEL: They accuse me of dealing drugs to youngsters but I am no dealer, Portia. I make an honest living with my shop. [Pause.] You know if it was up to me I would pack up and go home tomorrow. I miss my village in Beira and my wife and children. I don't feel welcome here anymore.

PORTIA: I will look out for you. Let me know if you are not feeling safe?

EMMANUEL [calling after her a little anxiously]: Portia, sorry Portia, would you mind transferring this money back home to my wife Selina for me again? I'm sorry to ask but it's the end of the month now.

EMMANUEL holds out a brown envelope.

PORTIA: I will do it on Monday. [She takes the envelope.] Stay safe Emmanuel.

EMMANUEL: God bless you, Portia, ngiyabonga.

Type
Chapter
Information
Ulwembu
Empatheatre and the Big Brotherhood
, pp. 21 - 22
Publisher: Wits University Press
Print publication year: 2018

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