CYNTHIA: I dreaded the days I had to go to Alexandra Township to counsel him. I desperately wanted to pull out of that case. Couldn't stand that man. That whole place made me sick. I went to the boss to plead with her to transfer me to some other area …

The boss.

[She laughs sarcastically as she remembers the boss]

She was a no-nonsense Afrikaner lady. Matronly, but well-groomed. She relished sending chills of fear through the spines of all the social workers whenever she was around.

[Pause]

Mrs Van Wyk, I am sorry…

MRS VAN WYK: You don't have to be sorry, my dear. Just tell me what I can do for you. But first of all, is it very important?

CYNTHIA: I think it is.

MRS VAN WYK: You think, eh?

CYNTHIA: What I mean is, ma'am …

MRS VAN WYK: Never mind what you mean, my dear. I am more interested in what you say. Is it so important that the supervisors cannot deal with it?

CYNTHIA: Mrs Van Wyk, it is about…

MRS VAN WYK: And is it so important that it can't wait? You don't have an appointment, remember. Supposing I was having an important meeting.

CYNTHIA: Well, your secretary…

MRS VAN WYK: She did, eh? We'll see about that. What is your problem, my dear?

CYNTHIA: It's about the Alexandra Township case. The gangster who got paralysed in a gun fight. I have the file with me here.

MRS VAN WYK: Never mind the file. What is your problem?

CYNTHIA: Can you allow me to pull out of the case? You could put someone in my place. Maybe one of the male social workers. It frustates me that for all the months I have been counselling him I have not made any progress. He simply won't respond.

MRS VAN WYK: You never fail to amaze me. Are you trying to tell me that you are incompetent?

CYNTHIA: I am not incompetent! That man has threatened me with violence if I don't get him a motorised wheelchair.

MRS VAN WYK: NOW, my dear, I want you to listen very carefully. You are going to work in Alexandra Township.