SIYA had just jumped out of the bath when his alarm went off. He whistled the chorus of one of his favourite songs in celebration – he’d always believed rising before your alarm was an indication of success and therefore something to be excited about.
He wrapped a towel around his body and walked into the living room. He switched the radio on and the same favourite song was playing. This had to be a good omen.
He called Jigga, his best friend, who also shared a love for the song.
They discussed the coincidence and both decided it was a great way to start off the day. Jigga was convinced that if a song he liked was playing when he left for an important event, it could only bode well.
In the taxi, Siya tried to look through his notes as fellow passengers went about their business. One woman seemed to be upset with one of her customers. “I want my money!” she yelled down her phone. “This is Tupperware we are talking about, not some fong-kong supermarket dishware. You want the finer things in life, you’ve got to pay!”
Someone else screamed, “Change for four at the back, driver!”
Siya readjusted his headphones to shut out any more haggling and insults. Music was playing off his phone at full volume but all he could hear was the interviewer’s voice.
“Tell me about a situation where you felt you were not in control. What did you do?”
“What would you say are your strong points, and why?”
He hoped the answers he’d rehearsed would suffice.
THE receptionist welcomed him on arrival. He recognised her voice from when they’d spoken on the phone.
Denne historien er fra 7 May 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra 7 May 2020-utgaven av Drum English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest
