Scene 2 - The Post Office

Summary

MAMPOMPO: And there was this small window.

Light dims. She turns and knocks twice on the imaginary window upstage centre. SDUDLA, as OLD LADY, enters, bumping MAMPOMPO.

MAMPOMPO: She is supposed to be open now.

MAMBHELE turns, changes into PRETENTIOUS WOMAN and joins the queue. The women queue, waiting for the post office to open, eyes fixed on the tiny window. They push and shove.

MAMPOMPO: Molo. [She waves and pushes backwards.] Sontombi [pushing forward]. How are you today? Good. Good. Are you also coming for this? [She indicates money.] This is my fifth month now coming here. [OLD LADY hits the person next to her. MAMPOMPO falls backwards.] My fifth month – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. I was very worried about my children. [She faces the audience.] What are they going to eat tonight?

PRETENTIOUS WOMAN is pushed by OLD LADY.

OLD LADY: Ah, it's very hot in here. I can't take it any longer. How long have you been here Noni sisi?

Both face forward, OLD LADY trying to get air.

MAMPOMPO: Long time I’ve been here, Granny.

OLD LADY: She should have opened by now.

MAMPOMPO: Who sends you money?

OLD LADY: Mm? I can't hear, my child.

MAMPOMPO: Who sends you money? Ngubani okuthumelela imali?

OLD LADY: My son.

MAMPOMPO: Where is your daughter-in-law?

OLD LADY: Mm?

MAMPOMPO: Where is your daughter-in-law? Uphi umolokazana wakho?

OLD LADY? UseKapa. She's in Cape Town with her husband. I’m looking after my two grandchildren. Please people, stop making this noise, otherwise I won't hear her footsteps when she is coming. You know [she pushes to the right], my son promised to send me money last month but I didn't get it, that's why I am here. [She pushes PRETENTIOUS WOMAN, who is getting visibly angrier.]

MAMPOMPO: Ahh.

Distracted, she turns to the window.

OLD LADY: I don't know what happened to him.

PRETENTIOUS WOMAN: How long must I stand here like a fool waiting for my money? Makhulu sukundiphusha. Don't push me! Five years ago I left you people like this and you’re still the same. Nothing changes here in the Transkei.

She exits with a flourish.