29 June 2020
Gomora: Tensions increase between family members
If it’s not the headmaster and his wife in fierce debate, it’s a mother and daughter throwing flames at each other! And there’s so much more going on. Let’s keep you up to date on what has been going on in the township of Gomora.
Zodwa’s mind games
Community drunk Zodwa has had a new vibe going for the last two weeks after giving up her boozing. She’s got a job, she’s not drinking at all and she’s got custody of her son, Teddy.
But in Episode 42, her devious nature comes to the fore again. She’s bought Teddy video games, which he’s playing when she wakes up. While he apologises for ruining her sleep, Zodwa tells him that it’s okay although she does not like him apologizing all the time.
“I do not like that you apologise all the time. I am not Gladys,” says Zodwa. She then says the unthinkable and asks Teddy to take a day off from school.
Now any mom who has lost their child and has been given the opportunity to be a parent again wouldn’t be speaking like this. It’s not surprising though – because that’s how Zodwa is. She’s manipulative, she’s conniving, she wants people to be like her and behave like her.
“This isn’t the principal’s house,” she continues, only for Teddy to realise what’s going on.
“Is that why you bought this game (for me)? So that I can be stuck in here with you?” he asks.
Teddy might not be the brightest kid in school, but even he can see Zodwa’s tricks and devious schemes from a mile off – and she’s not done yet, as she lays the guilt thick and hard.
“I sacrificed our groceries just so that I could buy you this game. I did this all for you. Because I wanted to see you happy,” she says. The guilt on Teddy’s face is apparent, but you can’t help wonder if this is a sign of the old Zodwa returning.
Listen and listen well
Mam’Sonto’s criminal schemes are the root of all her current problems. Her son-in-law, Mbongeni, was killed in the botched hijacking she planned and Sonto has been lying to her daughter, Thathi, ever since, while allowing the widowed mom of two to move back home with her.
The law caught up to Mam’Sonto recently. She was arrested, only to be released due to lack of evidence. The thing is, while she wants to try bury the hatchet (like that’s going to happen), Thathi takes every chance to fire off shots at her. Like in Episode 44 when the women are face-to-face in the kitchen.
Mam’Sonto starts off by saying, “Listen here Thathi – I’m not a criminal. Unlike your husband who stole money from the poor. Yes, I’ve made mistakes.”
“And that makes what you do okay?” snaps Thathi.
“I’ve sold some cannabis here and there, a fridge and a few TVs… but just so that I could put food on the table,” explains Mam’Sonto. But Thathi isn’t letting her mom get off lightly.
“I can’t believe you. So I should thank you for not pimping me out when my husband is dead? Are we meant to applaud you for being a parent? Wow!”
As Thathi storms off, Mam’Sonto is left fuming because of her daughter’s behaviour and words.
Melusi tries to help
It’s no secret that Gladys wants to see Zodwa fail at being a parent so that she can take back Teddy and give him a stable home.
But her husband, Melusi, sees things a different way and he tells her in Episode 45 that he’s helping Zodwa, which riles up Gladys.
“My love, I want to give Zodwa a cleaning job at school,” says Melusi.
The tension is so thick in the room you could cut it with a knife. Poor Ntokozo looks on, caught between what will become an awkward exchange of words between his mom and dad.
“But you know the kind of person she is, Papa,” replies Gladys. It’s clear that she has no time for entertaining her husband’s ideas even though she has no say in the matter.
“She is going to cause trouble at school. Teddy doesn’t need that kind of drama.” Gladys doesn’t even give Melusi a chance to answer. Instead, she changes the topic and speaks to their son instead.
When he realises that there’s no point in responding, Melusi tells Ntokozo to grab his bags and get ready for school. The conversation between both parents ends abruptly as Melusi realises that he has a serious problem on his hands.
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