Paying Homage to the King

Now line manager to Ketima (Site Man), he comes to my office today to pay homage.

A rotund, distinguished looking gentleman in his sixties, Ketima was seconded by Boss from Sandford, Ethiopia’s most expensive and revered school after 43 years service. Like many he got somewhat caught-out by the whirlwind of Mountain Man and he found many of my requests absurd. What was wrong with empty electric sockets, peeling walls (internally and externally) and rusty fences? Did i really want every cupboard to be painted? Rocks can be dangerous in a sand-pit? Nonetheless, with some prodding and timely interventions by Ato S (GM) he has upped the ante.

We had our first “Team Talk” on Monday morning with Mehlat at hand should translation be required. He is about to take his annual leave and so i need to leave him instructions to pass onto his team to take us into the new term and New Year. We agree on the following:

• to level the play-court
• to put arrows on the stairs
• to replace the  evacuation siren – (too quiet)
• to paint the doors of our Pre-Kg and KG classroom 

Dr No has insisted that i will get the rooms downstairs (currently filled with assorted broken furniture and assorted vermin) cleared over the vacation and i want them completely disinfected and ready to start developing into learning centres.

Ketima comes into my office today armed with the necessary requisite forms. He then reminds me how low his salary and “truly believes” i will now be able to help him. He also informs me he is going to do a few things in my apartment at Sunshine Condominiums – washers on taps, replace  bits of piping and painting it all, all outstanding since August.

He bows to take leave and then puts out his hand which i go to shake, but no he kisses my hand. I didn’t see that coming at all. I swiftly wave him out of my office.