As I scanned through newspapers last week, I zoomed in on the story about Dr Busi Nyembezi, head of KwaZulu-Natal's department of health, currently embroiled in controversy.

As I scanned through newspapers last week, I zoomed in on the story about Dr Busi Nyembezi, head of KwaZulu-Natal's department of health, currently embroiled in controversy.

I have been following the story with interest over the past few weeks. When I read the latest article, tears filled my eyes. I thought I was reading an extract from the latest Mills & Boon's endless series of romantic novels.

I realised that I was not reading a paragraph out of a romantic novel. What I was reading had happened. It is the story of a man fighting his wife's battles and doing a splendid job of embarrassing himself. I thought to myself, maybe it's time I started looking for a job in government. What could be more satisfying than telling your boss with a straight face: "My mother and husband will sort you out if you dare fire me."

It would be even scarier for the poor boss since I have more than 30 relatives. Imagine all 30 holding a press conference to fight for me - surely no boss can contend with that.

Perhaps Vusi Pikoli's wife and Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge's husband should have done the same and fought for their partners.

The moral of the story is - if your job is under threat, round up all your family members and show your boss what you are made of.

Thando Zulu, Durban