Malingolingo International rumours

Write a story where a rumour starts to spread. Your protagonist is either the topic or the source.

Malingolingo International rumours

Thirteen October twenty twenty one marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career. After years in the Civil Service, I was stepping into the role of Director of Legal Services at Malingolingo International, a multinational company producing agricultural products ranging from tractors, seeds to herbicides. I was eager to compare the professionalism and productivity in the private sector with that of the public sector.

I woke up early and meticulously selected a dress that balanced professionalism with style. It was a knee-length red dress, tailored to emphasize my curves without being too form-fitting. The modest V-neckline offered a hint of sophistication, while the capped sleeves provided the right amount of coverage. The high-quality blend of polyester and spandex draped gracefully, giving me both form and warmth. Completing my ensemble, I opted for a thin black belt to cinch my waist, a delicate red and white necklace, red stud earrings, and my classic black pumps from Original Shoes in Zambia.

As I stood in front of the mirror, a surge of excitement washed over me. I was ready to make a lasting impression on my first day. A mist of soft perfume completed my preparation, leaving a sweet aroma in my path.

Malingolingo International was situated on the outskirts of Kasama, the commercial hub of the Northern Province of Zambia. The town was bustling with businesses ranging from agricultural plants to market stalls and local restaurants that tantalized taste buds with regional flavours. Malingolingo International provided an exclusive gated community for its staff, and I had already moved into my new residence which was nestled in a serene mountainous area.

I arrived at the office before eight o'clock and waited in the secretary's office for the CEO. At Malingolingo International, it was customary for everyone to stand when a senior officer entered the room. This overwhelming show of respect made me smile, though it felt slightly uncomfortable. When the CEO, Mr. Madiko, walked in, I stood up along with all the staff in the office. Mr. Madiko was a friendly-looking, well-built man with a scent hinting that he smoked heavily. He introduced me to the Finance Manager, Mr. Sigole, a slim, pale man who radiated an air of busyness and a rush which seemed to imply he would not want to orient me. Despite his apparent non verbal reluctance, the CEO instructed Mr. Sigole to help me settle into my office and introduce me to my staff.

As months passed at Malingolingo International, Mr. Sigole and I became great business acquaintances. We often walked home for lunch together and made it a point to discuss work over dinner at Meat and Chicken restaurant every Friday. Both of us were married, and therefore these meetings were purely professional, focused on aligning our departments for the company's benefit. Finance and Legal Departments whilst having distinct roles and responsibilities, often needed to work together and collaborate. One very critical area was that of Contracts and Agreements. The Legal department drafted, reviewed, and negotiated contracts and agreements however, these had financial implications which my department needed to provide input. 

I had become a fully integrated member of the Malingolingo International Community, taking on the role of hosting a weekly book reading club exclusively for women every Thursday. This involved delving into a book written by Mutumba Maki titled, "When Women Love." The gatherings were typically well-attended, fostering enriching discussions. However, one particular Thursday an unexpected turn took place when the usual bustling group of thirteen dwindled to a mere trio of three attendees, leaving me perplexed and disappointed by the abrupt decline in participation.

On Friday night, my House Manager, Gift, approached me with a serious look. "Mum, I heard the Malingolingo International ladies don't come for book reading because they think you're having an affair with the Director of Finance," she said. I laughed, but she insisted she heard it from the grapevine. The women had seen us dining together every week and had jumped to conclusions.

"I hope I can kill this gossip before it gets to your Uncle Andy. He might just believe it, and things could get ugly," I added.

Determined to quash the rumours, I cancelled our weekly dinner with Director Finance and instead organized a company-wide dinner for staff and their spouses. I involved the Malingolingo International ladies in every aspect from the planning, budgeting, activities to the menu, ensuring they felt an integral part of the event.

At work on the other hand, I contemplated restructuring our collaboration method with the Director of Finance, I therefore sought input from my team in the Legal Department. Walking into their shared workspace, I was met with an unexpected hush, as one of my staff was sharing a derogatory word, “she is a slut.” The atmosphere went tense, while the rest were visibly uneasy and failed to stand up according to procedure.

“Who is the slut?” I asked. “Ah it’s nothing we were just having a discussion about my cousin.” Obviously, I was convinced it was a white lie.

Undeterred, I presented my proposal for closer collaboration between Legal and Finance, suggesting regular joint meetings and feedback sessions. There was no debate; instead, undisputed approval filled the room, a departure from our past lively brainstorming discussions. The unusual harmony without discussion and reason left me unsettled, questioning the dynamics within my team and the underlying tensions that had surfaced that day. I realised then that Gift’s story was true.

During all these hustles, Mrs. Sigole requested to see me at the office. She arrived in a loose, yellow chiffon dress with matching flat shoes. Appearing to be in her late 30s, she was pretty and about three months pregnant. I had an inkling of why she wanted to see me, but I said nothing.

With a noticeable ego, she quickly said, "you love my husband, don't you?"

I smiled cheekily. "Madam, I am a professional woman, not a slut like others."

She laughed, seemingly more relaxed. "So, those dinners are innocent and not lovers' dinners?"

I explained to her that modern, relaxed ways of working had been introduced in many international companies, though they were not always accepted in some cultures. She seemed satisfied and requested to leave. I hoped I made a truthful impression on her and felt relieved.

When Director Sigole questioned me on the sudden change in our Thursday program and the expenditure on a party, I said it was a surprise and that Legal Department would cover the budget.

The dinner was a huge success, filled with laughter and solidarity. As the evening progressed, I decided to address the rumour head-on.

"Has anyone heard the latest gossip around Malingolingo International?" I asked.

The room fell silent as Kebby, an intern, jokingly said, "Madam, you were supposed to be sleeping with me, but you ditched me for the Director of Finance because he is richer."

We all laughed, easing the tension. I then explained the real reason behind our dinners: to discuss ways to improve the company, not to engage in affairs and rumour mongering. Like a tactful killer of flies, I hit the fly on the head with “swat”.

“We are supposed to be working and supporting each other, not gossiping. As your Chief Legal Officer, I felt it important to warn you that rumour mongering can get you in trouble with the law and you can end relationships with your false gossip.”

I assured everyone that, from then on, our meetings would be in public to avoid any further misunderstandings.

The room filled with a mix of relief and embarrassment. The Chief Executive Officer was visibly surprised and stood up to speak.

“It is like my speech fits in very well with the words of our Chief Legal Officer. Team Malingolingo International; let’s chew on some topics today, rumour mills and our ever-evolving work styles. You know, the whispers in the break room, the rumours in the hallways, these must end. Here we need to keep everything professional including those who are spouses. Our work styles are changing with the times and men and women are working together more and more. We therefore have to embrace change and innovation, and ditch our old ways of doing things. I am talking about shaking things up, trying new tricks, and maybe even stepping out of our comfort zones. Because let's face it, doing things the same old way is about as boring as watching a tortoise cross the road. Collaboration is key, when we work as a team, supernatural things happen. Despite the challenges we have faced this year, thank you for being an awesome team. Together, we shall be unstoppable”.

An applause erupted throughout the room, accompanied by enthusiastic claps, whistles, and a standing ovation as everyone rose to honour the CEO.

The rumour was put to rest, and we learnt a valuable lesson about transparency and the destructive power of gossip. Director Sigole, his wife, and my husband Andy shared a comforting hug. The conclusion to this though was that in some cultures, keeping everything relating to relationships in the public domain is the best way to maintain trust and harmony. Additionally, I had made a good comparison of the public and private sectors; it was the same cup of tea. Workplaces house people with their perfections and imperfections yet all of them are capable of achieving so much when they use the right style and tact.

We all lifted our glasses of wine in the air and drank declaring, “to unity in Malingolingo International and abash rumour mongering.”