Never trust the next person

Story Never trust anybody, is what young children in Swaziland are taught by their parents and grandmothers (gogos). It is always the person you trust that will let you down so make sure you don't trust anyone, the elders insist. One way of making children understand the meaning of this is to do so through a fairy tale. Gogo Manana tells us one of the popular versions.

Kwesukasukela, there was an old lady (gogo) who lived with her four granchildren. One day while the children were at school the old lady was visited by Jakalazi (Swazi name for jackel).

They spoke to each other for some time until Jakalazi suggested that they play a game since they were bored. Gogo loved the idea and asked Jakalazi what he had in mind. Jakalazi told her that they should play a game of almost cooking each other.

"Great" thoght Jakalazi, who was hungry since he did not have anything to eat that day. "That's how I'll get my meal for the day," he said to himself. The old lady quickly stood up and made a fire. She then went to fetch the largest pot she had in the house.

When the fire was lit, Jakalazi volunteered to go in the pot first. He jumped in and after a few seconds shouted, "that's enough gogo, or else I'll really get cooked. Gogo then took off the lid and out jumped Jakalazi.

"Now it's my turn," said gogo, who then jumped into the pot. Jakalazi put the lid on and waited next to the pot. "That's enough now," shouted gogo and Jakalazi opened the pot. By this time, the water in the pot was about to boil.

"Now it's my turn said Jakalazi," jumped in and gogo placed the lid on top. Hardly five seconds later Jakalazi shouted that the lid be removed so that he can get out. Gogo obliged and out jumped Jakalazi.

By this time, the water had almost reached boiling point and so gogo wasn't to keen on getting in.

"It's your turn now," Jakalazi said to gogo. "Is the water not too hot now?" asked gogo. "It can't be," roared Jakalazi. "I'm just from inside". So gogo jumped into the pot and as Jakalazi, placed the lid on top, she shouted, "Let me out, I'm getting cooked alive".

"That's exactly what I want," said Jakalazi. "What did you think I'd have for my meal today?" After some time, gogo was cooked and ready to be eaten. Jakalazi prepared what he termed, one of the finest meals in his life.