Writing a second book is often harder than the first. For this story, I knew I had to go back to the beginning—I had to go back home.
Going back to Zululand
I chose to set this story in Zululand (in South Africa), the place where I grew up. Zululand is not just a backdrop; it is a character in itself. It is a land of vibrant history and deep tradition. In the book, the village, the warriors, and the wise elders are based on the great traditions and stories from Zululand.
The Heart of the story - Ubuntu
At the core of “The Leopard and the Spring” is the philosophy of Ubuntu. Ubuntu is a Zulu/Xhosa tradition that is often translated as “I am because we are.” It speaks to the fact that our humanity is tied to the humanity of others. We cannot exist in isolation.
In this book, the “Spring” represents more than just water; it represents the shared resources of the earth and the lifeblood of the community. The story explores the tension between ownership and stewardship. I wanted to show that true survival doesn’t come from hoarding, but from the radical act of sharing. When the circle of life is respected, there is enough for everyone—man and beast alike.
The Leopard - more than a beast
In Zulu culture, the leopard (Ingwe) is a creature of immense reverence. It symbolizes royalty, power, and courage.
The Leopard is a central character in the Leopard and the Spring.
The Leopard represents the wild and the forces of nature that we must learn to coexist with. The Leopard appears at the spring to test the village’s commitment to Ubuntu. When the Leopard drinks from the spring, he reminds us that the water belongs to the earth, and we are merely sharing it.
Moral of the Story
While this story is rooted in the soil of Africa, the themes are universal. Whether you are six or sixty, the lesson is that “a person is a person through others” and we are all connected. This is Ubuntu – the heart of Zululand.
I hope that when you read “The Leopard and the Spring,” you feel the spirit of Ubuntu, sharing and the majesty of the Leopard, and the warmth of the Zululand sun.