Page 162 - A People Called Afrika

A PEOPLE CALLED AFRIKA

learned from Mankanyezi. I replied, “Yes, I think I might believe
that, but I should be more sure if you explained how it is done”.
“To attempt to explain our science to you”, he said, smil-
ing, “would be rather like trying to explain the differential
calculus to a child who is ignorant of simple addition. How-
ever, I am satisfied that you have a mind unclouded by the
average European’s prejudices and preconceptions, so, if
you will, I will take you as a pupil and teach you the simple
addition of our lore. Whether you ever reach knowledge
of the differential calculus, will depend entirely on your-
self. I can teach, but I cannot guarantee that you can learn”.

After some consideration I agreed to become Mandhlalan-
ga’s pupil, and for a year continued under his instruction.
Then circumstances arose which led to my abandoning my
studies and quitting this portion of the country. I never again
encountered my teacher, nor for some considerable time af-
terwards did I ever receive a communication from him. With
another of his fellows, however, whom I met at that period,
I have several times been in contact, and have received from
him communications at infrequent, though regular intervals.

The sum of the information I gained from Mandhlalanga, during
that year, is not very large, and I am so far from clear concern-
ing its exact significance that I shall make no attempt at explain-
ing it. I shall content myself here with certain extracts from the
copious notes I made of his discourses at the time they were
delivered and allow the reader to interpret them as he sees fit.
Mandhlalanga, I may explain, is a master, or teacher in the
Brotherhood mentioned by Mankanyezi. He has travelled in
Europe, Asia and America. He speaks English and other Euro-
pean languages perfectly, but his talks with me were conducted

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