The Hare and the Tortoise's Race

uNogwaja the Hare was the fastest animal on the savanna and he never let anyone forget it, especially the slow Tortoise. Tired of the insults, the Tortoise challenged the Hare to a race. The Hare laughed until his sides hurt, but he agreed. On the day of the race, the Hare shot off, leaving the Tortoise in the dust. He was so far ahead that he decided to stop at a friend's kraal for some sorghum beer. He drank and boasted and eventually fell asleep under a tree. The Tortoise, meanwhile, never stopped. He just kept walking, step by steady step, down the path. He walked all day and all through the cool evening. When the Hare finally woke up, the sun was low in the sky. He dashed to the finish line, but it was too late. The Tortoise was already there, waiting for him. The slow, persistent Tortoise had beaten the fast, arrogant Hare. The story is used to teach one of the most important Zulu values: that perseverance and steadfastness (ukubekezela) will always achieve more than lazy, arrogant talent.