05/07/2025
How Much Is Life?
By Taj Achigam Jingok
As time goes by, one realizes that people are never at rest in every direction. They are running—but to where, and from where? No answer. No answer for it now.
I am among the few lucky young kids who managed to go to school as early as the age of 10. It never happened like that in our time. Custom demanded that you must first learn how to rear cattle before even thinking about school. So, the average age to join Class One was about 17.
In school, we were taught to be serious about our studies, and we believed that if only we could finish Standard 8, we would be the leaders and the wealthy people. But after finishing, the same narrative continued up to university. The same tunes and songs, repeated again and again.
Life is twisting everyone’s arms here in South Sudan. Almost 90% of the so-called elite are now seeking dark power.
I like spending time in the ghettos whenever I have a free moment, because my second career demands it. If you want wisdom and reliable information, take your time and go to the base. Not a single minute will pass without hearing people talk about magicians, and how they believe these practices are empowering businesses and political ambitions.
They have gone so far, convinced that these acts can help them pass exams and get a first-class degree without attending a single lecture. How true is it? Only they know.
I have witnessed some of these charms myself: padlocks, powders, chewing sticks, among others. The most popular is smoking what they call kados. I am told the chewing stick makes your words sweet to anyone you go to beg from. So, if you see any lady chewing and smiling at you, run for your life.
And for any slayer—if you want a rich man, go to the magician. They may look dirty, but nowadays these rich people sneak to them at night.
Yes, I was once moving with a friend of mine. He took me to see his new house. He was anxious to leave his uncle’s home. When I asked why he needed to rush into that luxurious place, he told me they had to slaughter two or three goats and chickens every week to please dark forces, just to remain powerful or move to a lucrative position.
My friend and I are committed Christians. We were active members of the Young Christian Students fellowship in college, and we have remained in that path to this day.
Yet I have watched people with massive knowledge stoop low to consult those who have no idea what the modern world even looks like—all in the name of seeking spiritual power. Ironically, they go to multiple witchdoctors at once, which proves the whole process is flawed and should be treated as a scam.
Why should life corner people to the extent of living in illusion, even after being well trained? Imagine—some of these people are our leaders. They have followers who look up to them. This means the cycle will continue, and more will be dragged into witchcraft.
My belief is that life is not expensive. Just have good intentions, and your desires shall be fulfilled.
