Tags: News

Meet a Tanzanian Youngest Chief

- Monday, 9 March 2015 No Comments

Chief Adam Abdul exchanges a few words with President Jakaya Kikwete      

Meeting him for the first time, he looks like any other 14 year old boy who enjoys playing games on the laptop, riding his bicycle and enjoys playing basketball when he is not doing his homework or helping out in their family shop.

Until last month, he was known to many as Adam Abdul, the only son of the late Chief Abdul Adam Sapi Mkwawa, who died in February 2015.

But today people in his town particularly his Hehe tribe in Southern Highlands know him as Chief Adam, one of the youngest in the Mkwawa line to be vested with the title; Chief.

Chief Adam is the sixth individual to be recognized as Chief, his late father was fifth in line. He is however the youngest person to hold such authority – becoming a leader to millions of Hehes who occupy the Iringa region of southern Tanzania, one of the few remaining kingdoms that portray the images of pre-colonial Africa.

Chief Adam, whose full name is Adam Abdul Adam Sapi Mkwawa or Mfwime II, lives with his family in a family home located along Samora area in a busy Iringa town, a place where his late father, Chief Abdul Adam Sapi Mkwawa spent most of his time. Chief Adam studies at Highland primary school, a private school in Iringa town.

His birth

Born in 2001, Adam’s birth according to his mother, Shamra Abdul was a lucky one to their family because it was something that wasn’t planned.

According to Shamra, being blessed with four children, all of them being girls prompted her and her husband to call it quits. So when she was pregnant with Adam, and later conceived, it was a surprising blessing.

“After giving birth to the first and second child, both being girls, my mother-in-law suggested that I take some medicine which would help me conceive boys stating that genetically I have the ability to conceive mostly girls,” says the mother.

A desperate Shamra agreed to take some medicine, but that didn’t change anything because her third and fourth children she later gave birth to were both girls.

“I thanked God for the children he had already blessed us with and we considered and we decided not to have more children, but God had other plans for us because in 2001 Adam was born.

I must admit that I had a difficult pregnancy to the point that I was told that I was going to have to give birth through C-section.

Tags: News / World

A-levels: Charity-minded Newport students celebrate stellar results

- Saturday, 16 August 2014 No Comments

Claire Wyatt, 18, from Wendens Ambo with teacher Abby Burt. The pair have just returned from Tanzania after visiting an orphanage there as part of head girl Claire's charity work.

Deputy head girl at Newport Free Grammar School, Keely Edwards, from Clavering, is going to study geophysics at Durham University after an impressive set of A-levels.

Newport Free Grammar School student Claire Wyatt, 18, from Wendens Ambo, got two Bs and a C to earn herself a place at Loughborough University this September.

But rather than spend the past couple of months agonising over the outcome of her exams, Claire has been supporting her cousin’s charity by volunteering in Africa.

She told the Reporter: “I’ve just got back from working in an orphanage in Tanzania – it was an amazing experience. I’ve been there before and taken out things like shoes, nappies, clothes and heart monitors – because a couple of the babies have heart conditions.”

As the head girl at Newport, Claire asked if she could raise money to help youngsters at the orphanage as part of her charity endeavours.

Jack got A*, A and B in his A-levels.

Her cousin’s charity – The Small Things – was launched to improve the lives of children there and during her time as head girl Claire and the school raised £3,000.

“I first went two years ago and returned this month to see how the kids had grown up. I went with Miss Burt [a teacher] because I want the school to continue supporting the charity. It relies so much on that and I’m glad the school has agreed.”

A keen hockey player, who has had national and regional trials, Claire is hoping to sharpen her skills on the field at an institution famed for its sporting prowess.

“It’s the best uni for hockey – I’m looking forward to it,” said Claire, who is studying criminology and social policy and has aspirations of joining the police force.

The 18-year-old was not the only one who has devoted time for charity.

Deputy head girl Keely Clavering, 18, from Clavering has been volunteering at a disabled children’s club, CHIPS (Children’s Integrated Playscheme) in Bishop’s Stortford, since she was 13. The teenager is now hoping to realise her childhood ambition of becoming an geophysicist for an oil company, having got an A* and two As.

Keely, who will be studying Geophysics and geology at Durham University, said: “It’s a weird job for a girl to want to do but ever since I was little I enjoyed watching natural disaster programmes and things about the way the Earth works.

“I’ve researched what the job involves and it’s exactly what I’d like to do as a career.”

Speaking about her time at Newport, she said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. Going from Year 7 all the way through to sixth form, you get to know the teachers who help you through your studies, and go the extra mile for you. It has been great.”

Other students celebrating were Jack Craig, 18, from Duton Hill, who is going on to do creative music technology at the University of Hull after achieving an A*, A and B, and Louise Baker, who is looking to study medicine after getting three A*s and an A.

Nineteen-year-old Devon Oakley, of Kemp Road, Finchingfield, also produced a stellar set of results. She had a complete re-think about the subjects she wanted to study after struggling at AS-level.

“Originally I wanted to study medicine, but now I’d like to teach English abroad,” she said. “I like travelling and want to help as many people as I can. I went with the school to Geneva last December to the United Nations Conference and we heard about what they do.

“It inspired me to get a degree so that I can go and help people around the world who don’t have the chance to get an education.”

Devon, who got three As and a B at A-level, is now looking forward to taking up her place at Edinburgh.

Like this? Hit LIKE here.

Tags: News

'Better land use programme will end conflicts in Lindi'

- No Comments

Lindi

A government supported ‘better land use programme’ designed to end land disputes and increase agricultural productivity in Lindi Region is reported to bear good fruits.

 

Launched in Liwale District back in 2006, authorities say the District Agricultural Development Programmes (DADPs) is increasingly gaining popularity in the region.

 

“Over 350 households in Liwale District are now practicing livestock keeping in favour of other economic activities,” the Liwale District Livestock and Fisheries Officer, Benard Kivamba.

 

Speaking to the press at the just-ended national agricultural festival held on Ngongo grounds in the region, the officer said the progress made so far is promising.

 

The officer described it as a positive development and associated it directly to government initiatives to increase agricultural based activities in the region.

 

“We have worked hard to achieve this…investments have been heavy, we have supplied interested parties with livestock and other resources to kick start their animal husbandry practice and now it is paying off,” Kivamba said.

 

 “We wanted to ensure that the activity gains momentum in the district and now I can assure you that Liwale is one of the leading districts keeping livestock in the southern zone,” he added.

 

He went on to explain that, traditionally, residents in the region were livestock keepers but given the readily available resources for the practice, including pasture and water supply, the government found it a viable location to invest in agriculture.

 

“Readiness of residents to engage in livestock keeping was also among the defining factors that made it feasible to launch the initiative in the district,” the District Livestock and Fisheries Officer detailed.

Under the programme, every village in the district has an area set aside for grazing livestock   and   for   crop farming.

 

“The clear demarcations and use of modernised production methods have greatly reduced land based disputes,” he said.

 

 “We thank the government for providing us with free cows and goats when they were starting the programme and making veterinary services available,” they said.

 

Commenting, one of the beneficiaries of the programme, Juma Bulali, expressed gratitude to the government for their support through the initiative.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Tags: News / World

Nigeria: Hosea-Abana - 'Some Parents Are No Longer in Chibok'

- No Comments

Photo: Victor Ndula/RNW

Nigeria on the search for the Chibok schoolgirls

INTERVIEW

Four months ago Boko Haram fighters kidnapped more than 200 girls from a school in the village of Chibok, focusing international attention on northern Nigeria's five year insurgency.

In the meantime the media spotlight has moved elsewhere, but the girls are still missing.DW spoke to an activist in Abuja still campaigning vigorously for their release, Tsambido Hosea-Abana.

DW: What sort of state is the BringBackOurGirls campaign in?

Tsambido Hosea-Abana: The campaign is still there - and is graduating to a higher movement - now they are increasing other activities, distributing flyers and stickers. They have said they will never sit back until these girls are found.

But it has been four months now and there's still been no word of the Chibok girls. Are people still motivated?

No one expected it would take so long. We have to remind people that these girls are still there and nobody is talking about them. We have to go and talk about them! Also, some of the media have packed their things. Many media, both national and international, they are no longer coming, but we are going to visit them and invite them so that we keep on talking about these girls, so that the Ebola issue does not overpower their interests.

So not so many people are focused on the story. How is this affecting the campaign in Abuja?

It's affected the campaign because we need attention to gear us up but when there's no attention, people feel demoralized. People feel as if what they're doing is not important. But even from the beginning some people were not giving us attention. But even if there is less attention, we say we will continue.

After meeting parents of the girls last month, President Goodluck Jonathan promised he would do everything in his power to free the girls. How are those parents coping now?

Some are no longer in Chibok. Some have left to go somewhere else as a refuge because Chibok has been attacked and there is a rumour of more attacks on surrounding villages. People are fearing that the next community they will attack will again be Chibok. So many people have run away from Chibok now. And even some of the parents of the girls in the bush have died. Just three days ago, one father died because his house was burnt and he ran away to Maiduguri to find refuge but there he couldn't cope and he died. There are many victims; things are very bad in Chibok.

Tsambido Hosea-Abana is the chairman of the Chibok Association in Abuja, and a leading campaigner in the BringBackOurGirls movement.

Tags: News

Revealed: Why terror groups target Arusha

- Wednesday, 9 July 2014 No Comments

Arusha. The heart of Tanzania’s tourism industry was hit again on Monday, leaving eight people wounded—one seriously—in a bomb blast in a restaurant.  This raises two burning questions:  Why Arusha and who is behind these attacks?

It all started on May 5, last year, when a church congregation was bombed. Three worshippers died on the spot and scores were injured, some critically. The attack shocked the residents of the city and beyond and Tanzanians waited anxiously to see what the authorities were doing to catch the culprits.

 Arusha Regional Commissioner Magesa Mulongo described the incident as a terrorist attack and first reports suggested it was carried out by foreigners or hired locals.

 The dust had not settled when, slightly over a month later (June 15), a Chadema political rally ahead of the civic polls was bombed. Four people died and several were injured. No arrests have been made in connection with the grenade attack at the climax of the month-long election campaign at Soweto grounds.

When the opposition public rally was hit by deadly bomb blasts in 2013, politics overshadowed reality as both Chadema and the ruling CCM traded accusations.

Three people were killed and 60 wounded in June 2013 in Arusha when a grenade was hurled into a Chadema political rally.

Some Chadema leaders claimed they had video footage of the bombers.  In a swift response, though, the ruling party’s outspoken leaders claimed the opposition imported the bombs from China.

It was typical politics and politicking at the heart of a crucial issue—national security. A month earlier, 30 people were wounded when an improvised bomb exploded in a Catholic church in Arusha.

The church was bombed again in May last year but, this time, the accusations did not target opposition parties directly. But it was the attack at Olasiti Catholic church, which was to be inaugurated that day, that had many worried. More lives would have been lost had the blast gone off inside the church building.

 It remains unclear whether the Papal Nuncio Francisco Padilla, who was to grace the church opening, was the main target. But he and other officials were unhurt.

For weeks after, Christians in Arusha were worried about safety in  their prayer houses after the May 5 incident.

 The entire government—led by President Jakaya Kikwete, Vice President Mohamed Gharib Bilal and Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda—trooped to Arusha to assure the people that efforts were being made to nab the culprits or that a thorough investigation was underway to identify and bring to book those behind the assault on the church. Even more important was to assure Arusha residents of their security wherever they were.

There were numerous arrests, including that of some Arabs, along with a motorbike rider who was hired by the man who detonated the bombs. He was charged and the story is now history. No any major arrests followed.

Then came a series of deadly attacks, this time not targeting a public rally or a church but just a pub where men and women gathered  to drink beer, wine and cheap whisky. As usual, no arrest to speak of was made.

Significantly, the Kaloleni or Soweto grounds attack fuelled the antagonism between the government and Chadema and other opposition politicians. The latter had accused police of complicity and the law enforcers denied it vigorously.

 While ordinary residents of Arusha worried about their security in crowded areas following the two fatal attacks, the tourism industry was greatly perturbed by the situation.

 Stakeholders worried that the multi-million dollar industry would nose-dive should the attacks continue and that the news would spread like wild fire all over the world. Others went to the extent of accusing the government of not doing much to “protect” Arusha from the bombers who were out destroy tourism—one of the country’s economic pillars. 

 Come April 13, this year, scores of weekend revellers jammed Arusha Night Park, a popular watering hole.

 Many of them were watching the English Premier League matches at around 7.30pm when a blast went off, injuring 14 people. One of them died later in the hospital. Once again, the regional commissioner arrived promptly at the scene and said the blast came from a home-made bomb.

 The proprietor, Mr Joseph Karugendo, said he had no idea the motive behind the attack and pleaded with the authorities to help track down the culprits. Witnesses said the explosive may have been placed inside the crowded bar by a pretend customer who then left.  

Several people have been charged with the April attack at the bar, famous during the day for delicious meals and at night for drinks.  Some of the 16 suspects have been charged with the actual bombing while others have been charged with recruiting people to join or work at the behest of terror groups such as Al Qaeda.

 On July 3—just last week—Arusha witnessed another grenade attack when an explosive was hurled at the home of an Islamic preacher, injuring him and another person. On Monday came another deadly attack on another pub. This time around, police claimed to have arrested two suspects. No terror group has claimed responsibility in any of these attacks. Two major questions arise:  Why Arusha now and who is responsible?

In recent weeks, the UN warned that Al-Shabaab was planning major attacks in East Africa using local recruits in its bid to become a regional terror group rather than just a Somalia-based organisation.

But, the country’s top crime boss, Mr Isaiag Mngulu, says Arusha and Zanzibar are the main targets because the two towns are the favourite destinations of the Western tourists.

Arusha has been hit by bombs eight times in the past few months. Mr Mngulu says the Monday attack, at an upmarket Indian restaurant in the centre of the town that is popular with foreigners and wealthy Tanzanians, involved improvised explosive devices thrown through a window. Three women and five men were injured and one of the men had his leg amputated.

 What made last Monday’s attack different was that some of the injured were foreigners.  The restaurant attacked and the larger Gymkhana Club are frequented by foreigners, diplomats, international workers, the elite, business people, consultants and employees of international and regional organisations based here.  A media consultant based in Arusha has repeatedly warned that terrorists could be behind a string of attacks and that Arusha was targeted because it was an important economic zone for the country. The eye witness told The Citizen that the floor of the restaurant was covered in blood, with overturned chairs amid broken glass.

SOURCE: THE CITIZEN

Tags: News

TBS to open more offices countrywide

- Thursday, 3 July 2014 No Comments

Roida Andusamile, TBS Public Relation Manager

To augment efforts geared at curbing substandard products, Tanzania Bureau Standard (TBS) is expected to open offices at the country’s two international airports, Kilimanjaro International Airport (Kia) and Julius Nyerere International Airport.

Speaking at the 38th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), TBS Public Relation Manager Roida Andusamile said and another will be opened in Mwanza and the offices are meant to help reduce the otherwise increasing importation of substandard products.

Apart from the three offices, TBS says it will establish other offices in Mtukula, Tunduma and Kasumulu:

"Our target is to also put our service closer to the people and so instead of having only one office in Dar es Salaam, we will open more offices in other regions as well," she said. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Tags: News

Tanzanians reminded on diversity in race, religion

- No Comments

Tanzanians have been reminded that diversity in race, tribes, religions and other differences should be used to strengthen their unity and harmony instead of destroying them.

The call has been made by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Botswana to the United Republic of Tanzania, Emmanuel Ole Naiko during a fundraising event held at St. Peter’s Church early this week in Dar es Salaam.

“When peace will prevail among us Tanzanians will enjoy improved social welfare and economic prosperity,” he said.

The Chairperson of St. Peter’s church, Dr. Adelhelm Meru who is also the Director General of Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) said continued development of information, communication and technology has made the world increasingly small and the mingling of people is at its highest scope.

He said Tanzania is no exception and if the country is to expedite its national development, it must then embrace diversity while observing and protecting its core values and cultures of its own people.

Chaplain of the Church, Fr. Stephen Kaombe said it is his hope that the construction will be completed this year and also emphasized the importance of acceptance and diversity.

“We hope this construction is successfully completed this year,” he said noting “…it is vital for Tanzanians to embrace these difference if the nation is to maintain its current peaceful state in the midst of increasing global exchange of persons and ideas.”

The fundraiser event sought to raise money to fund completion of the envisioned Cardinal Laurean Rugambwa Service Centre.

At the event, the Botswana diplomat Ole Naiko saw 52m/- of the targeted 330m/- raised and Chairperson of St. Peter’s church, Dr. Meru pledged that the centre’s construction is expected to be completed this year and will have cost a total of 2.6bn/-.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Tags: News / Politics

How July 1 affects you

- Tuesday, 1 July 2014 No Comments

Dar es Salaam. The new financial year starts today, allowing new consumer prices for goods and services to take effect.

Parliament passed the Finance Bill 2014 on Saturday, giving the government power to implement its fiscal plans as presented by Finance minister Saada Mkuya in her maiden Budget last month.

Consumers will have to adjust their daily expenditure as new prices kick in following the tax and other fiscal changes being effected from July 1.

If you are a boozer or smoker, the usual suspects when it comes to increasing taxes, you may start spending more as the government increased excise duty on both alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.

The government also increased the excise duty on soft drinks like fruit juice at different rates but the pinch will be more felt when buying imported drinks.