Metty'z RefleXions - Tanzania in Focus

Hear No Evil...See No Evil...

2011-07-05T14:37:00.002-04:00

Adios...

Hope Is A Good Thing...

2010-10-06T17:22:00.004-04:00

"Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies" The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

For some very weird reasons, that movie is on my favorite list. It ain't something to do with Morgan Freeman. Nonetheless, my brief reflection today has nothing to do with The Shawshank Redemption, but on the current political climate in Tanzania.

If you have been a follower of this blog you will definitely know that I have not been a fan of the incumbent. I had hope, just like many Tanzanians when JK took the keys to Ikulu. Remember the Kasi Mpya, Ari Mpya stuff? We all know that none of that stuff materialized. I think I was bold enough to predict on here that JK will go down in history as the worst president Tanzania has ever seen.

But that was just a little blah blah. So let's get to the point about hope.

I know I live miles and miles away from Bongoland, but I have to say that I like what I'm seeing. The biggest change, if you ask me, is that there is hope. And hope my friend, is a very good thing.

We can not marginalize the coming of Dr. Slaa into the scene as a main contributing factor to the change in political landscape. However, we have to give credit to CCM, they messed up. Folks are tired. Not only that, abundance of information has also helped to shed light on some of the "old" CCM blah blah.

Just look at the yelling CCM members in this other photo.

That is a sure sign that Tanzania is changing. Folks are changing. My people have come to the point of not accepting the status quo. And that is good thing. Will everyone change? Absolutely not. We ain't created equal. Some are just used to the old ways of thinking and doing things.

I know disappointments will come following October 31, 2010, particularly if Dr. Slaa will not be declared a winner of the presidential election. That is because emotions (and not hope) are riding high. Despite the possibility of a heartbreak, something has definitely happened to Tanzanians.

They have found hope. And to me, hope will take my fellow Tanzanians a long way.
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Photo credit: 1) Chadema - http://www.wavuti.com/ 2) CCM - jiwe-thedj.blogspot.com

Kombolela Show July 17, 2010

2010-08-25T13:37:00.001-04:00

Friends,

Here is another recording of a Kombolela Show I hosted on July 17, 2010 focusing on the quality or impact of education in Tanzania. The guest on the show was Aisa Lema Ole Nguyaine.

Aisa is currently a lecturer at the University of Dodoma.

Listen on.

Kombolela Show August 14 2010

2010-08-19T15:11:00.008-04:00

In my last post, I pointed out that I've embarked on a new challenge, which is hosting a radio program, Kombolela Show.

As I pointed out, I may not have all the answers, but the objective of the Kombolela Show is to educate, inform, and challenge the status quo. My hope is that the information and insights the program provides will empower Tanzanians to see life in a different light.

I have hosted a couple of shows, but I don't have all the shows available for those who missed the live sessions. The technical guys at Radio Mbao (http://www.radiombao.com/) are working on the best way to archive the programs. Once all the technical issues are resolved, you will have a dose of the programs archived and shared here.

Nonetheless, here is a recorded interview I had with Madaraka Nyerere. Just to ahead and surprise yourself with the following facts:

1. I actually forgot the day (seriously?)

2. Mwalimu's Kifimbo had no magical powers...it was for a reason I never thought of...

Let me shut up and let you listen...

The Kombolela Show

2010-07-29T09:37:00.005-04:00

Dear Reader,

I have not stopped thinking. I have not stopped reflecting. Nonetheless, I have just found myself on a different platform. Yap. A different platform.

I'm now a host of a live radio show, broadcast through the internet at www.radiombao.com. The name of my show is Kombolela, which is aired live every Saturday, 1:00pm EST or 8:00pm East African Time.

So what's up with name of the show?

Kombolela is a popular game with children in Tanzania. The game is a version of hide-and-seek games that are popular with children across the world. The objective of the game is for the player who loses the cast lot to seek other players who go into hiding. In playing, the seeking player yells “kombolela!” when a hiding player is spotted.

Like many developing countries, Tanzania is trying to break out of poverty and into the realms of development. Nevertheless, there are times when marching to that desired destiny – both individually and collectively as a nation – seems impossible. Furthermore, it appears at times that Tanzanians cannot even articulate the reasons for their plight. Given that other countries have succeeded in eradicating abject poverty, we believe achieving progress is therefore possible.

Achieving progress, however, will requires Tanzanians to think and act differently.

I may not have all the answers, but the objective of the Kombolela Show is to educate, inform, and challenge the status quo. My hope is that the information and insights the program provides will empower Tanzanians to chart a new course. I also hope that every time key information is passed on and a mentally enslaved Tanzanian is set free, we will all shout “Kombolela!” just like children do on many playgrounds across Tanzania.

Why don't you check me out every Saturday then?

We Are Not Blind, Progress is Visible

2010-06-05T22:22:00.003-04:00

So what's the point of opening up shop and never keeping it operational? Don't answer that, because that's not a question for you, it is for me. I have my reasons, plenty of them, but that's a topic for another day.

What made swing by today is this recurring theme in Bongoland politics – the notion that politicians have to highlight "progress" that whichever "awamu" has made. I have tried to ignore it, but I just felt like musing about it. Please review this article to follow me.

I can understand the temptation that the Makambas and the Kikwetes have, causing them to drum up non-issues as the highlight of the day. That is because from a practical standpoint, these guys aren't doing crap.

Politicians' talk or discussion on issues that are part of their daily responsibilities and which are visible or assessable without explanations, speaks volume about either their intelligence or wananchi's understanding. I would lean, however, on the later, because the Makambas know exactly what they're doing.

And that to me is a sad reality.

Seriously, isn't progress visible? Can't wananchi see for themselves a constructed road, a fully equipped health clinic, or a fully staffed local school without Makamba telling them? Won't they be able to tell if they are employed, have safe and steady water supply, uninterrupted supply of electricity, or responsible cops securing the streets?

So why on earth would I be sit or stand in the scorching sun to listen to an incompetent District Commissioner (DC) rumble about "progress" I can assess for myself?

I guess I'm just seeing things from a weird perspective.

I have said this before, but it wouldn't hurt to do it again. I strongly believe that lack of critical thinking skills is hurting the Tanzanian society a whole lot. I'm convinced that if the led (wananchi) had the capacity to look at the leader's speeches and deeds critically, they would have been able to hold the leaders (mafisadi) accountable.

Don't you think someone with a critical thinking mind would have raised hell for a DC to spend their tax shilling to propagate something that don't need propagating?

Man, I can't wait for the day a Korogwe's DC would get washed in cow dung for saying something stupid or a Mwanza's Regional Commissioner going home smelling like raw tilapia. Seriously. These guys are insane.

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Photo credit: kyelacommunity.blogspot.com

If I Were Nicholas Mgaya….

2010-05-06T15:41:00.005-04:00

I have said this before – the very reason I get discouraged to share my thoughts on this blog is because the country’s issues are fundamentally the same, though coming in various colors.

The most amazing thing this week for me is the fact President Kikwete managed to scare the heck of out The Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), to the extent that the labor union actually folded and ceased calling for a countrywide strike. The scariest part of all is the fact that the President hinted at the possibility of “authorized” human rights abuse by the Tanzanian police force!

Yikes!

That alone, could be a separate topic on its own. Seriously, does it mean that if I am a civil servant in Tanzania and I stop going to work on a strike, the police could actually come at my house and start clobbering me?

Wow.!

Before the President’s speech, it is obvious TUCTA and Mr. Mgaya had a lot going on for them. The speech, obviously, took the wind out of the high-flying balloon and has painted TUCTA in the negative light. That’s a political strategy that I have to commend the President for.

So what would I have done, if I were Mr. Mgaya, following the President’s speech? I would have used the President’s speech against himself.

Let’s go to it folks.

I would have attacked and negatively painted the President’s remark about being ready to “forsake” workers’ votes in the upcoming general elections. I would have done that by focusing on the fact that Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s (CCM) logo – the famous hammer and a hoe – speaks of CCM as a party of farmers and workers. As such, the “disrespect” shown by the President on the very same foundation he is standing on, is a sign that he is out of touch with his own party’s tradition of respecting workers who are the backbone of the Tanzanian economy.

Furthermore, I would bring up the whole Jumuiya ya Wafanyakazi (JUWATA) which was nothing more than a labor union under the CCM’s wings. The existence of JUWATA, I would emphasize, was a sign that the Father of the Nation – Julius K. Nyerere, had a lot of respect for workers than the current chairman of the party who seems to have lost his ways [ thrown in Nyerere in the mix and you got someone’s attention in Tanzania, trust me!]

I would also spin, the possible degree, the fact that the President also “assured” himself of being to on the October ballot. I would made it seems like the President is not respectful of the democratic principles and process instituted in his own party. I would emphasize the fact that anyone desiring to vie for any political position must go through a screening process to ensure qualification. As such, the President’s self assurance of being on the October’s ballot indicates dictatorial tendencies, as that indicates the President does not believe nor respect a democratic process nor the desire of other CCM members to vie for the post.

To add more drama, I will tie the dictatorial tendencies to the fact that the President made threats of a possible police abuse of peaceful workers.

Would all that be effective? Probably. Nevertheless, since Mr. Mgaya has the microphone with the media following up what he says, I would make sure that I cause a strategic havoc at Ikulu.

Besides, all politicians are spin doctors. Why not beat them at their own game?

Story reference:
1. http://www.freemedia.co.tz/daima/habari.php?id=15377

2. http://dailynews.co.tz/home/?n=9611&cat=home

3. http://dailynews.co.tz/home/?n=8738&cat=home

Photo credit: www. Sufianimafoto.blogspot.com

TZ Soccer Players: Victims of Culture?

2010-03-18T14:27:00.011-04:00

It is been a while since I experienced temperatures in the 60s (that is in Fahrenheit, my Bongoland friends). As such, if I get giddy in here, don’t blame me. It is the Spring fever catching on!

I have to admit, I hardly go through ippmedia.com a lot. It is not that I don’t like Mr. Mengi and his outfit, it is just the layout of website is not inviting. Furthermore, articles on the website are not as updated as quickly as, let’s say, Daily News.

Nevertheless, I found myself going through the site today. Guess what I found? It is this hidden column by “Super Coach” himself, Syllersaid Mziray. Read on…

As a coach, I have to respect his analysis, which is based on an extensive experience in Tanzanian soccer. Man, you can’t argue with experience. In a nutshell, Super Coach dispelled some of the “myths” explaining why Tanzanian soccer players can’t go flying to the big leagues and also some other practical things that happen in the Tanzania’s soccer system that are bound to produce zero professional soccer players. One particular observation, however, that caught my attention was the following:

“In most clubs, players will go to the training field late and hence fail to cope with the coach’s schedule and during training, they seldom engage seriously in the process”

I know some folks think that I am taking this culture thing out of proportion, but …

Oh well.

I’m not a social science expert and therefore I am not really qualified to go into a deep analysis of what culture is or what it is not. The little I know, however, is that culture is just a body of rules governing a society. Those rules govern how one succeeds or fails; what one should say or not say in a particular situation, etc.

In a nutshell, what Super Coach tried to say, but came short of saying is this – the Tanzanian culture, particularly when soccer players fully embrace it – will never produce a player capable or worthy of playing in European leagues, for instance.

See, from my vantage point, culture creates expectations. And I can bet you my house that the highest expectation a soccer player can have in Tanzania is to play for Simba or Yanga. Period. A highest expectation a Simba or Yanga fan have is for their respective teams to win against their archrival and to clinch local trophies. You will never hear fans rioting because Coach Phiri, for instance, won a game against Yanga but got walloped by an Egyptian’s side. It is because the expectation, well, is kind of low in Tanzania.

Remember the clash between former Yanga’s “super star” Gaudence Mwaikimba and his former Serbian coach, Dusan Kondic? Do you really thik the conflict was about talent? All of that was simply a cultural conflict. It was a conflict arising from a huge expectation gap. And that expectation gap, amigo, was rooted in cultural differences.

Let’s think of this for a minute. Coach Kondic comes in, joining a team that he didn’t assemble. In the team, there’s this dude Gaudence Mwaikimba who was a star, with a “guaranteed” starting position regardless of dedication and effort level he shows in training. Don’t you think that conflict was only imminent when Coach Kondic emphasized discipline in training before a player was “guaranteed” any playing time?

On the flip side of better cultural inclination, remember the DRC national, Shabani Nonda who once played for Yanga? How did he manage to secure a team in Europe? Wasn't he playing on the same "ugly" soccer pitchs in Tanzania?

I think you get my point.

I have said this and I will say it again. Tanzania’s problems are not rooted in lack of experts, talents, resources or whatever you want to throw in the mix. Yeah, those play a part, but the worst enemy the country is facing is its own cultural inclination. The scary part, as I said about Hasheem Thabeet last time, the people are not even aware of it.

So go ahead and have your Vision 2025. However, without a cultural transformation to back that up, I can only say this quitely and nicely, good luck.

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Photo credit: Michuzi

HT to D-League: Lack of Skills or Cultural Disorientation?

2010-03-09T14:26:00.032-05:00

Hasheem Thabeet’s draft to the NBA is one of those things that has not and will not regularly happen to Tanzania. It is for that reason, I was happy for Hasheem and for Tanzania, because this was a history changing event.

However, just less than a year since Hasheem was picked by the Memphis Grizzlies; he made another history by being the first second pick to be send down to the NBA’s Development League. For those who watched Hasheem play at UConn, one thing was clear – the kid was not fully developed in his game.

I would definitely cut Hasheem some slack. The kid had very little basketball experience prior to donning a UConn’s uniform. I would guarantee you that 99% of NBA ballplayers had touched a basketball by the age of 10. Furthermore, Memphis clearly understood that when they drafted him.

It is for that reason I wasn’t surprised when the Grizzlies sent Hasheem to the D-League. He truly needed some playing time to develop his game. What surprised me, however, was Hasheem’s response to his D-League’s trip. You could read Hasheem’s response here...

The comment that irked folks the most is about the kid’s paycheck being the same despite being sent to the D-League. I am not surprised he made such comments.

In many ways, I could relate to Hasheem’s comment about paycheck, haters, and so on. Part of it is immaturity, but largely cultural. When I started my career with KPMG after graduation from college, I had a lot of trouble initially because I came to KPMG hung up on my college academic achievements. Bad enough, in that lake of stupidity, I was basking in the glow of what my paycheck could accomplish in Bongoland. Boy, I was wrong.

See, after some painful experiences I came to learn – the hard way – that it was imperative for me to make a quick transition from having Tanzania as my yardstick to seeing things from an American perspective. And I think making that transition is where Hasheem is currently struggling.

I cannot blame Hasheem for having the I-have-made-it kind of mentality. Truthfully, he has made it. A very little percentage of folks in Tanzania or even Tanzanians in the United States will ever make $4.5 million in their lifetime - legally or illegally. Furthermore, a very small percentage of Tanzanians living abroad will ever have the privilege of hanging out with the President and having a “national” reception when you land at JKN International Airport.

Nonetheless, the biggest question is this – would Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, or LeBron James regard $4.5 million in the bank, but with lack of strong basketball skills and playing time a success? Hardly.

See, going back to my KPMG experience, I came on board with a purely Tanzanian mentality. I placed very little value in the desire to get ahead (Ujamaa mentality anyone?), seeking career advice through mentorship, hard work, etc. At the end of the day, despite my academic achievements (potential), I ended up frustrated and frustrating my employer. That is because I didn’t fully understand the culture around me and what was expected of me.

Playing ball in the NBA, whether Hasheem understands it or not, is just like any other career, ignoring the obvious differences. And as far as I know the American corporate culture, each employee tries to be their best without even the employer prompting them to. It is for that very reason, true “professionals” like Michael Jordan worked hard despite having more talent that the majority of their peers. Ask Kobe. Ask Carmelo. Ask LeBron. They would tell you that they have something to work on. You will never hear them talk about their paycheck first.

Going beyond the NBA, the American culture, somehow expects more. Yesterday’s technology is not good enough. Yesterday’s methodology is not good enough. The American society sort of expects improvement and not mediocrity. What Hasheem did in college is simply history. Honestly, with all the “accomplishments” Hasheem has had, getting the fact that American society expects a little bit more could be a struggle for the kid to comprehend.

If Tanzanian basketball and culture was the standard, I would not ask Hasheem to change anything. That is because most successful folks in Tanzania didn’t get there through hard work, but through dubious means. I would not ask Hasheem to mend his attitude and improve on his work ethic because in Tanzania, generally speaking, having a little more (or not having it bad) than your neighbor is good enough.

What is telling of Hasheem’s cultural orientation is this US Today's article. So the kid truly thought Coach Calhoun was picking on him for requiring hard work? That also begs the question, how much has he learned since UConn days?

At the end of the day, however, it is not all doom and gloom for Hasheem. I think the kid will learn, improve and make Tanzania proud.

Nonetheless, right about now the kid does not need criticism, but some serious mentoring to help him shift from a Tanzanian mentality to an American cultural orientation. Once he gets it, taking a vacation while his offensive game stinks wouldn’t be on his to-do list this summer. Furthermore, the “haters” would disappear, for he will realize that his NBA dream is not hinged on some blog comments, but on his own work ethic.

My struggle at KPMG was not because of the color of my skin. It was mainly because of my cultural “disorientation”. I know Hasheem is going through it right now, but he will get it eventually. Trust me on that one.
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Photo credit: Shwari.com

The Electronic and Postal Communications Bill: Welcome to 1967?

2010-02-24T17:02:00.003-05:00

I know that we as human beings we like progress. We love to see things change around us. It is not like change is good all the time, but we like to see change nonetheless. Some changes are introduces out of necessity, but some changes are out of sheer creativity juices that flow through our veins as human species.

I think it is in same spirit that someone in Bongoland had an epiphany to introduce the Electronic and Postal Communication Bill of 2009. I have not read the bill, but I would trust that Leonard Mwakalebela of Daily News did a good job in summarizing some of the key stipulations of the bill, which include the following: sharing of infrastructure among mobile phone operators in Tanzania, mandatory listing of mobile operators’ stocks in Dar Stock Exchange and slapping a fine on unregistered sim card owners.

Please see the Daily News article here…

Honestly, the rationale given by the government for requiring mobile operators to share infrastructure are creative and acceptable, if the goal is cut down on the prices and protect the environment. Nonetheless, the two other stipulations of the bill are shaky if you ask me.

A practical solution for unregistered sim card, as pointed out by Hon. Arfi is for the mobile companies to turn off the darn line. Is that hard to do?

Now let’s see the mother of all booboos – requiring foreign mobile operators to cross-list at the DSE.

I am not going to argue against the notion that other countries also require cross-listing. That is because I will need to scour through laws and requirements of a plethora of countries. That ain’t easy. Nonetheless, the argument given, especially by a few legislators such Hon. Nyami that listing at the DSE will bring transparency to the mobile company’s financial statements is stupid.

The truth of the matter is this, if TRA wanted to know how much Zain generated in revenue, they could do that from a computer screen. From the comfort of my couch, I was able to tell that Zain generated $327.8 million in revenue in financial year 2008 from their operations in Tanzania. Unabisha? Just select any financial report for any year you want right here..

You know, some folks don’t like my choice of words, especially when I brazenly come out to say that some things are stupid. Forcing companies such as Vodacom, Zain, and so on to cross-list because Tanzanians want financial transparency is just plain stupid. If a dude like me could access Zain’s financial records openly and easily, how come TRA can’t?

Let me just remind our ignorant MPs of this fact – countries don’t invite foreign direct investment primarily to boost corporate tax revenues. Countries invite foreign direct investment to derive other indirect benefits that are larger than corporate taxes.

The other second reason given to require listing is to allow wazalendo also to participate in the economy. If wazalendo have that money in their pockets to invest, why didn’t they band together to form a new telecom company instead of waiting to “nationalize” other successful companies? Furthermore, why didn’t Tanzania formulate proactive policies that require joint ventures with wazalendo before any foreign investors commence operations?

We can argue and kill each other about the merits of the bill, but what the Tanzanian government did in spirit is to nationalize telecom companies. Period. That is essentially reversing to 1967.

As Hon. Arfi put it, the bill is also fundamentally discriminatory as it targets a single industry. The spirit of majority’s participation in their own economy shouldn’t be narrowly confined to a single industry. The message it sends to the world is this – Tanzanians are incapable of creating successful companies, they only wait to snatch successful companies from their owners.

Please read my lips (err...my typing fingers) this bill will haunt Tanzania for many years to come.

As it has been clearly claimed by telecom companies in Tanzania, it is not the government’s duty to play board members of any given company. The decision to list on any stock exchange is up to the board members of those companies. Just for the information of our ignorant MPs, the main reason companies go public is because they want an easy access to capital, though it spreads ownership in turn.

Ask yourself this – if a company wants to raise $10 billion at the DSE today, would they be able to that in a heartbeat? I doubt that. That’s why companies go to robust exchanges like London or New York. Not because they want to stash cash away from Dar-es-Salaam, but because they can raise the needed capital there.

I rest my case.
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Photo credit: bongopicha.blogspot.com

JK Is Cool With Opposition, So What?

2010-01-15T10:29:00.008-05:00

I have no idea what is going on with me, but I think have lost my writing mojo or it is just I am bored with the same old crap. It is kind of hard to talk about the same thing over and over again, you know? For instance, did you hear about Minister Ngeleja’s crazy stuff?

Now, stuff like that makes realize how crazy the Tanzanian society, generally speaking, is. Some of that craziness makes you realize that it would take more than my blog to change the course.

So what really got me out of a self-imposed hiatus? It is this piece of opinion posted by my fellow Bongolander, Professor Mbele (Hi Professor!). Read on…

Now, what’s the general idea that Professor is professing? It is that Jakaya Kikwete should be elected for another 5-year term simply because he is mature politically as evidenced by him being “buddy-buddy” with opposition parties.

I hope the professor is just kidding. Otherwise, that is the craziest endorsement I have ever come across.

To see my point, let ask ourselves this fundamental question: why was Kikwete elected in the first place? Wasn't it because he convinced Tanzanians that he was capable of delivering on his promises? I think we can go back to the 2005 CCM’s election manifesto to see exactly what JK promised to do. For instance, remember the promise to bring Tanzania into the hari mpya, kasi mpya world? Well, you be the judge.

I have to agree with Professor Mbele that this was all his opinion. Nonetheless, I would just like to add that opinions don’t come out of blues. They are typically rooted in our belief and value system, past experiences, personalities, and other factors. As such, what I am reading from Professor Mbele is that he is putting more value on JK’s social tendencies than delivered tangible and measureable results for the benefits of Tanzanians.

And that is crazy if you ask me.

Personally, I don’t care if JK is able to kiss and hold hands with Professor Lipumba or Zitto Kabwe than his predecessors. What I care about is that my mom in Shirati has running water, Tanzanians can go for 365 days without power interruption, and folks like Ngeleja get booted out of power, just to name a few things that I believe most Tanzanians care about.

If making out with the opposition is truly an important factor for reelecting JK – how come then, under JK’s watch, the Muafaka thing between CUF and CCM is going around in circles? Isn’t telling so much about JK’s true resolve to hug and embrace the opposition?

The existence of the multiparty system in Tanzania, regardless of how well or bad it has functioned, is not a question of some favor from CCM. It is a Constitutional right. It is a legal matter. As such, respecting those that hold a different political view shouldn’t be an exception, but a norm. If respecting the Constitution is the main reason Kikwete should be re-elected, then we have more than 1 million Tanzanians who are qualified for the office of presidency, me included.

Furthermore, calling for Kikwete’s re-election on the basis of “political maturity” is just plain lowering the expectation of Tanzanians. And that is insulting. And that is also disappointing, especially when such a call is coming from someone like Professor Mbele who has lived and worked in the United States, where expectations typically go higher.

Seriously, what about endorsing JK for improving educational system, economic progress, reduction of graft, for instance?

Well, we know he didn’t do well on those areas, don’t we?
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Photo credit: Mjengwa

Change Starteth In the Mind…

2009-10-14T12:43:00.006-04:00

For a long time I have been in denial. I just come to grips with the fact that I hate conformity. I love for things to evolve, change, move, whatever. I abhor being stuck on the same spot forever.

It is for that reason, this mwenge thing is driving me crazy…I mean seriously, and why in the world do we still need mbio za mwenge in Tanzania, in 2009? I know, I know, it is the Mwalimu legacy whatever. But, hey, isn’t this just another indication that the Tanzanian society is dormant to the extent that we can’t be creative?

Let’s just review the very essence of mbio za mwenge, if not for a meaningful reason, just for kicks. Mwalimu had an idea. Let’s light this thing up [ I can clearly visualize Mzee Kawawa nodding in approval]. Put it up on Mount Kilimanjaro so that it could accomplish the following: 1) shine beyond Tanzanian borders 2) bring hope to the hopeless 3) bring love where there’s hatred 4) bring respect where there’s plenty of disrespect.

The above really sounds great, brilliant and magnificent. The only problem is this – that’s all political manure.

Let’s ask this practical question – how the heck is an annual torch relay going to accomplish all those grand goals? The answer to that question is obvious. Never.

See, the goals Mwalimu had in mind were great. I’d be insane to discredit the spirit behind the mbio za mwenge. Nonetheless, there are practical sides of things that separate those that should be confined to a mental institution from those that should be consulted for a strategic plan. The practical outcome of mbio za mwenge speaks volume of what Mwalimu could have been.

The most insane of all, if you ask me, are those Tanzanians still running after that stupid mwenge.

My point is this – mbio za mwenge will forever remain a meaningless symbol that will never accomplish anything [please don’t give me the ufunguzi-wa-miradi-ya-maendeleo crap]. That is because the spirit behind mbio za mwenge is about human transformation. And human transformation, honestly, starts in the mind, the heart, and the spirit.

You may not like my argument, but let’s be practical for a minute. How many people do you know got transformed in Tanzania this year, simply because that stupid smoky torch passed through their village?

The point is this; we can transform human beings through other meaningful, practical means. What about education for starters?
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Photo credit: Mjengwa

The Older I Grow...

2009-09-23T16:22:00.010-04:00

I must admit that the pressure mounted on me to write something. In response to the pressure, I’m writing something, even for the sake of something. Ahadi ni deni, si ndiyo?

I got to work today with a copy of US Today in my hand. “Free” newspapers are one of those perks you get for staying at some hotels. Don’t ask me more questions on that, because I am not telling. I typically don't like to read newspapers that much, because the print media appears to be behind everything else. But occassionally you find some indepth coverage that fast-talking TV hosts won't give you.

The newspaper had an insert covering healthcare, more specifically, highlighting the stories of real people who could truly benefit from the healthcare overhaul. The insert also included a comparison of healthcare costs between the United States and other developed countries.

It wasn’t so much about the stories of people in the insert that got me thinking, but how the whole healthcare debate got out of hand.

Seriously, it is hard to tell the truth when some Republicans call President Obama a liar, while President Obama is also shooting back that the Republicans don’t have a plan. In all of this, I feel like my head is spinning. Is the overhaul about public option, illegal immigrants’ coverage or skyrocketing healthcare costs? You can’t really tell.

In all of this, something is very wrong. Guess what that is? It is politics.

To tell you truth, as I grow older I feel politicians are full of crap. Yeah, some politicians have truly changed the course of history (both positively and negatively), but the rest of the pack is just a bunch of conmen running their mouth.

So Tanzanians recently got thrilled that President Kikwete took his “precious” time to respond to their questions through a television show. Big deal. After the show, how many people really had their lives changed? Nada. Isn’t that crazy that folks get excited for absolutely nothing meaningful?

Or better yet, who’s really telling the truth about the whole vita dhidi ya ufisadi rhetoric in Tanzania? Is it the opposition? Is it hardcore CCM members of the parliament? Is it the House Speaker? It is hard to tell. See my point?

Maybe as you get older, you also get cynical. But politicians really do know how to capture our attention with their meaningless rants.

So this is what I am going to do. Be a good father. Be a good leader of my family. Hopefully, I will succeed in imparting some wisdom on my boys. I truly hope so.

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Cartoon credit: US Today

A Month? Really?

2009-09-15T21:44:00.002-04:00

I can't believe it has been almost a month since I posted anything here. But you know what? I have been busy with those two guys...Seriously, can you blame me?

Police Mentality and Professor Gates' Arrest

2009-07-25T13:26:00.006-04:00

The debate is still raging on about Professor's Gates arrest in his own home. This is what I picked up from a CNN's commentary by Maria Herbefeld, a professor of Police Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in NY City:

"Police work is about sub-cultural contexts, about war stories, about suspicion, about unpredictability, about danger and fear for one's life. Police officers make their decisions based not just on a given situation but also based on their prior experience, the experience of those they have worked with and the stories they have heard about incidents that happened in the past."

I'm just wondering - given the above observation, isn't it safe to assume that some of those police "prior experiences" leads to some racial biasness, going as far as assuming that any black man is dangerous?

I'm posing that question because if a police officer is not making a judgment based on facts at hand but some prior experiences and stories they hear, what's preventing them from excercising racial biasness or any other form of biasness?

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Photo credit: wbz.com

Kingunge Versus RC Church: Fear of Righteousness?

2009-07-21T08:27:00.009-04:00

Like death, change is one of those things that we can’t avoid. Nonetheless, resisting change is also a human thing. It would be ignorant of me to assert that the Tanzanian society is not changing, for the country is truly changing - both in the positive and negative directions.

It is obviously that the Tanzanian society is increasingly experiencing a serious shortage of great leaders. That is a negative change.

It is for that reason I am encouraged by the step taken by Roman Catholic Church in Tanzania to prepare a pastoral document providing guidelines on electing political leaders. I don’t know what the document said, but a guideline is always what it is – a guideline. Once can elect to ignore a guideline. If that is the case, then why is Mzee Kingunge getting up in arms against the document?

I believe it is because the document demands righteousness from elected officials, not rights.

In recent days, the Islamic community in Tanzania has been in a tug of war with the CCM party, demanding the formation of a Kadhi court. I’m not even sure if the Kadhi court is constitutional, but given the fact that my Islamic friends were promised the court – their demands are essentially a quest for some “rights”. Given that rights are hardly afforded in Tanzania, the demand thereof must be less threatening to CCM.

The difference between what the RC church is doing in Tanzania and the demands set forth by the Islamic community is that the RC church is not asking for any “favors”, but giving information and empowering. We all know educated and empowered folks are difficult to manipulate. As such, empowering the powerless, it appears, is more threatening to Mzee Kingunge, CCM and those who have devoured the powerless for quite a while.

If I quote The Citizen’s article, part of the RC document says the country is experiencing “serious leadership problems”. To me that is just short of blatantly saying the country is stinking of corrupt and evil leaders. And who could that possibly implicate? You know the answer. No wonder CCM MPs, including Mzee Kingunge, are running wild.

When the righteous rule, the people rejoice. I think that the RC church is in a better position to gauge that, since the church and all other non-governmental organizations in Tanzania provide services to communities that were supposed to, in the first place, responsibility of the government. The church and other religious organizations are not blind to the fact that the government allegedly lacks capacity, but they also understands that the said lack of capacity is mainly attributed to corruption and lack of accountability.

It would then be ridiculous to ask the RC leadership, or any other religious organization for that matter, to stand on the sidelines simply because someone like Mzee Kingunge stands on the “during the era of Nyerere” crap. If experience has shown that the church and other religious organizations have taken a meaningful and positive leadership role in the lives of Tanzanians beyond preaching, then politicians should only regain their influence by performing better beyond what the church and other religious organizations have done, not spewing criticism laden with fear at religious bodies.

Given the fact that recently a thorny issue for CCM has been rampant corruption, Mzee Kingunge’s phobia - and the entire CCM party as well - is the fact that the RC document is setting the stage for the demand of accountability and righteousness from the elected officials. That is because, if I quote The Citizen’s article, the document “highlights major areas voters should get convincing explanations from individuals seeking public leadership positions”.

Seriously, what’s wrong with the electorate seeking more information from politicians? Even more, how is that divisive?

I have not read the document myself, but I don’t think any of the “major areas” specifically require that an elected leader be a member of the RC church or of a specific faith. If that is true, then Mzee Kingunge must be afraid of one thing that political leaders in Tanzania have failed to be, and that is righteous.

And for that I can only say this: shame on you Mzee Kingunge.
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Photo credit: bongocelebrity.com

If It Ain't Your Forte...(2)

2009-07-14T08:24:00.003-04:00

I occasionally come across stuff from Bongoland that makes me happy. Likewise, I come across things that outright make me go crazy. Come with me.

I recently came across an interview posted on Issa Michuzi’s blog, where Michuzi had an opportunity to interview Anna Kahama Rupia of Seacom regarding the fiber optic project that is soon to be operational in Tanzania.

So the following is an excerpt of the interview:

Michuzi: For ordinary Tanzanians, what should they expect out of the fiber optic services?

Anna: They should expect reliability in communication. They speed is faster as well. Because now we are not relying on satellite, it is all fiber optics. So now you can down big files. Imagine downloading a 3 hours movie in a matter of seconds. That’s what they should be expecting.
And then reduction in costs as well, because right now all the carriers are paying about $3,000 to $5,000 per megabyte per month per capacity. With our costs, they will be paying under $100. So there is a reduction in cost.

Michuzi: Now, is that not a threat to our ISP or cell phone companies?

Anna: No. We are a complement to their business. We’re reducing their costs. They were paying more, now they are paying less…

Michuzi: I’m talking about their business…

Check out the entire interview for yourself right here…

Given that I’m not a journalist by profession, I’m disqualified from discussing some deep technical stuff connected to the art of journalism. Nonetheless, as a consumer of journalistic products, I can tell a good journalistic product from a lemon.

I think one of the key ingredients of good journalism/interviewing is listening. Maybe I am missing something, but it appears Michuzi didn’t do a good job at listening or comprehending what the interviewee was saying. As a result, he ended up asking ridiculous follow-up questions that were meaningless in the general business context and the strategic reasons for the Seacom’s project.

And then some folks (see the comments at the Michuzi’s blog) still wondered why the lady was sheepishly smiling? I’m sure she was just playing nice.

I also believe that a good journalist must be technically good at the subject matter. Folks who watch the NBA and other sports programs in the United States can relate to my argument, as most TV analysts are former players or coaches in the particular game they analyze. Michuzi is definitely a great photographer, but I am not sure if he is technically good to indepthly cover IT and business matters. And the interview with Anna Kahama Rupia showed that.

This is really not a knock on Michuzi, because lack of polished communication skills is a general problem in Tanzania. Furthermore, what is reflected in the Michuzi’s interview is something that tells a story about the quality of journalism in Tanzania. If this is the best we can get, then I can’t really get mad at some politicians who have a few nice things to say about journalists in Tanzania.
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Photo credit: Wikipedia

CD Release....

2009-07-01T20:51:00.014-04:00

A musical labor of love and faith that’s been a long time coming is completed and you’re invited to the celebration.

A California based artist and minister, Dennis Massawe who is a native of Tanzania, has put his inspirational message of faith into songs and you’re invited to celebrate the release of his CD No More Limbo. His message transcends all faiths and his uplifting rhythms that combine gospel, reggae and soul will move you to get into the spirit of love.
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His journey has not been easy but he believes all things are possible when you follow the path you were called to walk on. From childhood to teenage, Dennis grew up in the slums of Nairobi Kenya. He later moved to his native country Tanzania with his father where he started his family at the age of twenty five.
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Massawe and his family were lead from Dar-es-salaam Tanzania to Southern California and when you hear his music you too will be inspired, motivated and encouraged to go from your journey of challenges and desperation to one filled with hope and purpose.
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For more information go to: http://www.dennismassawe.com/

For a copy of your CD go to: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/dennismassawe

Bunge & Michael Jackson:Misplaced Relevance?

2009-06-29T14:59:00.004-04:00

I am trying to imagine what is going through the minds of close relatives of late Michael Jackson right now. I have experienced death in my own family and I know how it feels. Regardless of how each one of us felt about Michael Jackson’s “craziness”, he was human first and foremost. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a friend, etc to someone.

Undoubtedly Michael Jackson was famous. He was gifted. He was entertaining. He had also visited Tanzania. Nevertheless, is any of the above reasons, especially his visitation to Tanzania, compelling enough for the Speaker of the National Assembly to officially recognize Michael Jackson’s death? I am trying to think of any positive impact that Michael Jackson’s visitation to Tanzania had to the overall socioeconomic progress, but I can’t find any.

I come across ordinary Americans quite often that are clueless about Tanzania. Obviously, there are Americans who know more about Tanzania and who have given their sweat to the country through volunteer work, etc. I wonder if, three weeks ago, Michael Jackson recalled anything about Tanzania.

My point is that to the majority of Americans, Tanzania is irrelevant. They could not even locate where Tanzania is on the map. As such, for Bunge to make “big events” in America, especially those that are of relevance to the internal America is equivalent to sucking up. Huko ni kujigonga.

Let’s flip the coin a bit. Didn’t Hasheem Thabeet become the first Tanzanian ever to be drafted to play in the NBA the same week?

While the death of Michael Jackson has this “global impact” connotation to it, I strongly believe it was utterly ridiculous of the Bunge to highlight Michael Jackson’s death while ignoring Hasheem Thabeet’s draft to the NBA.

The reality is this: Hasheem’s participation in the NBA is more relevant to the lives of many Tanzanians, as it will have a lasting impact on the lives of many Tanzanians than Michael Jackson’s visitation to Tanzania or his death. Ordinarily, Mr. Speaker would have been expected to know that.

I discuss Tanzanian politics and politicians on this blog, but I have never fully understood how politicians in Tanzania think. They must be a very special breed. A very weird type.

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Photo credit: Michuzi

Tweet: National Assembly Goes Gay?

2009-06-18T13:31:00.004-04:00

Boy oh boy.

Do you see what I am seeing?

It appears that our interpretation and therefore reaction to certain things, depends on where and when you live. This would have been crazy in my current world…for the National Assembly to go gay....

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Photo credit: Michuzi

Takrima: Prepaid Obligation?

2009-06-17T12:49:00.002-04:00

We are in mid 2009. That means the election bug is just a couple of months away from biting the Tanzanian public. The last time I eye witnessed an election in Tanzania was 1995. I voted for an opposition candidate who went on to lose, but I don’t feel bad for not voting for Benjamin William Mkapa then, because history has come to vindicate me.

Elections are not cheap. I think the spending that candidates do is just enough to stimulate the economy – an economic stimulus package of its own, if you will. The question I have (and this is just wondering aloud from my part) is where the CCM, Chadema and CUF folks, for instance, print their t-shirts, banners and other campaign materials. If they print that in China, shame on you! Please spend that locally, to spur the local economy.

We all know that t-shirts, the helicopters and other pizzazz are public. I mean, how could you sneak in a helicopter to a public rally without being seen? So I’m sure both parties can easily account for spending on such public stuff. The “evil” part of the election spending is the infamous takrima. For that reason, spending on this front will always be a mystery. I don’t think you could vouch this stuff on CCM or CUF’s books.

Takrima is “evil” because it is technically a bribe. Furthermore, the High Court in Tanzania, thought inclusion of the takrima provision in the Tanzania Election Act of 1985, hence legalizing the practice, is unconstitutional. Regardless of the illegality or the unconstitutionality of the practice, “thanking” voters is still prevalent in Tanzania.

The obviously, the main reason candidates like to supply voters with “gifts” is to influence their voting decisions. Nonetheless, given the fact that the majority of elected members of parliament hardly do anything for their constituents, I would regard takrima as a prepaid obligation.

I had a chance to talk with one Kenyan guy who shared this story with me. He had called her sister during the last Kenyan elections. Her sister was so excited on the phone that she got “free” money from this one candidate. But truly, is there free lunch in this world?

Given the level of income and the general social influence that comes with the MP’s position, any greedy monster would make an investment in that political position. The best part, at least from the candidate’s perspective, is that a bag of sugar today releases them of any future obligations to fulfill campaign promises. If you think I am crazy, why then the cycle never ends?

The worst part for the voters is that takrima makes a fool of them. It puts them in a position of selling their future for the now. And that is not always a good trade, because the future in most cases is more valuable than the present.

I have talked about the need for the Tanzanian society to have a paradigm shift. One of those areas that require a change in outlook is the receiving of little gifts from candidates.

So this is my radical proposition. Why don’t communities in Tanzania start identifying good candidates, raise campaign funds for them? Don’t you think that would put pressure on candidates to deliver, knowing that elected officials owe their communities something?

I know someone out there is thinking, “Metty, yaani watu waanze kumchangia mgombea? Si ukichaa huo?” It might seems like I am proposing an insane idea, but the last time I checked, President Obama got campaign funding from the little guys who believed in him. Trust me, from a psychological standpoint, President Obama feel obligated to deliver.

I am not saying the Tanzanian society should be like the American society, but if it takes contributing to candidates’ campaigns for the poor folks to stop trading their future for just a kilo of sugar or a piece of meaningless CCM or CUF t-shirt, why not?

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Photo credit: www.habarileo.co.tz

TZ: We Are Poor Because…

2009-06-10T16:21:00.005-04:00

I must admit that I check Issa Michuzi’s photo and what has become a “debate” blog religiously. Trust me; I “love” the John Mashaka and Dr. Shayo’s economic and development “debates”. I call them “debates” because they are not really debates. That is because it appears Michuzi has deliberately decided (for his own editorial reasons) to give John Mashaka and Dr. Shayo an upper hand.

Such a lopsided representation ain’t truly a debate, but a lecture room with a few hands given an opportunity to ask questions and respond to John Mashaka and Dr. Shayo’s “lectures”.

An example of such lectures from John Mashaka is this one…

I previously said I “love” Mashaka and Dr. Shayo’s “debates” because they just reflect the fact that someone can write a bunch of words and never bring a new discovery to light. Maybe it is just me, but I don’t like reading an article that states the obviously. For instance, who doesn’t know that part if the challenge in Tanzania, or in Africa for that matter, is poor leadership? If you are in Tanzania, do you really need some “wunderkind” in America to tell you that?

It is for that reason, I think, I tend to look for profound ideas in unlikely places.

I the above referenced “lecture” from John Mashaka, what caught my attention wasn’t the main article itself, but a comment dropped by one Mchumi wa Texas. I will just quote part of his or her brief comment:

“We are poor because we don't know why were poor. That was the answer kutoka kwa JK alipokuwa Scandinavia, and that is my answer as an economist”

Not to spoil Mchumi wa Texas’ moment, I would just like say that I don’t know about Kikwete saying that in Scandinavia, but I know he made that crazy remark during his interview with Financial Times. You can go here…

I would also like to remind you that Mwalimu Nyerere, before his departure, went on record wondering why Tanzania is still poor. Likewise, the Tanzania’s ex-PM, Mr. Sumaye, also went on record as saying that he “discovered” the gravity of Tanzania’s poverty after attending Harvard. [I don't know about you, but comments like that made want to slap Sumaye so bad. That comment was beyond stupid].

Just to support what Mchumi said, we can never solve a problem that is not well defined. I believe poor leadership is a reflection of a bigger issue, because leaders don’t sprout from space. They are part and parcel of the society they lead. As a matter of fact, some of my fellow human beings have contended that people get the leaders they deserve. If that is true, then we shouldn’t wag our fingers at our Tanzanian leaders. We should take a hard look at our own selves.

So go on fellow Bongolanders, join John Mashaka and Dr. Shayo in the development “debates”, but I tell you what? Ufisadi, Wakoloni, Wawekezaji, etc, which are Bongolanders typical excuses, are probably not our biggest enemies. Our biggest enemy is the inability to diagnose our problems properly. And that will cost the country for ages.

If you don’t trust me, visit this blog in 20 years. I will be aged, but Tanzania will still be the same.
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Photo credit:www.tanzaniatouristboard.com

Interest Rates: Let’s Stop the Stupidity…

2009-06-04T14:29:00.012-04:00

Some American folks are regarding their federal government’s part ownership of General Motors as an outright act of embarking on socialist policies. For someone like me who experienced socialism, I could understand the phobia. Tanzania abandoned socialist policies for a reason – and that governments are bad at running businesses. I worked for a state government, so I know how crippling bureaucracy could be.

As a matter of fact, the mayor of New Orleans, Ray Nagin, once admitted on a TV interview that governments are not built for speed. You were right brother.

Lack of efficiency and effectiveness, I believe, is a universal phenomenon that plaques most governments across the universe. Despite all that, it is amazing how some folks in Tanzania are still looking for government’s intervention in every aspect of life. One that I thought was crazy, is the call for the government to curb high interest rates charged by banks.

See for yourself right here.

Shoot me if you like, but I think the majority of Tanzanians are not aware of how things work. I think it is ridiculous to cry for lending ceilings, interest caps, etc, without knowing what drives the interest rate in the first place. So let me help. I might be wrong, so anyone with additional information chip in.

My understanding is that the risk profile of a borrower would drive the interest rate charged. Since banks are not there to dance mdundiko, they have to get a return based on the risk they are assuming. The problem is this – for ages, there was no mechanism in Tanzania to track each individual’s risk profile. Hopefully, this company would change that.

Given lack of a solid historical credit profile (including scoring) in Tanzania, the majority of Tanzanians poses a high risk to lenders. Your good intensions regarding the return of borrowed money must be backed by a clean history of doing so. It is that simple. So if Bongolanders want banks to go under (which will eventually affect their ability to lend even more), then keep on asking for lower interest rates that don’t match risk profiles of borrowers.

I must be dreaming or something, but I think it is stupid to suggest that the Tanzanian government force banks to set aside a portion of their capital for lending. Hello? How do you think banks typically make money? Let’s see what the National Microfinance Bank’s financial statements say. In 2008, the bank’s assets in loans, advances and overdrafts stood at TShs 570.6 million compared to TShs. 436.7 million in government securities. Check that out for yourself here .

The truth of the matter is that other than treasuries and stocks listed at the infant Dar-es-Salaam Stock Exchange; the list of possible investment options in Tanzania is very short. That in itself is a motivating factor, without government’s pressure, for banks to make money through lending. One must be very crazy to even propose a lending ceiling to National Microfinance Bank, given that they are doing more lending already.

Another factor that drives high interests in Tanzania is the volatility in the value of the shilling. If a shilling today does not have the same value tomorrow, prudent banks must set interest rates that preserves the value of their investment, including factoring the anticipated inflation levels in the interest rate. I think I don’t have to say more on that, because we can all see that most banks offer higher interest rates on saving accounts pegged in shillings compared to US dollars. The same is true when it comes to borrowing.

See an example of the Exim’s Bank right here .

I love my Tanzania. Nonetheless, I just hate some stupid things my fellow Tanzanians say.

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Photo credit: www.banknotesinfo.com

Key to Progress: People, Land, Good Leadership and Good Policies?

2009-05-19T16:27:00.007-04:00

I simply hate to circle around an idea or an individual. Nonetheless, sometimes the temptation to dance around an idea or a person is so great. I just couldn’t help myself going back to the same old Nyerere thing. Please bear with me. I promise I will make it insightful and meaningful.

As I said before, it is difficult to discuss the Tanzanian experience without being drawn into throwing Nyerere into the mix. My personal belief is that in order for Tanzania to progress, some of the foundational philosophies have to be thrown out of the window, if not debunked so that we can all see their weaknesses.

We can’t build a strong structure if the foundation is weak, can we? And that’s the point.

In setting the stage for his vision, Mwalimu Nyerere once asserted that in order for Tanzania to progress, the country needs four key elements – People, Land, Good Leadership and Good Policies.

The Mwalimu tried, but boy, how “great” his idea was.

Maybe I am missing something, but I never heard of any other speech where Mwalimu Nyerere explained why he was utterly convinced that those elements are foundational elements for development. Furthermore, I don’t know of any speech where he ranked those elements in their degree of importance or gave a definition of those elements. As such, it safe to assume Mwalimu believed those elements to be equal and universal, as I don’t know of anywhere Mwalimu considered those elements be Tanzania specific. I would be more that happy to be if anyone could direct to any sources that contradict my thinking.

My personal conviction is that all those elements are not equal, and in reality, some of the elements are just a subset of a primary element. Let me break that down...

Let’s take land for instance. Where in the world did Nyerere come up with land as a key element for development? The reality is this – every country, be it on an island or otherwise – is founded on some piece of land. Can you have a country without a piece of land? If Nyerere meant a larger or fertile piece of land, then there is no empirical evidence to prove that the size of land is correlated to the degree of progress in any one country.

Given that the size of land is not correlated to progress, the key issue must be what the people of a particular country do with their land.

What people do with their land or other resources is a question of the people's "quality", that is their ingenuity, resourcefulness, attitude, etc. I give Nyerere credit for identifying "people" as a key element for progress, but equating people to land on the degree of importance was crazy or shortsighted of him. See, the truth is this – human capital (that is, people) – trumps all elements. History has proven that great human capital generates great ideas. Look around, do you think Switzerland is ahead of Tanzania because the Swiss have a huge piece of land? Even further, what is size of land do you think Bill Gates needed to be a billionaire?

You get the idea.

I know Nyerere is not here to change his idea, but the current Tanzanian society can reshape some of the foundational principles on which the country is built on. Certainly, that would require us to embrace "people" as the main ingredient to progress. The other two elements – good leadership and good policies – emanates from people. I have said this before; leaders are a subset of a larger society. As such, crazy leaders are just a reflection of the society from which they come from. If you think Kikwete stinks, then that is just a reflection of the entire Tanzanian society, generally speaking. Of course, there are exceptions.

After all that yapping I have done, may I propose to you that lack of quality people, not land, good policies, or good leadership is the main reason for lack of progress in Tanzania?

I’m not an expert on how the Tanzanian society could start producing quality people, but I know the right type of education would do the trick. Can I also suggest that a major paradigm shift is needed in Tanzania, as attitudes, mindset and cultural tendencies are major propellers or hindrances towards progress? All that could work if Tanzanian society is willing to make a change.

And that’s up to my fellow Bongolanders.

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Photo Credit: www.undp.org

Leadership: Is Nyerere The Ultimate Standard?

2009-04-30T16:00:00.004-04:00

I don’t contribute much to this not because I have little to muse about. Life has just handed me a heavy dose of responsibilities. Sometimes, fighting against the tide ain’t the wisest thing to do. As such, I have just decided to go with the flow.

Maybe it is eccentric of me to see life through different lenses. I’m just trying to be like the rest of Bongolanders when it comes to upholding and cherishing Nyerere, but I struggle a little bit with the idea of holding the man as some kind of an idol.

Just read this article and tell me what you think.

Seriously, I think it is sickness to suggest that Nyerere’s ideas should be “…rubbed on by all—students, workers, farmers, politicians, academicians, journalists, business people, bureaucrats—everybody”.

I have no social science credentials to claim a deeper understanding of why most folks in Tanzania views Nyerere as a mythical figure, but I can make a guess – Nyerere succeeded in infecting (or rather blinded) Tanzanians’ minds with his ideals to the extent that some cannot view life without him! That is fixation. That is a psychological sickness!

I must give it to Nyerere. The dude did well. I mean, great leaders tend to have a great influence on their followers, regardless of whether such an influence is positive or negative. That is charisma that walking down some academic hallways would not provide. Great leader, truly, touches his or her generation greatly.

Despite Nyerere’s greatness, I would be bold enough to contend that such greatness was confined to an era. Besides, we don’t know how Nyerere could have performed in an era of free press, information overload and somewhat a “democratic” Tanzania. We really don’t know. I grew up in an era where there were only three major sources of information – Daily News, Uhuru and Radio Tanzania – all supporting and glorifying Nyerere’s ideals. I didn’t grow up in an era where the press and the society could express opposing views. We know what happened to Kambona when he opposed Nyerere, don’t we?

Let’s visit the Bible a little bit. In the book of Acts 13:36, it is written that “David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, died…”. The key point there being “serving or influencing one’s own generation”. That’s what Tanzania needs. A leader who would come along and take the current Tanzanian generation to a higher level.

I seriously don’t want to be soaking all over in Nyerere’s ideals. I mean would you? I honestly think that folks who call for Nyerere’s glorification are missing the fact every generation must produce its own great leader, a leader who is bold enough to take the society to bold new world. For Tanzania, we both know that Benjamin William Mkapa wasn’t that leader. Likewise, we know that Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete has also proven himself to be a weakling. That, however, does not justify crying ourselves to sleep for Nyerere’s comeback.

My call, for all Bongolanders, is for the society to define where it wants to go and search for a leader that could take the country there. Societies grow and die out of ideas. I am yet to see any empirical evidence that the Tanzanian society was greater during Nyerere’s time compared to the present. That being the case, we need fresh ideas in 2009 that are great, not making a U-turn to 1961!

Seriously, you mean to tell me that a society of over 30 million human beings can’t find one good leader, to the extent of crying for a dead one?

I’m nostalgic of some things, but Nyerere ain’t one of them.
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Photo credit: www.africanpath.com

HT: The Towering Billboard?

2009-03-30T16:19:00.005-04:00

I once had a post commending the Tanzania’s government attempt to promote the country.
As I pointed out in that previous post, the journey had just begun….

Let me just remind folks that I am not a marketing junkie. As a business student, I took a few marketing classes to fulfill my graduation requirements, but that’s it. Despite my lack of marketing acumen, I still believe I can dish a few marketing pointers here and there. If I make a boo-boo, just bear with me.

Companies use celebrities all the time in their attempt to piggy-back on their recruited celebrity’s social status and visibility. This is not just about Michael Jordan pitching for Nike or David Beckham selling for Adidas. I have seen Masoud Kipanya endorse for some beer company in Tanzania.

So why is the Tanzania Tourist Board sleeping on Hasheem Thabeet, especially during this March Madness season?

Dude, Hasheem Thabeet is the most recognized face of any Tanzanian in the United States of America right now. So why don’t you jump on him, secure an “endorsement” deal before the kid turns pro and start demanding millions of dollars?

For basketball junkies, particularly the NBA, Tim Duncan of San Antonio Spurs is endorsing for US Virgin Islands, in case you didn’t know.

I could be missing some NCAA rules that prohibits student athletes from performing public service for their country, but something like “Tanzania, the land of Hasheem Thabeet” tag line could be more effective currently in the United States of America. That is because American college kids, some of whom could take summer classes or future family vacations in Tanzania identify with Mr. HT, than anything or someone else Tanzanian.

Marketing, I believe, is about opportunities. I strongly believe that there is nothing that can advertise Tanzania better in the United State of American today than the towering Hasheem Thabeet.

TTB, the clock is ticking…
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Photo Credit: Michuzi

I'm Staying Right Here, Mr. President

2009-03-20T09:20:00.005-04:00

Dear Mr. President,

I know that you and your fellow politicians like to talk about how you desire for folks like me in the Diaspora to come back home. Fortunately for me, I have never attended one of those forums. I have just read of your call through newspapers.

If I were in attendance during one of those rhetorical speeches, I would have just clapped my hands out of courtesy. Deep inside of me, there would have been this boiling anger and a desire to just slap the heck out of you. You guys are full of crap.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not violent but just a little passionate.

Back to this come-back-home cry that you and your fellow African presidents like to make. It appears to me that you have never figure out why your fellow countrymen left the continent in the first place. Since you are not stupid, I presume you know the reasons – only you are so arrogant to face your own selves. Besides, why bother about nameless countrymen you only meet for a couple of minutes overseas?

So I heard your cry, but my answer is a huge “no”.

It is not like I don’t like Africa. I do. It is only that you made me a sweet deal to stay overseas. I bet you are flabbergasted by what that means. Don’t sweat it, for I will break it down for you.

Remember the billions of dollars you and your buddies in the system stole and stashed away in a European bank? Remember the fleet of expensive European and Japanese cars that you and your buddies keep on bragging about? Remember all those crazy contracts you have awarded to “white” folks? Remember all those shopping spree in Europe and America? Remember all those stupid medical check-ups you have overseas?

Well, I know the list is not exhaustive, but the common denominator is this – all those choices you have made are actually destroying the African progress, while building the economies of all those places I’m currently a resident. So I got me employed at a decent salary while receiving better good social services compared to what my aunt gets in the motherland. It is not that I like I'm proud of my aunt's situation - I just feel lucky a little bit.

OK, I didn’t mean to give you a pop quiz, but how many people do you think get employed in Japan when you order eighty (80) expensive Toyota SUVs at $50,000 each? [And that is excluding genuine spare parts that you will eventually order, since you have neglected building better roads].

That is why I think it is hypocritical and hilarious of you to ask me to come home, while the money you have stolen is actually right here, working for me. While it was nice of you to ask of me to come back home, I will continue staying right here. The Bible tells me that where "my" treasure is, my heart will follow. It just so happened that you and your buddies moved "my" treasure from the motherland to this foreign land.

So just move the cheese back to the motherland and I will show up.

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Photo credit: Agoa.gov

Flyovers In Dar? Ride At Your Own Risk…

2009-03-02T13:15:00.005-05:00

I’m glad that innovation is actually creeping up on the mind of Tanzanians. I’m glad that at last some of those Vasco da Gama types of global treks are paying off. Seriously, shouldn’t we be happy that at least the Bongoland government is contemplating building flyovers in Dar-es-Salaam to ease traffic woes?

Well, let me praise on one hand and whip on the other. I can do, can’t I?

This is the saddest part. The Bongoland government has this crucial institution called the Tanzania Bureau of Statistics. Among other areas, TBS is charged with the duty of collecting census data. I stand corrected, but I believe the main objective of collecting census data is planning for the future.

Another important agency that the Bongoland government has is Tanzania Revenue Authority. Well, TRA can tell you how much loot been collected by the government, but I believe (I could be wrong here) these guys can actually tell you how many new cars are registered on any given day.

My point is this – it doesn’t take a load of money or collection of European “experts” to figure out what the projected population and number of cars on Dar roads come 2019, for instance. I mean, you can simply plug the historical numbers on an Excel spreadsheet and wham! You have your projected numbers for proper planning. It is not like traffic jams and population increase caught anyone by surprise.

I guess I am just living on a different planet.

Though reactive in nature, the construction of flyovers is a good idea. With the city planning being what it is, you can’t go anywhere other than creating roads on the open sky.

The only thing is this – anyone riding on those flyovers will have to do that at their own risk. I have been around long enough to know that anything is possible in Bongoland. I’m sure some contractor or his vibarua will deliberately shortchange the structures when it comes to cement or other construction elements.

Seriously, if someone can cut corners on their private building why not do that for a public structure?

What I am saying is this – don’t laugh at me for being cynical. When the flyovers are finally here (if the Bongoland government actually walk the talk on this), riders should beware. If you happened to join the unpleasant statistics, don’t say you didn’t get warned.

There are things you can trust in Bongoland. Some are obviously a no-no. I’m not sure if I can trust flyovers in Dar. Seriously.

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Photo credit: smarttransport.org.nz

Cell Phone Effect: Twisted Priorities…?

2009-02-11T16:31:00.003-05:00

Last summer I made a trip to my beloved Bongoland. I obviously shared my thoughts on various topics, mainly pertaining to life. One of the issues I touched was the use of cell phones, particularly on how the device has revolutionized, if you will, some areas of the Tanzanian life.

As with everything, we could never have a perfect world. My mom, as I alluded to previously, is of the view that cell phones provide an ample opportunity for promiscuity.

What really got back to this topic is the photo provided herein, is the other side of cell phone utilization. Please, I stand to be corrected, but I had a sense that some folks in Bongoland use cell phones as a social status symbol.

That kind of remind me of when mabrazameni would be standing at a daladala stand, with a video cassette openly displayed, just to let folks know that they have a kideo at home…

Now, let’s get back to the cell phone issue.

I know that, as human beings, we have the prerogative to spend our hard earned money the way we so choose. Nonetheless, common sense tells us that some choices are irrational.
I know the lady (in the photo) could be making a ton of money, just by hawking bananas. Nevertheless, (and this is just me thinking aloud and I could be wrong) why not spend money first on a cart – that could make the mobility of the banana merchandise easier – instead of enriching Vodacom, Tigo or Zain first?

But the story really goes beyond this lady, as this picture is just a symbol of a Bongoland society which is either moving forward or failing to prioritize.

I’m not against cell phone use, especially when vijisenti ain’t an issue.

Photo Credit: bongopicha.blog

Pinda: Passionate Men Do Cry

2009-02-02T16:04:00.003-05:00

My son, Jedrick, found this little game of power. He thinks it is so cool of him to order people around to cry. Now and then, when we are in a playful mood (and where fimbo is not involved as a way of bringing some order and discipline); he would order me to cry. I’m typically ordered to cry when I ask for one of his toys. My cry, it seems, becomes enough to receive his mercy.

So I oblige much to his amusement. But that is just me playing with my boy.

Recently, the Tanzanian Prime Minister, Mizengo Pinda shed some tears in the parliament for some serious reasons.

Honestly, that’s almost unbelievable. And I’m not trying to be sarcastic about that. It is simply hard to see men in the African context express their emotions. Well, almost all men across the board feel that expressing emotions is wimpy.

Personally, I found a hero in Pinda. Of course, assuming the tears weren’t some political ploy to keep his sweet job.

I found a hero in Pinda for two reasons – one, it takes a lot of courage to defy social norms (like a belief that men don’t cry). And courage, trust me, is a quality lacking in most Tanzanian’s leaders. Mr. Pinda didn’t whack someone in complicated judo maneuvers to acquire heroism, but handled himself with a lot of grace.

The second reason for hailing Mr. Pinda is that he expressed humility. Maybe it is just me, but political leaders in Tanzania got so pompous, to the extend they made you believe they were above reproach. Truth is – we all err, but it is so refreshing to see a person in a higher public office humble himself.

Granted, Mr. Pinda still me owe me a ton – like the Rorya thing – but I can definitely give him some kudos for walking a path that many Tanzania leaders have failed to walk, which is the ability to express their genuine passion and humility. And for that I applaud him.

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Photo: Michuzi

Rorya HQ: Blah Blah Continues…

2009-01-27T20:50:00.003-05:00

I wish I had this wonderful magic wand that I could just swing around. Trust me on this – the first folks that I would have wiped out, or turn into little creepy creatures would have been Bongoland politicians. Man, I hate them.

And talking about Bongoland, did you know that witchdoctors are licensed by the government? Honestly, that was a huge revelation to me. I thought all you had to do was to find a mat and a shade at Mnazi Mmoja in Dar and walaahh!

Seriously, since these things are supposedly done in the “dark”, how would government’s regulatory body know which doctors are qualified? Or could it be that the process is so easy, since most of the government officials are customers anyway, putting them in a great position to gauge the effectiveness of the doctors?

I’m just kidding, but October 2010 is not that far. Just watch out for the heavy traffic on Bagamoyo Road.

Sorry for the digression.

My talk really was this Rorya headquarters thing. I know for some of you, this is a nonissue. I can understand that. Nonetheless, to me this is a classic case of how folks in Bongoland will NEVER see progress in a short while. I mean, if the government can’t decide on a newly established district’s headquarters, what makes you think they are capable of managing other complex and scientific endeavors?

Think about that.

News is, folks in Bongoland are waiting for the president to decide on the Rorya HQ.

The saddest part is that I reflected on this on January 28, 2008. That was exactly one year ago (that is discounting the fact that the whole saga started in 2006). Essentially, it is going to take the government more than 365 days to decide something that could be done in a day!

How I wish for that magic wand!

Seriously, something is very wrong in Bongoland.

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Photo Credit: Me

Africa: Are You Listening?

2009-01-21T07:42:00.002-05:00

In one of my previous postings, I cautioned Africans of treating President Barack Obama as their own. That is not completely ignoring the fact that on some levels, he is. As a leader of the most powerful nation, his Kenyan roots give a reason for the level of optimism currently flowing through Africa.

Nonetheless, that’s where it starts and ends.

I have always said this and I will not shy away from repeating it – progress and regression are both built on certain principles. The progressive principles do not look at color, creed, social status and whatever category one would want to throw into the mix. Nonetheless, those principles reward those who are willing to embrace them. Likewise, regression principles will always work for those who fall in love with them.

In the inaugural speech, President Obama reminded not only the American people, but the entire world of the principles on which the Americans society has managed to build a powerful nation. Furthermore, he reminded the world that the United States of America will not change its core principles. Just to quote him: “We will not apologize for our way of life nor will we waver in its defense”.

I cautioned Africans that Obama will be the president of the United States of America first. Though he talked about partnering with poor countries, I didn’t get any indication that in so doing, the United States of America will embrace the regressive principles that most African leaders tend to uphold. I wonder if regressive African leaders paid attention to the following remark:

“To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict or blame their society's ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy”

Robert Mugabe, are you listening?

I told you, Obama will whack Africa and no evil African president will ever cling to the old Western imperialism rhetoric. If the inaugural speech was the indication, then let’s get ready for change we can believe in.

And I love that.
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Photo Credit: Me

RTF: Early In the Morning...

2009-01-16T09:43:00.002-05:00

Way back when, I took an Educational Psychology class. In that class, I learned that our intelligence is a combination of two things – nature and nurture. Nature, obviously, is self-explanatory. It is those inert qualities that God has bestowed on us. Nurture, on the other hand, is just the environment which shapes us.

The argument is that if you take two people with equal “natural intelligence”, a separating factor could be the environment that influenced their perception and interpretation of concepts. I guess that’s what makes siblings to be different, for instance.

I believe that culture is one of those things that act as a nurturing agent.

See, one cold winter morning, I received a call from a fellow gentleman. This gentleman happens to be also from Bongoland. In a thousand ways, we share the same background.
The call came in it at around 6:30AM. When I looked at the caller ID, I identified that person who was calling. From my experience in the United State, you typically don’t get calls that early, unless it is something serious. As such my expectation was there was something serious, only to realize it was just a matter that I could have been informed of at 10:00am!

I was ticked off, but that got me thinking….

See, the cultural realities of the American life have affected my reception, perception and interpretation of certain things. From an American perspective, I could have just berated this caller, not for the message but for the timing. I mean, seriously, why would you wake up someone for stuff that could have been discussed later in the day?

That, however, is from one side of the coin.

See, where I grew up (precisely, Shirati, Tarime, Mara, Tanzania, East Africa) it is not surprising for folks to pay a visit to you (especially if you are in a position to resolve their “problem”) early in the morning. The reason, as I got thinking, is that folks in place like Shirati take life on a daily basis. No long term plans, because even if they wanted to have long term plans, life just does not allow it.

Given lack of resources leading folks to live day-to-day, timing is everything. Timing matters. If you have an issue and you know a certain cousin can lend a hand, you better go early before the cousin receives requests for the day!

As I thought of that, I just laughed, for I know that my caller was operating on a default mode. Seriously, how could one shave off a natural tendency acquired in a period of over 40 years in less than five years? It is difficult…and I think those psychologists who identified nurture as a factor in our actions are right.

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Photo credit: marrngtn.wordpress.com

Africa Free Trade Area: For What? Mangoes?

2008-12-30T21:49:00.004-05:00

Trust me, African presidents can dream big. I’m not talking about their stomachs here (which are proportionally bigger than any in the world), but I am talking about their actual day dreams. I’m talking about that making-Africa-better rhetoric.

Unfortunately, the current head of the African “state” (my beloved Tanzanian president), is heading that rhetoric.

In his recent speech in Maputo , Mr. Kikwete contended that the current EAC and SADC bloc are just temporary; because once the formation of an African free trade area, these blocs would be meaningless.

The rationale for absconding EAC and SADC are actually valid and technical, if true. According to Mr. Kikwete, the World Trade Organization prohibits one country from joining more than one customs union. So the formation of an African free trade area would bring about a blanket customs union that would allow African countries to vend their goods within the continent, while complying with the WTO mandates. Honestly, that is absolutely brilliant.

According to other African leaders, however, the rationale for the proposed creation of the African free trade is to “enhance trade African countries and international community to improve wealth, employment and Africa’s overall economic well-being”. This definitely sounds good, but impracticable. Haven’t Africans heard of this type of self-reliance rhetoric before?

The fact of the matter is this: most African countries, particularly in the COMESA, EAC, and SADC blocs lack capacity. When one cites a cool rationale as “enhancing trade with the international community”, what exactly is one communicating or advocating? Selling or buying more from the international community? If selling more is what Africa wants, then the question is selling more of what? Mangoes? Coffee?

I am not trying to be comical, because the continent is primarily a supplier of raw materials. African ain’t going to supply computers in the near future. African ain’t going to supply cars and heavy industrial products in the next two years. Africa ain't going to take a leading role in technology. Africa is not going to lead in research tomorrow. Africa is not flying to the moon next month. Let’s be real.

So what about focusing on capacity building first, instead of jumping into all these brilliant ideas that won’t yield anything? What about focusing first, for instance, on creating an environment that would lure back the brightest African minds that are currently building the Western world? Who does not know that trade alone would not change the African fate, but a paradigm shift within Africa itself?

Furthermore, if the African continent is trying to emulate EU or any other; that is reinforcing what Africa has always been – reactive and lacking in unique, revolutionary, and progressive ideas. I understand the power of collectiveness, but collecting more foolishness in a larger pool will definitely explode into stupidity, the worst of its kind. EU and other blocs have succeeded because they are expanding what has already worked, not experimenting.

Let’s get some facts, shall we?

According to data released by AGOA, excluding Nigeria, Angola and South Africa, other African countries didn’t do much trading with the United States as recent as September 2008. Of the $60 billion of good Africa supplied to the United States, 80% of that trading was generated by Nigeria and Angola, mainly from oil, not technologically produced goods. My beloved Tanzania, whose president is talking about Africa's free trade area? A meager $1.8 million!

Either Americans don’t buy the African mangoes or Africans don’t know how to sell their mangoes. You be the judge.

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Photo Credit: AGOA.gov

EAC Noise: A Pointless Debate?

2008-12-22T16:13:00.008-05:00

Just recently, a reader stopped by my “house” and dropped a comment. The reader simply wanted me to join the Michuzi blog to share my views on the raging East African Community formation debate. Well, the reader was kind enough to let me know that my “house” was lonely.

While it is true that I don’t hold the 5 millionth viewer contest, that does not bother me a bit. To get widely recognized is definitely a good thing, but with it pressure tags along. I’m not in a hurry to duplicate what Michuzi has done. That is his voice, and I am very proud for him. The point is this – I will stick to my “small town” environment. Sometimes, the best gifts come in small packages.

Despite all that, let me go back to the call that my esteemed reader made – and that is for me to contribute to the EAC debate. I promised that I will talk about that, but right “here here”.

I have said this before and I will repeat this again – Tanzanians are not very good at paying attention. If they did, they would know that there is no clear direction as to what the country wants to accomplish, how, when, and with whom as partners.

When it comes to the East African Community debate, the above point is very much applicable.

So let me cut through the chase and let you know why I think this debate is pointless. There are so many and conflicting voices within the Tanzanian government that should make Kenyans and Ugandans even more ticked off.

a. Tanzania’s President, JM Kikwete, thinks the EAC integration is just a temporary thing. Tanzania has bigger goals. Read here.

b. Tanzanian is actually crying wolf, thinking that the EAC integration could die because other East African countries (not Tanzania, because we are so holy and forthcoming) are hypocritical and putting their interest ahead of EAC. Read on...

c. Tanzania want to put the country’s interest first in EAC (didn’t you just cry wolf above?). Read on...

Seriously, which is which?

Until Tanzanians have a clear vision of what they want to do with the EAC integration, Kenyans and Ugandans are somewhat justified for slamming Tanzanians. If I'm, as a Tanzania, not clear as to what we want to do, other East Africans can't read our minds. The only best assumption our neighbors can make is that we don't want in. And who can blame them?

Good partners make their minds and positions known, regardless of how unpopular those positions could be.

At this juncture, it is pointless to bebate with Kenyans or Ugandans, because they have been good at driving their agendas (whether those agendas are beneficial to all EA countries is not the point of my discussion). Tanzanians have not. And I don't believe shouting back at Kenyans and Ugandas on online forums is compensating for lack of leadership that our political leaders have exhibited.

If anything, we should demand Mr. Kikwete and Dr. Kamala's blood.

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Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Smarter Than A Standard Five Kid?

2008-12-17T13:26:00.009-05:00

This past Thanksgiving, my wife and I hosted a dinner. As Thanksgiving is a time for family, I was blessed enough to have my own brother – who lives a half a mile from me – and a cousin who drove all the way from Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to family, we had a Tanzanian couple – who are family friends - join us.

We kept pace with the American tradition, which required a turkey feast. Nonetheless, I pretty much enjoyed the Tanzanian menu – the vitumbua and such. Home is home bwana.

I don’t know about you, but from some strange reasons when men gather, either sports or politics will crop up as a topic for discussion. I can only come up with this theory – politics and sports are inherently in a man’s nature. Politics attract men’s attention because it involves leadership, influence and power. On the other hand, sports involve competition – which in so many levels connected to victory or conquering. All those things fit well in the men’s natural “calling”.

Don’t ask me why the ladies stayed around the dinning/kitchen area for their conversation. I couldn’t tell you. Nevertheless, it did happen.

So we talked about politics, mostly Tanzania’s politics and current affairs. We obviously talked about lack of quality leadership in Tanzania. One of us raised an argument that the problem with Tanzania’s leaders is that they are shortsighted and ignorant. That point faced an opposition from onother member of the “council”, who contended that those dudes are actually smart, because everything corrupt they do is deliberate and calculated.

It just so happen that I revisited that conversation today and I just wanted to muse publicly. Is it true that Tanzania’s leaders are not that ignorant, but have elected to deliberately loot the country?

My position is this: despite the fact that some of the Tanzania’s big shots are actually PhD holders, they are nothing more that ignorant. Just consider this: if you are ignorant, how could you tell if not for someone else shading some light on that ignorance? Besides, ain’t all ignorant people just intelligent and wise in their own eyes?

Trust me, even Mugabe thinks he is a genius and the rest of you are just a bunch of imbeciles.

Think with me on this – which an intelligent and a wise person would steal the money intended for road construction to buy an expensive Mercedes Benz, only to drive the luxury car on a dusty and potholed road? What about fixing the road first and stealing later (hey, any government is presumably a going concern, so there will always be a tomorrow)? I am not condoning thievery, but I think the later would be a smarter choice.

Furthermore, driving an expensive (or any car for that matter) on a potholed road leads to one thing – frequent breakdown of the ride, which leads to expensive repairs. Guess where corrupt leaders get the funds for maintaining their expensive toys? They dip their hands again in the same depleting public coffers. And the cycle never ends.

To me that is a cycle of dumbness.

I know this musing was inspired but a dinner conversation, but the deeper you look at most African leaders’ thinking; one can easily conclude that they ain’t smarter than Standard Five kids. Trust me.
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Photo Credit: Michuzi

Compassion Shouldn’t Be Stupidity

2008-12-09T13:35:00.002-05:00

I am no genius by any stretch. I am just a regular Joe who is trying to navigate through this crazy maze of life. So whatever I say, it is just a matter of my own point of view. Not trying to be smart.

One of the things that got me writing this piece is an editorial commentary by the ThisDay’s editor. Read on. In a nutshell, the editor was commending the prospects of an introduction of a Bill in the Parliament that, if enacted, would bring tougher laws against albino killers.

In a civilized world, all human beings should have the freedom to live without any fear of death simply because God, in His supreme wisdom, endowed some with different skin pigmentation. Furthermore, albinos are no different than the rest of us. Despite physical difficulties that some albinos may face (for instance, having difficulty in handling scorching sun rays), there is no scientific evidence that albinos are less human or less intelligent than the rest of us.

Given that albinos are a part of our social fabric, we are supposed to express genuine concern and compassion. Nonetheless, that does not give us a free ticket to overreact. Expression of our compassion towards albino shouldn’t be a permission to be irrational and stupid.

Let’s take the Bill that ThisDay’s editor referred to. The core of the Bill is to introduce tougher laws against albino killers. Uh?

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t killing just killing in the eyes of the Tanzania Law (barring different scenario and motives for committing the offense)? Isn’t the death penalty, which is permissible under the current Tanzania penal code, the ultimate penalty one can receive for killing another human being? So when an MP says that they are introducing a Bill that would pave a way for enactment of tougher laws against albino killers, what kind of penalties, for instance, would the MP propose? Killing the albino killers by torture?

I am not trying to be funny, because I’m not endorsing the killing of albinos. Nonetheless, I’m just trying to draw our attention to the fact that either Tanzanians are lazy in understanding the legal frame that is already in existence or we just like to overreact. The editor, in my opinion, could have done the Tanzanian society a great favor by challenging the merit of enacting unwarranted “tougher” laws.

The bottom line is this – albinos’ killing has more to do with ignorance than lack of tougher laws against the killers. We can’t solve social problems if we don’t know or deal with the root causes.
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Photo Credit: Michuzi

RTF: The First Impression…

2008-12-05T09:13:00.002-05:00

I heard a lot about “dress to impress” slogan when I was in college. That phrase was mainly used for seniors who were being coached to jumpstart their careers through job interviews. Guess what? Even my small college in Kentucky, Berea College, had a deal with S&K , where the company would sell suits to seniors for a huge discount. I bought my interview suit there.

I must concur that first impression is a big deal. That is because for the most part, human beings are judgmental. We make judgments about people and things all the time. I know it is pathetic, but I make judgments even at Wal-Mart! I know judging a book by its cover is a fitting as a very good advice, but let the truth be told; we are creatures who pass judgment so quickly.

As such, with all your great qualifications, try showing up at a job interview in flip-flops (kandambili) and see if the interview will go well. I’m sure that wonderful Human Resources personnel will make a quick judgment about your character the moment you walk through the doors.

Has this first impression anything to do with Tanzania? You bet.

I remember back in the days, waaaay back when, I had an encounter with a now defunct Alliance Airlines’ General Manager in Dar-es-Salaam. (Sorry my American friend, a GM position in Tanzania actually means something serious). I was hustling for some deals – not exactly a “mission town” type of deal, but something more respectable. Me being unaware and all, I showed up the best way I knew how – in jeans and a t-shirt. The Alliance Airlines’ GM was kind enough to mentor me about the first impression – he commended my “intellectual understanding”, but pointed out that I couldn’t sell what I had in my head because of my appearance. Phew!

I don’t think the lesson sunk it then. I was a victim of a slow and rigid culture around me.

It is over 11 years since I received my lesson from that kind airline GM, but folks in Tanzania have not changed much. The problem, believe it or not, is even with big corporations and institutions that are supposedly have funds to put the best store front. Surprisingly, they don’t.

I made a vacation trip to Tanzania at the end of 2004. While in Dar, I just wanted to see if I can transfer my United States’ CPA credentials with me when I move back to Tanzania. The best place to go was obviously the National Board of Accountants and Auditors, located near the National Library.

The first person I encountered at NBAA was a guard (mgambo) at the main gate. I tried to explain what I wanted to accomplish, but the poor guy couldn’t give me proper directions. He resorted to directing me to some two ladies (who by the way, were on breakfast break early in the morning, and one of them actually completely ignored me). I had already started going back to the Bongo’s it-is-slow-down-here mentally, so I didn’t mind the snail’s pace response.

Nevertheless, let’s go back to the mgambo guy. Why in the world would a reputable organization such as NBAA put a mgambo as the face of the organization? I know the mgambo is there for security purposes (and to swing the gate open when the big shots drive in and out) , but shouldn’t NBAA find an educated receptionist who has a clear understanding of what NBAA is all about and where to direct visitors?

With exception of Vodacom, I encountered similar situation at TTLC and other big corporations where a typical receptionist showed signs of not having adequate information about the corporation. The worst place for this offense is government offices, where a receptionist can actually give you the nastiest attitude.

I’m not qualified to educate corporations on the best practices, but I know that first impression goes a long way. And I surely know when the first person you come across is a mgambo, it is sure sign that the company or the entity you are about to deal with ain’t got a clue…

Obviously, this is all tied to customer service, which stinks in Bongoland. I know I have a witness out there…
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Photo Credit: Michuzi

RTF: "I Pity The Fool (2)..."

2008-11-28T10:23:00.004-05:00

It is Friday and I know that most of Bongolanders in the US participated in some form of Thanksgiving festivities. For the rest of you fellow Bongolanders, Google can actually help you find out what Thanksgiving celebration is all about.

So as you digest your turkey, take a moment and think with me.

My reflection today will be on the most recent news that the government brought a case against two prominent former cabinet ministers – Basil Mramba and Daniel Yona. Given the recent developments in the “fight against corruption” song, the news that the two ministers actually got arraigned gives the impression that the government is playing tough against corruption. In an ideal situation, such steps should be applauded.

But before you raise your glasses and take your hats off, let me rain on your parade.

Can we revisit the charges again? According what I read, the two ex-ministers were charged with “abuse of office and occasioning loss of over TShs. 11 billion to the government”. Specifically, Mr. Mramba, for instance, granted tax exemptions to M/S Alex Stewart Assayers.

Is that it? Is that all?

The problem with the above key charges is that they are very light in substance.

Let’s take Mr. Mramba for instance. While it is true that by extending tax exemptions to M/S Alex Stewart Assayers, the government lost some loot, the charge brought him does not specifically spell out that he fraudulently did so. As such, there is not criminal intent cited by the government prosecutors.

If anything, this case brings to questions Mr. Mramba’s competence and judgment. And that’s where the case against Mramba loses its juice – Tanzanian Law actually allowed him – as a Finance Minister – to extend tax exemptions, regardless of what TRA suggested!

So this is the reality check: incompetent folks who apply bad judgment typically don’t go to jail, unless criminal intent is established. They simply get fired from their jobs. Worst still, the Public Procurement prosecutors cited only suggest “disciplinary actions” against folks who violate the provisions of the Act!

If I have to decode this whole saga for you – this is a CCM’s political propaganda at its best. At the end of the day, Mr. Mramba and Mr. Yona will walk freely in Dar streets, laughing at all y’all fool who got duped into voting for CCM again in 2010.

Hey, did you notice that the prosecutors said the investigations into the case have not been completed? The question is this: why bring a half-baked cookie to the party? What's the rush?

How I pity the fools!
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Photo credit: Mjengwa

I Just Hate Stupid Rhetoric

2008-11-19T21:50:00.002-05:00

I can’t blame having two little ones in the house for not being able to blog as much I want to, but in a way I do. I know there is someone out there who understands my experience. But I promise this – whenever I can squeeze some time, I will definitely write.

So don’t you give up on this blog. Keep hope alive.
Recently, Mr. Pinda, Bongoland’s Prime Minister made an appeal to the Southern African Development Community and East African Community governments to put in place legislations that would enable the private sector to participate effectively in the development of the energy sector.

Read the story here…

Maybe it is just me, but I hate political rhetoric and more of it. I hate political rhetoric because it fulfills one major duty – and that is filling newspaper columns, television news and radio airwaves. Nothing practical or meaningful follows thereafter.

Let me get down to the impressive statistics that Mr. Pinda cited. For your convenience, let me quote them for you:

“Africa has the lowest access to electricity at the rate of 25% per cent. Tanzania, for instance, has only about 10% of its population accessing electricity services, with only 2% of the rural population connected to power”.

Those stats should make any sensible person jump on the let-revolutionize-the-energy-sector chorus. And I am not saying that sarcastically, because Tanzania in particular should. Besides what is the point of generating statistical numbers if they don’t act as a strategic basis and a reason for action?

What makes Mr. Pinda’s remarks as a load of crap with no practical meaning is this – Tanzania has not successfully implemented reforms he is talking about. Unless I am living in a world far apart from that of Mr. Pinda, why preach what you can’t or have no desire to implement in your own backyard?

The basis for my argument is this: Tanzania’s own Members of Parliament shut down a Bill that was set to revolutionize the energy sector. See the story here …

So my point is this: if you ain’t going to do anything, stop the stupid rhetoric.

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Photo Credit: Michuzi

Africa: Get Ready for Disappointment

2008-11-12T21:06:00.001-05:00

Surely, Obama’s victory has sparked hope and optimism among many around the globe. No doubt his presidency has helped to lift the head of many black folks around the globe. Surely, his Kenyan roots have brought a sense of pride, especially for the Luo tribe, but even for the entire Kenya as a nation.

But pride is where story starts and ends.

I know that at the back of many African presidents, there are hopes of frequent White House trips. I know African small and big fisadis are expecting generous aid packages that will flow directly to their pot bellies. I can bet my life on this – that there are Africans who are hoping that the African story will change, that the continent will now see prosperity.

Let me just rain on that parade before it gets started. Ain’t nothing going to change.

The high expectations are rooted in Africa’s own mentality and cultural tendencies – and that is of harboring tribalism. I can surely tell you that Luos in Kenya are feeling good right about now. That is because from a traditional view, Obama is not representing Michelle, Sasha, Malia and the American people alone, he is representing the entire Kogelo. He is representing cousins and aunts he has never met.

And that’s where the cultural warfare will begin.

See, the truth is that Barack grew up in the American culture, where having Kenyan roots is just that – having Kenyan roots. That is because America is formed by folks with ancestral roots in other countries. It just happens Barack can trace those roots one generation removed. I wonder if, in his mind, he views his role the way his Luo cousins view it.

Contrary to the African culture which promotes communal connectedness, the American culture (which Barack grew up in) stresses individual responsibility and accountability. As such, the hopes that Barack will now carry the load of the entire Luo “tribe” will meet a disappointing response.

Another stumbling block for my African brothers will be this – while Obama will be the most powerful man on earth, his political power does not go unchecked. I know, I know, African presidents have all the power. So if you think Luos will start getting Federal jobs like Kibaki offers them to Kikuyu in Kenya, sorry amigos. The American system of true checks and balances will hold Barack primarily responsible and accountable to the American people, and not to his own family and friends.

I can only predict one thing: that by the virtue of Obama being black, he will actually have the power to crush and whip crazy mentalities that African leaders have held for years, without being accused of exercising some sort of a Western supremacy. If his trip to Kenya as a Senator – where he urged Kenyans to act tough on corruption was any indication, then expect more tough stances.

My point is this – Obama is not an African president. He is the president of the United State of America. The sooner that sinks in the minds of Africans, the better.
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Photo Credit: Michuzi

The Shortsightedness of Party Lines…

2008-11-06T12:20:00.004-05:00

The election in the United States is another history. I can remember exactly where I was when McCain conceded. I attended one of the Obama rally and I saw the man live. But that’s not what I wanted to talk about.

As a Christian and an African living in the United States, it is always hard to elect sides – that is, between the Democrats and the Republicans. That is because there are legit issues that confront me in making that choice, mainly from a traditional and historical perspective.

The Dems are traditionally viewed as liberals, with open arms to social groups that the GOP, for their conservatism, would not welcome. It is for that sense of condemnation from the GOP gay groups, blacks and other social minorities would rather support the Dems. It is for the same GOP’s sense of moral soundness that Christians (or rather evangelicals) flock to the GOP.

The independents, of course, swing either way.

We all have the right to associate ourselves with any party we want, because our political affiliations are driven by our personalities.

Maybe I am on of those who fall into the independents category, because I honestly think being stuck with either the Dems or the GOP is crazy.

While I can understand the legit reasons for associating with the Democratic Party as a black person, should the color of my skin alone be enough for me to support the ideals of the Democratic Party? Can any black person stand up and testify that they earned a PhD simply because there was a Democratic president in power?

Likewise, being a Christian is not a guarantee that the Republican Party is automatically suitable for me. Seriously, did you see the craziness that transpired during the Sarah Palin campaigns ? I can understand the whole idea of social conservatism, which it tied to the Christian faith, but what about skinheads and members of the KKK who are typically GOP supporters?

Even more, can anyone stand up and testify that in the past eight years, morality improved in the United States under George W. Bush?

Does this have anything to do with Tanzania? You bet. Just like Americans, Tanzanians are human beings. They are either governed by hope, faith or fear. While I don’t belong to any political parties in Tanzania, I’m of the opinion that folks vote for CCM simply out of fear and not hope for a better future. Granted, there are those who have dared to go the opposition way, but the majority still lean towards CCM.

I am not sure if the opposition in Tanzania could fare better than CCM in terms of bringing positive change, but surely it is crazy to vote along traditional party lines just for the sake of it. I think that is utter shortsightedness.

I really don’t know why folks vote either way, and I am not trying to suggest they should follow my path. Nonetheless, I would hate for someone to hijack my skin color, my faith, or inject fear in my head for their political ambitions. Besides, I don’t recall the last time a politician put food on my table.

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Photo Credit: Anyone who took the photo

Obama's Presidency: Blessed to Witness...

2008-11-05T08:40:00.008-05:00

Obama's presidency will definitely go down as an historic event in the American experience. I'm just glad that I was blessed to attend one of his campaign rallies in Columbus, Ohio.

It is one thing to hear about it, but it is another to be an "I" witness...Surely, Daddy will get to tell his kids he was there when history was in the making.

Gotta Love Them Tarimeans

2008-10-27T16:52:00.005-04:00

Among folks who should talk about the recent Chadema victory over CCM in Tarime, I believe I should be among them. Heck, I hail from that area.

If you have to know my political affiliation, I don’t belong to any party in Tanzania. I just love good leaders who could move the country somewhere positive. That’s why I think Mr. Kikwete and the CCM party is a joke. Not only that, I believe the opposition also is full of career politicians who just very good at rhetoric. Mr. Lyatonga Mrema anyone?

Regardless of my neutral political affiliation, I just abhor CCM. That is because these folks have been in power for ions, but there is nothing to show up for it. I know Mr. Makamba and Chiligati, as the spin doctors would tell you otherwise, CCM simply stinks.

Honestly, I also had hope when Kikwete came along. Boy, did he impress me the first few days of his presidency! I’m ashamed to admit it, but just as my hope ascended I got discouraged as the days passed on. October 31 is just this week and I’m looking forward to hearing what the president will do with EPA thieves.

Trust me, nothing will happen.

It is for my “hate” for CCM that I was happy for Chadema snatching up the parliamentary seat. But leaving my “joy” aside, I would just like to drum it up for my fellow Tarimeans. Theirs is a story of courage.

It is undeniable truth that tribalism, though not problematic in Tanzania, is part of the Tanzanian life. As such, it is not uncommon to see folks electing a leader (regardless of the merit of doing so) solely to “represent” their tribe. Given that the Father of the Nation is laid to rest just a couple of miles from Tarime, shouldn’t we have expected the folks in Tarime to embrace the party and ideologies that their “homeboy” Nyerere brought to life?

How could you explain the fact that despite Tarime’s lack of concentration of educated folks (who lives and votes there), those people still had the guts to do what sophisticated and educated folks in Dar-es-Salaam and other urban areas failed to do?

I believe the only explanation is uncommon courage. “Defecting” from the normal social and political expectation requires courage. And I believe that Tarimeans have the courage that ordinary Tanzanians lack.

I know, I know, Tarimeans at times go overboard with their “courage”. Man, have you been to Tarime? My people down there are angry and mad all the time. I mean, sometimes it seems like fist fights or machete fights is a normal way of settling philosophical differences. The constantly reported clan clashes in Tarime are partly due to fight over cows (one clan stealing from the other), but also the fights are an attempt to show a clan’s courage. You don’t mess with a “mura”. Period.

If you think I am kidding, just go ask Mr. Makamba who dubbed Chadema a party of hooligans. Say whaaaaat? I know if that was is Dodoma, my Gogo friends would have just moved on. Not in Tarime. I am sure if it wasn’t for security protection, those boys would have sliced Mr. Makamba’s throat, literary. [I’m not advocating slaying folks, I’m just telling you what happens in Tarime]

I know that some people in Tanzania regards the Chadema’s victory in Tarime as a sure sign that CCM is going down in 2010. Hardly. I hate to rain on someone’s parade. CCM ain’t going anywhere. That is because this is not the first time folks in Tarime have elected someone from the opposition party – remember Mabere Marando for NCCR, anyone? Secondly, the courage you find in Tarime is not found anywhere else in the country. Do you honestly think folks in Rukwa will let go of their beloved son – Mizengo Pinda – despite his lack of strong leadership qualities?

Surely, nothing stays the same forever. It is more than likely that CCM will lose some feathers in 2010, but as of October 2008, I am just glad that my fellow Tarimeans have demonstrated the kind of courage that the rest of Tanzania lacks.

Honestly, those people in Tarime are not rich. Those people are just ordinary folks who go through the same struggles like anyone in Kibiti or Korogwe. The only thing that has separated them from your ordinary Kalumanzira is courage. And you can just go ahead and read my lips on this: Nothing will ever change in Tanzania unless folks learn a thing or two from Tarime.

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Photo Credit: Michuzi Blog

Bongo Series: A Pictorial View

2008-10-24T10:53:00.004-04:00

After all the yapping I have done about my Bongoland experience, I just thought of letting you see what my camera was able to capture....

http://picasaweb.google.com/mettyn/TanzaniaExperience#

Bongo Series: Wrap This Thing Up

2008-10-22T17:00:00.004-04:00

I typically have this awful feeling when I have stuff hanging over my head. If it wasn’t for life getting on my way, I would have finished sharing my Bongo experience a long time ago. I will try that today.

So wrapped up my stay in Dodoma and headed out to Dar. Quite naturally, the Scandinavian bus service became a bus of my choice. Folks in Tanzania claim the bus is a bit expensive, but I was not ready to sacrifice safety for cheapness. Bure ghali, they say in Swahili.

I’m typically reserved and more observant when travelling. For one, it is safe that way in Bongoland. Secondly, it gives the opportunity to learn a few things. Bubbling affords the opportunities for others to learn about you. I wasn’t willing to be the focus.

If you are looking for drama in a Scandinavian bus, sorry. My experience has been that most people who board the bus are somewhat dignified. So the ride was really uneventful, or rather boring. Everyone was busy reading their newspapers. I pulled up my MP3 player and was uploading my spiritual songs to my spirit.

I don’t recall saying much to the passenger next to me, until we passed Morogoro.

Scandinavian bus has their own station in Morogoro (another thing I liked), and we had an opportunity to stop there for lunch. I guess the lunch we had at Morogoro did the trick, because the passenger next to me and I started conversing.

I learned the gentleman was actually Kibaha Secondary School’s headmaster. Knowing the dude was in the education sector, I just wanted to know what the former minister of education - Mr. Joseph Mungai – was thinking when revamping Tanzania’s Secondary School educational syllabus. Given the intense criticism that was aimed at Mr. Mungai, I thought this gentleman would echo my preconceived notions. He did not.

What I learned is that Mr. Mungai was right. Mr. Mwalimu next to me educated me to the fact that the Tanzanian education system, especially at the primary and secondary level, is overloaded. Kids learn stuff that has no practical meaning. The objective was to trim the load, so that kids could focus on three main areas – reading, writing, math and other subjects such as civics.

You know what? That made sense to me. That is because I could personally relate. I learned accounting in the ordinary and advanced secondary levels in Tanzania. When I joined college in the US, I started to study the same subjects with kids who have never touched those subjects in middle or high school. At the end of four years, we were on the same level!

That is the argument that Mr. Mungai tried to make. I just wonder why he failed to articulate the objective. I also think such a change should be phased in. The backlash, I guess, was due to the fact Mr. Mungai introduced the change abruptly and suffered from the "forcefulness" culture of Mr. Mkapa's government.

I thought Mr. Mwalimu next to me was pretty good. So I teased him again with another concept – the Majimbo concept. Man, the dude again impressed me.

This is what I learned. According to Mr. Mwalimu, the introduction of the Provincial government in Tanzania, with probably elected governors (to replace Regional Commissioners) is useless. The current system in Tanzania is adequate. Each district has its own council of elected leaders – Madiwani under the leadership of a Mayor or a person charged with a similar role. Madiwanis are charged with the responsibility of not only planning, but also of evaluation and supervision of development programs.

The problem, Mr. Mwalimu told me, is that most madiwanis have no idea of their powers to bring about development in their local areas. According to Mr. Mwalimu, bringing up the Majimbo system would just be elevating the same crappy leadership to a larger scale.

I thought thatt was a pretty good argument.

I learned that Regional Commissioners and District Commissioners have no role whatsoever in local development planning any more. From a Tanzanian political system, RCs and DCs are there simply there to represent the President’s hand (dola), nothing more, nothing less.

Mr. Mwalimu disembarked from the bus at Kibaha. Nonetheless, I was surely glad I got the reason for Moshi and Arusha being sparkling clean, while other cities are swimming in dirt. It boils down to having a quality Halmashauri, comprised of good councilmen and women and a pretty good mayor.

Can we find the same quality in Iramba? I doubt it.

You know what? I am not even going to talk about Dar again, because I think I pretty much covered my experience there in the earlier posts – traffic jams, heat, poor customer service, etc.

I took care of some personal issues in Dar and my days in Tanzania came to an end. I finally caught my plane back to the US, wondering whether I should go back to live in Tanzania or stick it out in the US till I retire. Like many in the Diaspora, I wonder if I will ever settle that decision anytime soon….

Bongo Series: The Cap City Stint

2008-10-07T19:18:00.004-04:00

Let me try going back to this writing thing and see if it will work. As of now, I walk around sometimes feeling like my eyes are full of sand. That’s what lack of sleep will do to you. I know someone in Bongo will be asking, “Yaani mwanaume mzima unalea mtoto”? Yap, I do, because the cost of hiring a “yaya” in the United States is almost equivalent to my own pay.

If you have to know, malezi has been the main thing keeping me from yapping on this space.

Before I got interrupted by good news of another bundle of joy, I was headed towards Dodoma, right? And I was looking forward to it.

Dodoma, as I alluded to earlier, also holds a special place in my heart. That is because that’s where I practically grew up. Shirati is my “genesis” if you will, but Dodoma carries the next many chapters in my life.

How did I end up in Dodoma from Shirati? See, when my father died in 1974, my elder sister took over the caretaking of the family. She was in her early twenties, but she sacrificed to live with my older brother and me. She was then teaching at Chamwino Primary School when she took the uphill task.

I was then very little, but I witnessed UNICO, a construction company work on Arusha Road/Area C roads. Trust me, it has been nearly 30 years and those roads are rock solid. It is laughable that newly constructed roads are disintegrating. In case you wanted to know, I graduated from Kiwanja cha Ndege Primary School and later Dodoma Secondary School, before hitting Shycom in Shinyanga for high school.

Dodoma is where I formed my lifelong friendships. I don’t know about you, but friends I formed during my formative years have been my forever friendships.

Before you hit Kizota from Singida, the road magically become paved again. I wonder what the Singida folks did to Kajima, the Japanese company working on the road. I was surprised to see how Dodoma has expanded from the years I left town.

The town was as chilly as ever. As June was a dry season, the dusty winds blew the same way. I stayed with my sister who still lives in Dodoma. She no longer teaches, but she is still very much involved in education as an inspector.

I noticed that Dodoma has positively changed in some aspects. The Kuu Street, which is the main street, has been beautified with street lights. In addition, the street also boasts of a Nyerere Memorial Park. The park was absolutely awesome, particularly if you have time to relax after work or over the weekend.

I was anxious to see how my alma mater, Dodoma Secondary School looked like. Just like what I saw in Shinyanga, my old beloved old school is also suffering from a culture of destruction. See when I was attending Dom Sec, the school compound was fenced and everything kept beautiful. The story is quite different as the fence is gone and folks coming from the nearby Makole section of the town crosses right in the middle of the school.

The most amazing thing is this: Pascal Degera, who used to be my headmaster, is an MP for Kondoa South and he spends most of his time at the Bunge building in town. I wonder why he is not stopping by now and then to scold the current headmaster for letting the school disintegrate.
What I was truly hungry for was Mnadani. To my disappointment, I was informed that the weekend barbeque festivities have died. The mnada was moved from Mnadani to Kizota and the craze just died. For anyone who has ever been to Mnadani, you can definitely agree with me that the place offered the best barbeque in the whole wide world.

I tried to compensate my cravings with some organic barbeque chicken right in town center, but it wasn’t the same.

My few days in town came to an end and I had to leave town. Dar was calling me one more time before I caught my flight back “home”.

Another Bundle...Of Joy

2008-09-21T13:31:00.005-04:00

So it was...on Friday, September 19, 2008 at 11:18 am, weighing 7 pounds and 2 ounces, Mr. Hans Otelo entered our world!

[I just didn't add, standing in the blue corner, from Shirati by the way of Columbus, with the record of 12-0, all by KOs, the reigning champ....]

The man was welcome at St. Ann's hospital, Columbus, Ohio.

I know the cycle starts all over again - diapers, sleepless nights (very possible) and all the routines that goes with an addition of a new member to the family, but it is all worth it.

Besides, my heart is so grateful to the only awesome God that I serve for blessing. So I give Him the glory, honor and praise.

To friends who called, flocked the hospital room, and just stood in the gap with prayers, thank you.

Bongo Series: Next Stop…Cap City

2008-09-18T21:45:00.001-04:00

The walk-up call at the hotel actually worked. I was able to get to the bus stand on time. Apparently, all buses are required to adhere to some standard and fixed schedules. That being the case, the bus I took to Dodoma left the bus station at 6pm on the dot. I was impressed.

At the bus stand, I had to buy two huge “Rambo” bags (anyone relating?) for covering my luggage. I was forewarned that it gets dusty on the stretch between Singida and Dodoma. As I didn’t want my bag to look like they had been dug from the ground, I complied.

The road from Mwanza to Dar-es-Salaam, being paved and all; is such a huge relief. I was trying to imagine the old days when a train ride from Dar-es-Salaam to Mwanza used to take more than 36 hours. The central road link, I must admit, has made travel easier between the Lake zone and the Coastal zone.

It roughly took the bus two hours from Mwanza to Shinyanga. It used to take more than six hours to make the same trip. The bus made stop at the Shinyanga and I was excited to see the town again. The last time I was in that town was 1993, when I officially graduated from Shinyanga Commercial Institute (Shycom).

It was kind of sad to see that the town has not changed much after 15 years. My own alma mater (Shycom) only showed signs of regression as opposed to progression. The Shinyanga railway station looked beaten up and ready to die. I guess I will never understand some things relating to the Tanzanian way of life. I mean, wouldn’t you expect things to improve over time?

Did I mention the fact that even some parts of the road are starting to disintegrate and it seems like nobody cares?

Oh well.

I have been through Manyoni, but never Singida “mjini”. That is because the train ride never really gave anyone an opportunity to go through Singida mjini. I just wanted to experience that. So when the bus actually made the rounds around Singida, my neck was sticking out, just to let my eyes wonder.

Oh, let me talk about the road a little bit. As I was talking about the regressive culture in Tanzania, one thing came to mind. You know how the metal (tin) road signs are typically vandalized? I guess the folks who constructed the Mwanza – Dodoma road had a better idea to beat the cultural tendencies. They actually made the road signs in concrete. The outcome has been nothing more than positive. It seem vandals are not bothering to steal useless pieces of rock mixed solidified in cement (because once you destroy the road signs, that’s what it turns into – useless pieces of cemented rock).

I thought that was work of a genius.

Generally, there was nothing exciting. It was the same old same, unless you want me to talk about how the vegetation changes from Tabora to Singida and Dodoma. Well, let me talk about that then, because probably no one will. As you leave Tabora to the more central part – that is Singida and Dodoma – trees get shorter and thornier. Even more, wind gusts increase and it get chillier.

The only “exciting” thing, probably, was that we got a flat tire and that has to be fixed. No long from the area where we got the flat tire, the dusty road began. I must admit, I thanked those kids in Mwanza who sold me a Rambo bag. Otherwise, my bags would have looked like there were dug from the ground. No kidding.

I was just glad to finally be in Dodoma, for this place also holds a special place in my heart.

Bongo Series: Mwanza...Here I Come

2008-09-03T21:36:00.008-04:00

My “short” stay in Shirati came to an end I had to head out. My itinerary indicated that I was supposed to pass through Dodoma, and going through the central line made more sense. I was really looking forward to Mwanza.

The road to Mwanza took me to Tarime again. I found a bus that promised to leave on time only to end up staying at the Tarime bus stand for over an hour. I regret being naïve, but next time I visit Tanzania, watanikoma.

The ride to Mwanza literally took me through a memory lane. In the old days, the Kirumi Bridge was not there. Crossing the Mara River required the use of a pontoon. As a kid, it was such a scary thing to be on that “boat” with all those people, cars, buses and things. Obviously, when the pontoon was broken down, folks crossed over to Musoma through Kinesi by boat.

As usual, the bus had the three most important persons – the driver, the conductor and the “tandboi”. I wonder why this combination is still intact.

Sadly, I had forgotten all the little towns along the way, save Bunda. Maybe I easily recalled Bunda because in the old days, the bus from Tarime/Mwanza would stop there for a tea break. Man, I would like to go on record saying this – Bunda has the best tea in the whole of Mara! (This is especially for my wife – honey, I am not hungry; so hunger is not impairing my judgment)

For folks who have never been on the Tarime/Musoma to Mwanza road, just a few miles from Bunda, you could actually see zebras, antelopes and other wild animals grazing. Unfortunately, I was seating on the “wrong” side of the bus and couldn’t take any pictures. I tried passing on my camera to one gentleman with a better view, but he only ended up getting good shots of meaningless trees and grass. He got a few zebras, but the pictures are so fuzzy. I was grateful for his attempt though.

My level of trust for this bus service dipped so low when we had a breakdown. Yeah, I know that stuff happens, but I was ticked off already by the fact that the bus didn’t take off at Tarime on time. Surprisingly, it appears I was the only one minding. The rest of the passengers were just taking it easy. I guess the American life has conditioned me to expect the best service all the time. Through these experiences I saw my expectations crumbling down.

Such is life.

I know Iringa is mountainous and all, but the Mwanza atmosphere is the best. The bus made a final stop at Nyakato. Obviously, that did not go well with folks who wanted their final stop to be downtown Mwanza. The bus conductor and the driver made their appeal about the traffic police being hard on them blah blah blah... I couldn’t argue with them, since I didn’t have any clue of the rules in Mwanza. I had intended to go all the way to downtown, but I resorted to calling my host to pick me up.

My host was my cousin. I stopped by his house, luckily, in Nyakato. I had called him earlier to buy me a bus ticket for Dodoma. I was informed that buses from Mwanza to Dodoma/Morogoro/Dar starts off the journey at Nyegezi. Nyegezi, obviously, is miles away from Nyakato. If I had to be at the bus stand at 5:30 am from Nyakato, I had to stay awake all night. The resolution was for me to spend a night in Nyegezi.

After pleasantries with my cousin’s wife and kids, I headed off to Nyegezi.

I was able to secure lodging at a very “fancy” hotel – Millennium something. The hotel was nice. I Tanzanian lingo, each room was “self-contained”. The only thing was, there was no running water, so I had to call for a bucket of water. Did I mention having a flat screen TV in the room? Obviously, no HBO, but plenty of satellite channels to surf. I wasn’t in a mood for TV, so I chose instead to enjoy my $30 bed.

By Tanzanian standards, $30 a night was plenty of money. Nonetheless, given the security at the hotel, wake-up call availability and the closeness to the bus stand, I was not ready to whine.

I was just sad I didn’t get to see much of Mwanza as I had wanted to.

Bongo Series: The Shirati Experience

2008-08-25T19:56:00.002-04:00

Though Shirati is my home, I have only lived there for less than 25% of my entire life. Regardless, I find comfort in knowing that the very reason I got out is searching for life. Amazingly, I still have this deep sense of belongingness. How else could I consider the place where my late father rests?

That is where I have the fondest childhood memories. This is where the kids in the neighborhood (almost all related somehow) would gather to play games on a bright moonlit night. That is where I got whacking by any adult for breaking societal “rules”. This is where I still have the best memories of my old Sunday school choir singing. This is the place I whooped the entire Sunday school class in memorizing Psalms 23, winning a box of crayons.

Since I partly attended primary school in Shirati, this is where my mom used to wait for me on a school closing day (typically late May and November) to find out what position I held in class (not bragging, but I used to kick some major butts, which means thee number one position was almost guaranteed). This is where as I poor kid I used to go to the local market (Sayote) to help my mom sell whatever – onions, dried sardines, fruits, etc – to make ends meet.

This is where my heart still beats when I approach the town. In a nutshell, I have strong social and emotional ties to Shirati. That is where I still draw some of my life aspirations.

So what does a man do when he lays his eyes on his mom after a long time? Of course he can’t just help but to embrace her, hug her and let the tears of joy run down his cheek. How couldn’t I? This is the lady who has sacrificed everything for me. This is the lady who, when there was nothing else she could do, just turned to prayers. This is the lady who put structure, discipline, love, wisdom and character into my heart and mind.

Well, let me get you off my emotional side.

The best part of my experience in Shirati was meeting on of my brothers. I had not met the guy for roughly 14 years. We just happened to have different schedules and life situations for that entire time. In celebration, something had to go down. One my cousins sold me a goat for some serious barbeque. If felt like there was nothing better than sitting under a well shaded guava tree enjoying organic barbeque roast.

Or by the way, I was told that I had just missed the mangoes’ season. See, we have about four mangoes trees at our compound. Boy, when you hit the right season, you could actually sit under the tree and enjoy your day, if you know what I mean. Papayas don’t go out of season, but I guess they are the fruits folks like me take for granted. So I really didn’t get excited about papayas.

I am trying to ignore the countless chickens that were gone just to entertain me. This is one of the things about my culture: when guest arrives, especially if the guest is somehow regarded as special, they have to get a special treatment. That treatment includes chasing a “jogoo” around just for the guest. It is almost uncouth to reject the meal, regardless of the similar stops you had previously made. What can I say; it was definitely nice to be treated as a king.

Adding to my fun’s list, I went to the open market. The town holds an open market every Monday at Obwere. In the old days, great soccer games would be scheduled on that day. Unfortunately, Obwere lost its allure and great soccer games are played at Sota, a lakeshore town. I was told Sota has improved economically and teams get more gate collection playing there. In the old days, you would see folks biking home with full-length sugarcanes. I think the story goes that to impress a girl in those days all you had to do was to buy her very long uncut sugarcane. Maybe folks got sophisticated that the hook is now prepaid cell phone vouchers.

I was just glad the open market tradition has not died away.

Along with the good times, it was also easy to be heartbroken. That is because there were numerous monetary issues presented for my resolution. The saddest part is that I couldn’t solve everything. I am not rich by any means, but I can lead a decent life. When I saw folks you I attended school with struggling to put decent clothes on their children’s backs, I had to be very humbled. I know I had to study and work hard for what I have, but seriously, who wakes up in the morning resolving to be poor?

Before I left I had an opportunity to visit a piece of land that my father acquired over 50 years ago. As my dad passed on when I was only three years old, I never knew him. Standing on the very property that he acquired long before I was born helped me see what kind of a man he was. And that is more of a visionary. Hopefully, someday my boys would look back and think of me in those terms.

Regardless, Shirati is where my heart is.

Bongo Series: Cell Phone Effect...(2)

2008-08-21T19:56:00.003-04:00

As I had mentioned in one of my previous posts, cell phones have transformed the way people communicated and conduct a myriad of affairs in Tanzania. In addition to ability of folks to arrange with cab drivers on pickup and drop-off times, there are plenty of many other ways.

I landed in Tarime from Nairobi around 6/7am in the morning. Surprisingly, some traders in the local market near the bus stand had already opened up their stalls. As I wanted to take with me some items that I presumed my mom wanted, I simply called Shirati and my sister gave me the shopping list!

As insignificant as that could sound to some, that is a major shift from the old ways. Seriously, I could have gone all the way to Shirati unaware of what my family needed. I found myself appreciating the availability of cell phones in Tanzania. And I am sure the experience is the same for most developing countries.

I later learned that even traders in the outlying areas like Shirati who typically buy wholesale items from Mwanza do not make a trip unless they have called and verified the availability of goods. In some cases, traders don’t even travel. They simply call in, place their order, and arrange for bus services to deliver. Talking about efficiency? I believe that is it.

Despite all the good cell phones have brought along, my mother thinks cell phones are evil. She claims cell phones have increased marital affairs. I kind of smiled at that and negated my mother’s premise.

I can understand where my mom is coming from. But her argument is similar to the argument that folks tend to make about money. For instance, some would argue that money turns folks into liquor heads. Well, my argument is that money elevates your true nature. If one has a charitable spirit, the more money they get, the more they give. Likewise, if a drunkard has no money, they won’t drink. The more money they get, the more money there is for drinking.

I could be flawed somewhere in there, but that’s what I see.

With regards to cell phones, I believe they don’t turn anyone into a player. I heard of underground stories about cheating husbands and wives in Shirati before cell phones hit the airwaves. In a nutshell, a sneak is a sneak, cell phone or no cell phone.

If there is any negative I see in cell phones, is that they have caused in a shift in priorities. I mean, you I saw see folks with a $300 handset, while struggling to buy vouchers. I guess some people find status symbols in strange places.

Did I mention the fact that Celtel, Tigo, Vodacom and Zantel are killing Tanzanians? Try “talking” on a $10 voucher and see….
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Credit credit: Food For Thought

Bongo Series: The Nairobi Connection

2008-08-19T20:47:00.004-04:00

After my short stay in Arusha, I had to fulfill my schedule. Shirati was calling. When in Arusha or Moshi, the easiest way to reach Tarime/Musoma/Mwanza, believe it or not, is through Nairobi. Though passing through Kenya is a long distance, the paved road allows for a quicker trip. I had to follow the crowd.

Being unaware of which buses actually provide a better service, I had to allow my hosts to do the searching. I don’t recall the name of the bus, but I was promised this is one of the best buses on my intended safari. Man, I learned very quickly that quality of service is all subjective.

For one, I had no guaranteed seat. According to the ticket office clerk, the Arusha office could only figure out seat availability once the bus landed in Arusha from Dar. When the bus finally arrived in Arusha, I was given the very last seat at back end of the bus!

Why do I talk about my sitting allocation? The ride from Arusha to Namanga was the bumpiest ever! The bus was “sophisticated” with seatbelts and all (I guess the bus owners knew what passengers typically go through and providing seatbelts would ease the pain a bit), but I had to hang on to bars on the seat in front of me, otherwise I would have even crashed my unmentionables.

So I had just to figure out what my hosts meant by this bus being “great”. It meant it got to Mwanza faster, but not necessarily safely. Since a portion of the Arusha-Namanga road was dusty, I wish I had a mirror to see how much dust my eyelashes had collected by the time we got to Namanga.

Crossing the boarder was uneventful. I just felt that the immigration folks at Namanga were bored going through the same routine, probably night after night. They spend very little time looking at passports, even temporary travel documents. I couldn’t figure out why the Namanga area had so many Somalis.

I have to admit, the culture in Kenya is way different from that of Tanzania. I think Tanzanians exude this aura of gentleness, while Kenyans a bit rough on the edges. On our way to Nairobi after crossing the boarder, we got stopped by the Kenyans police at one checkpoint. One of the passengers had to go, so they went behind the bus to ease the pressure. Well, a female Kenyan police saw him and grabbed him for “polluting the environment”. I thought that was crazy, given that there are no rest areas, both on the Tanzanian and Kenyan side!

We had to spend additional ten minutes or so for the passenger to be rescued. Given the culture in Tanzania and Kenya, I am sure some currencies exchanged hands for the release of this poor passenger.

We got to Nairobi close to midnight. I was hungry and I wasn’t sure if the bus would stop anywhere for a late dinner, given a sense of urgency the driver and other bus operators were exhibiting all the time. Luckily, they stopped at a restaurant where the owner spoke very good Swahili and accepted both the Tanzania and Kenyan shillings.

Trust me, everything could be an experience. The restaurant was a “self-serve” type of joint. You pick what you want and you head to the counter to pay. No one was waiting tables. I picked what I wanted and headed to the cashier and I was surprised at the way the guy behind was shoving and pushing me, competing with to get the cashier’s attention. I had to ask why he wasn’t giving me my personal space, and he just gave me a puzzled look asking me in return, “we vipi, nimekubana wapi”?

It just hit me that I was looking at life through different lenses. Personal space? I felt embarrassed for demanding a personal space in a situation where it was OK to breathe on someone else’s neck.

We got back to the bus and headed towards Sirari. Upon reaching Nairobi, I was fortunate enough to secure a better seat. I don’t recall much on the way to Sirari as I was dosing off. I only woke up when the bus conductor made the “passport” announcement. I obliged, getting off the bus to face a chilly weather in Sirari.

At around five o’clock in the morning there were actually ladies selling porridge and tea at the boarder. I guess they have been there long enough to know that there are customers who would buy porridge that early in the morning. Honestly, I didn’t care for no porridge, I was just anxious to get to Tarime so that I could find my way to Shirati. Furthermore, I was just glad to cross over to the Tanzanian side, it just felt comforting to know I was in a place where I belonged.

Bongo Series: The Arusha Experience

2008-08-12T19:52:00.003-04:00

After my short stay in Moshi, I headed to Arusha. I had never spent a night in Arusha so the idea was so exciting for me. We had private ride to Arusha, so we didn’t have the whole “kuchimba dawa” experience.

Before we left for Arusha, my cousin, who provided the ride for me, had to do some banking in Moshi. Trust me; banking in Tanzania could be a whole day affair. I know folks in Tanzania can’t do anything about it; I could not help but wonder how banking is insufficient and a bottleneck in doing business. Long lines weren’t only at the counter, but even at the ATM!

I know this is just shooting some breeze, but why in the world isn’t any bank; especially locally owned banks, try to differentiate themselves from the competition by opening more branches based on the population served? Unless the banks make more money through what seems to me as inefficiencies.

On the way, we stopped to do some “grocery shopping”. I know I sound like a mzungu, but man, you have no idea the last time I saw ladies selling green peppers, avocado, onions, etc on the roadside in buckets. So cut me some slack, would you? I just wished I was living on those grocery prices here in Columbus. Man, the savings alone would have been enough to make a mini millionaire. Imagine a bucketful of fresh, cheap organic avocados!

My apologies if I made you hungry.

I had to give it up to Arusha municipality. The city is not as clean as Moshi, but at the same token way cleaner than Dar-es-Salaam. I couldn’t help but notice that the city had plenty of street lights. Well, wenyeji informed me that the lights were not installed simply because the city was so much in love with the taxpayers; the street lights were installed to impress the Sullivan Summit attendees.

Pheew!

To me this street light story made me think of what I have been saying all along on this blog. It is very hard to make progress unless Tanzanians make a paradigm shift. While it is a good thing that the street lights remain behind for the benefit of Arusha residents, I believe it is wrong mentality to erect street lights simply because wageni are coming!

Seriously, when was the last time you heard the city of New York or Washington DC is erecting street lights to impress Jakaya Kikwete? These cities do what they do for the benefit of their residents, nothing more.

Will we ever come to the point of doing wonderful things with ourselves in mind? Don’t we deserve the best of things?

Despite all that, I just enjoyed watching my Maasai brothers stroll down the streets in their traditional attire. Sullivan Summit or not, the Maasais rock!

Bongo Series: Gold In Dust

2008-08-06T10:51:00.001-04:00

The bus ride to Moshi was uneventful. I must admit this, and this is not to pull for my “mashemeji”, Moshi is probably the cleanest city in the entire Tanzania. I am sure the municipality has found a way to defy what is typical of Tanzania – ineptitude and lack of accountability. I was impressed.

I was accommodated at my brother-in-law’s lodge. The co-owner of the lodge is my brother-in-law’s girlfriend, who is originally from Finland. Why do I bring the lodge story up? I will tell you in a minute.

The next very morning I headed to visit my father-in-law. A cousin of mine, who is working in Arusha, was kind enough to drive that morning and accompany me.

And back to the lodge thing.

I truly believe that having an international exposure is adequate to open one’s eyes. I found it interesting that this Finnish girl, who is a co-owner of the lodge, found a viable business idea only after visiting Tanzania as a student. For ethical reasons I can’t go into details about this couple’s business model, but in a nutshell, the lodge provides accommodation for tourists, volunteers, and students in a bed and breakfast type of a venture.

How do you they stand their ground? By providing a little better service in a smaller scale compared to what typical hotels or hostels in the Moshi provide. Obviously, they provide other services in extension to what they have.

I learned all this while having casual conversations with this mzungu girl. And given her “success” in Tanzania despite her citizenship, I had to ask about potential moneymaking opportunities in Tanzania.

This is what I gathered from the mzungu: The fact of the matter is that the majority of local folks in Moshi, where she drew her reference, are poor economically. As such, what really drives the Moshi’s (and Arusha for that matter) economy and brings easy liquidity is tourism.

Despite the fact that most Tanzanians in Moshi depend to mzungu’s money, tourists and even “expatriates” find the quality of service offered by most Tanzanian businesses to be poor. For instance, she frequents certain shops, despite higher prices compared to competitors, simply because she would get what she wants on a timely basis.

She advised that the best way to succeed in the Moshi/Arusha area is to take advantage of poor services offered by other business ventures. Not only that, position your antenna towards the mzungus, who happened to have a stronger purchasing power.

Was this mzungu extreme with her expectations? I don’t think so. I had an opportunity to converse with an indigenous Tanzania tour operator who also complained about the poor quality of service in Tanzania.

I hope someone will pay attention to this information. If not, I might jump on it myself. I never thought poor service in Tanzania could actually provide golden opportunities, but I guess “tembea uone” saying has a true practical meaning.

Bongo Series: Going To Moshi

2008-07-29T19:24:00.003-04:00

Given all I had to accomplish in Bongoland, I kept a very tight schedule. Believe it on or not, once I landed in Dar from Iringa, I had to head out to Moshi the next day. Ouch! Nonetheless, someone had to do it.

Given my tight schedule, I had to make sure I had my ticket the day before my travel. Unfortunately, in reaching Ubungo main bus terminal, all the ticket windows were closed. I learned that the terminal leadership instituted strict rules regarding the operation hours of ticket vendors and other activity in the terminal.

Despite the terminal being closed, there were plenty of hustlers trying to dupe me into committing to this and that bus service. I really never studied how the entire bus operation goes in Tanzania, but I got a sense that there are plenty of players in the game looking for a piece of the action. So it is not a surprise to find unofficial salespersons that live on commission.

The worst part is how they would push by providing aggressive suggestions on the quality of the bus service, including departure time and arrival times. None of which were true. I just decided to settle for coming early the next day, when true ticket salespersons were available.

I don’t even recall the name of the bus, but it must have been Kilimanjaro something. For the fare, speed and the “free” sodas and cookies, I couldn’t have enjoyed the ride to Moshi even more.

Just on a personal note, I was going to Moshi to visit my father-in-law. I could have gone to visit him anyways, but this visit was a bit emotional for me, as my mother-in-law had passed on early in March.

Was there anything interesting on the way? Let me see…there was this cashew nuts vendor who boarded the bus in Chalinze. Well, I thought the guy was going all the way to Moshi, only to disembark at one small village along the road. I couldn’t help but wonder, how was the guy going to get back to Chalinze (if that is his base), board another bus?

Again, I have never been into roasted cashew nut vending business. Man, there are so many things in life to learn.

The kicker for me on this trip? Kuchimba dawa. There are some traveling “traditions” that you would think are long gone. Boy, was I wrong! Just as we were somewhere in Tanga region, someone got “squeezed” (what is the proper English translation for “kubanwa”?). As usual, the driver pulled over by the road side and made the usual “kuchimba dawa” announcement.

Well, folks obliged.

Quite naturally, I took advantage, along other passengers, to relieve myself. Of course I wondered why this tradition has not died, but as I watered my plants, I also pondered over the idea of whether this was pollution, fertilization or straight up indecent exposure….

I guess I will never know, as I can’t go back and identified my “dawa” which I “chimbered”. And on the indecent exposure part, I think I can rule that out. Man, the whole bus was doing it. Can’t the fact that “everybody” was doing it be an excuse in the court of law?

Bongo Series: The Cell Phone Effect

2008-07-24T09:24:00.003-04:00

Life in Tanzania is full of inconveniences. Inconveniences, in this context, are purely from a western perspective. Let me give you an example. For the many years I have been in the United States, I have not warmed water on a stove; pour it on a bucket to take a shower. Well, while that could be a hustle if you are not used to it, it is all fine. Nobody has died in Tanzania for taking a bath from a bucket.

Despite getting used to the reality as it is, I am convinced that Tanzanians like little conveniences that technology could bring. One of them is cell phones.

Remember the story of a tractor driver who pulled up his tractor in the middle of the road? Well, the dude could have violated many traffic rules, but one thing is for sure. He was able to get whatever information he wanted instantly. I don’t know where the guy was going, but try to imagine this: what is the guy was going to pick up a load, only to find out that the owner had left two hours ago? Can you see the amount of gasoline the tractor’s owner could have burned for nothing?

So while in Iringa, this is what I encountered. We had hired a taxi to drop my host and I home. As I was leaving for Dar the next day, my host informed the taxi driver that we would like to enjoy his services the next day. What ensued were the negotiation of the taxi fare and an exchange of phone numbers. The cab was to come pick me up the next day. Deal closed.

As I watched my host interact with the taxi driver, I knew cell phones have transformed the way people live in Tanzania forever. What if the taxi driver didn’t have a cell phone? Were we supposed to walk all the way to the city center and bring back a cab to carry my luggage early in the morning?

In some ways, I am glad TTCL was horrible in offering landline services. Otherwise, Vodacom, Celtel and the entire gang wouldn’t have much to sell. Viva...err…whoever invented cell phones and brought them to Tanzania!

Photo credit: Food For Thought

Paul Kagame: Relevant Than Mandela?

2008-07-22T13:18:00.003-04:00

My promise to bring you my experience in Bongo still stands, but I thought of sharing my reflections on Paul Kagame. I will tell you why in a minute.

My job requires traveling. As such, I get a privilege of reading news for “free”. I still don’t know why most hotels in the US have chosen US Today as their favorite newspaper, but I do enjoy a “free” reading anyways. So I just happened to pick my copy of the paper today and guess what was the main headline? “American finding purpose in hopes for Africa’s future”.

You can also find the electronic version right here.

The story has so many angles, but what caught my attention a quote from Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose Drive Life book and a pastor of the Saddleback Church, based in California. This is what he said about Paul Kagame: “He is going to be more important to Africa than (Nelson) Mandela…He's the George Washington of Africa. I don't state that lightly."

That is a statement that the entire African continent shouldn’t take lightly either.

In his own words, quoted from the US Today newspaper, Paul Kagame has described himself as a purpose driven man. But is he?

I have relatives who do business in Tanzania. In my recent visit to Tanzania, I had a chance to chat with them. Their extensive travel experience has afforded them an opportunity to visit Rwanda. In a nutshell, they were amazed at how Rwanda has progressed in a short-time, despite all the negative experiences that the country encountered in early 1990s.

I was unaware of this, but the current trend for the haves in Tanzania is to shop in South Africa. Well, my relatives told me at the speed at which Rwanda is transforming their country, Tanzania international shoppers will change direction heading west of the boarder. They were certain of that. And that could be what Rick Warren has seen.

I didn’t interview Rick Warren to understand why he views Paul Kagame as potentially more relevant to the African continent in comparison to Nelson Mandela. Nevertheless, I’m convinced I have enough understanding of the role Mandela played to get Pastor Warren’s viewpoint.

In so many ways, Nelson Mandela’s fight wasn’t a fight about internal forces (though he had to overcome internal struggles). His victory was over external, visible forces. His victory was over the apartheid system that was imposed on the black South Africans. He provided a model for resiliency. He provided a model for the power of having a vision and a dream. Mandela provided inspiration and the possibilities of victory even in the most difficult situations. He inspired folks beyond South Africa.

Nevertheless, Mandela’s victory over apartheid did not stop the emergence of dictatorial tendencies from Robert Mugabe, just in the neighborhood of Mandela. Mandela’s victory over apartheid did not provide answers to electoral problems in Kenya or atrocities in Sudan. In a nutshell, Mandela’s victory over apartheid did not do much to challenge or change Africa’s self-destruction.

Briefly stated, Mandela’s victory over apartheid just didn’t bring with it a new model for economic and social progress in Africa.

It is due to the failure of Nelson Mandela’s story to propel the creation of a new Africa that Paul Kagame could become a champion of a new Africa. I have always been of an opinion that in order for Africa to change, there must be a sense of personal responsibility and a paradigm change. I have always brought forth arguments on this space that white folks are not intellectually superior to any folks of the Negroid origin. It is just the western world has embraced certain development principles, both on a personal and national level.

Given lack of evidence that Rwanda has received more donors’ funds than other African countries, Paul Kagame must be doing something different.

I’m certain he has realized that certain principles, particularly development principles, are beyond culture, religion, history, time and space. I am sure he has realized that talking about potential is one thing, but realizing that potential is another. I am sure Paul Kagame has realized that the color of one’s skin, while has historically been relevant to certain experiences, does not stop one from building a brand new future.

Surely, Mandela has his place in the African history, but it would be nice to have a new direction for Africa. I just can’t wait for the day Paul Kagame will prove Rick Warren’s prophecy to be true. I can’t wait for the day that Paul Kagame will write a new chapter in the history of the African continent.

And why not? The guy has already built a country from ashes, while Mugabe has destroyed Zimbabwe.

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Photo credit: Paul Kagame's Official Website

Bongo Series: The Iringa Experience

2008-07-21T20:00:00.001-04:00

One of the things that I found out about going home for vacation is that time is never enough. You always get a feeling that scheduling is difficult, especially when you have so much to do. Just for the records, I am not from Iringa, but my vacation involved visiting Iringa for some personal business.

The best part about this trip was that it was my first to Iringa. Given my relatively extensive travel, I didn’t have any jitters we typically get when travelling to a whole new place, instead I was excited. I wanted to see the town that Mjengwa calls his work station. I wanted to see all those high mountains folks talk about. I wanted to experience the chilly temperatures that some complain about…

The trip to Iringa was uneventful. I boarded Scandinavian bus. When I asked around for the best bus service, I was given a host of possibilities. For some reasons, some were knocking Scandinavian as outdated. If you ask me, I would still recommend Scandinavian. Despite their fleet being “old”, their drivers are actually very careful and cautious on the road. The driver of our bus to Iringa did not overtake any vehicle in front unless he had a clear view.

That gave me comfort and a reason to relax.

The care exercised by Scandinavian bus drivers, as I found out, is what irks some passengers. I mean, can you believe that some passengers actually incite drivers to speed up? Well, maybe I am old fashioned, but I’d rather get wherever I am going safely than never at all. The rate of road fatalities in Tanzania probably proves my philosophical stand a wise one.

True to the “complaints”, Iringa happened to be chilly. Just to my personal delight, the mountain scenes are just beautiful. Folks, let the truth be told, Tanzania is just beautiful. Can I brag a little?

I have no idea where Iringa stands in terms of local economic performance. Regardless, I just felt the region has plenty of potential, if the region can fully capitalize on the natural resources endowed to her. I know that sounds like a political cliché, but I am just giving my take.

For all y’all who have never been to Iringa, Iringa is a mini-Mwanza sans the lake. I liked that about the town. The town has also the Dodoma feel, especially the occasional winds that sweep the dust off the ground to pedestrians’ faces. Other than that, it is just another third-world town, with the majority of the roads still lacking the durable tarmac coating.

I had an opportunity to visit Tumaini University. Given the size of most universities in America, the campus is relatively small. Nonetheless, I was impressed with the general environment of the campus. I have one question though. Why is it that Tanzanians like to create “panya roads” on grass grounds? I mean, here you have a beautiful campus, but with plenty of “panya roads”!

I can’t comprehend it. Personally, it just irks me.

One phenomenon that I observed is that many Tumaini students do not live on campus. Some rent houses close to campus. That to me was an investment opportunity. Given my experience in an American university, I understand how apartment developers make a killing. That is due to a steady demand of customers, with only limited supply. While Tumaini University offers dormitories, these dormitories are expensive and offer little in value compared to what students can get elsewhere. So how does a developer make a killing? Offer amenities that both TU dormitories and local houses cannot.
Well, there you go. I have given you useful information.

Just one thing before I let you go. Early in the day, my host and I were walking to the town center from the dwelling quarters. It just happened that there was a tractor coming our way, pulling a cart. The driver’s cell rang. The guy calmly stopped the tractor, switched the tractor’s engine off and started conversing with the other party.

There was absolutely nothing wrong with the guy stopping, switching off the tractor’s engine, and conversing with his caller, except for one minor detail. He stopped right in the middle of the road!
I am too westernized? I wondered and still wondering.

Bongo Series: The Reality

2008-07-14T16:01:00.003-04:00

It is very easy for folks to regard you as a pretender when you first land in Dar. There are funny little things that you could do. Excluding this latest trip back home, I had gone to Tanzania in December of 2004 and my brother had come to pick me up from the airport. Knowing that I could not drive in Dar, I had slowly headed towards the “passengers” side. I didn’t realize what was happening, until I saw my brother’s wicked smile!

Please raise your mouse if you can relate. Sometimes, your brain just goes on auto drive. So this time around, I headed towards the true passengers’ side. I had learned my lesson in 2004!

On our way home, my brother-in-law, who came to pick me up from the airport slid a question to me: What tells that one has finally landed in Dar?

I had decided to enjoy my trip this time around. I learned that opening a critical eye all the time could spoil even moments that should be savored. But here I was, being asked to compare and contrast between my daily experiences in Columbus to that in Dar-es-Salaam. To keep the conversation going, I had to give my response.

Apart from the heat wave, Dar provided me with a sense of chaos. I don’t remember the last time I heard random honking in Columbus. Probably, I never will. Not only that, but there are subtle cultural differences that speaks a loud welcoming language. One of them is the recognition of personal space. While it is a “crime” to crowd another individual in Columbus, it isn’t so in Dar-es-Salaam. It is OK to breathe on the other person’s neck while standing in line for the immigration check-out. Did I also mention those askaris walking aimlessly at the airport with sticks or clubs?

Another cultural difference is a sense of casualness from “professionals”. I was amazed at how the immigration officers acted as if the passengers, and even they, had all day. I can never imagine any office in the States (even government offices in the States which are notorious for laxity) that could to the extent you see in Bongoland.

I don’t know what my brother-in-law thought of my comments, but I had to be honest. But again, this is a guy who got his first degree in Australia and his graduate degree in Sweden. I guess he had forgotten the difference between those countries and Bongoland after assimilation!

For me, there were mixed feelings once I stepped into the Dar open air. There was a sense of freedom and belongingness. On the other hand, there was a feeling of strangeness. I felt belonging because I was among people who truly know me. There was sense of pride, as I just landed in the very country that gave birth to me. On the other hand, anxiety crept in. I knew I was getting out of my daily routine I was used to in Columbus. I mean, as strange as it could sound, it is an adjustment going to the bathroom squatting as opposed to sitting and reading a magazine. It is an adjustment showering using a bucket as opposed to a shower!

On the way, we stopped at a “super market”. I know some people hate free-market economy in Tanzania (I couldn’t blame them, as bad implementation of a good idea typically results in a resented outcome). Nevertheless, the existence of a “super market” in Mtoni Kijichi, as opposed to “affluent” places like Oyster Bay speaks volume of the positives that free-market economy has come with. Obviously, I am ignoring the fact that the majority of the goods in this wonderful store are not made in Tanzania (we could talk about this some other time).
Of the things that I didn’t like about Dar-es-Salaam, traffic jams tops the list. For those in the Diaspora, try to imagine going less than 10 miles in 2 hours. I am not kidding, less than 10 miles in 2 hours. Yep.

This is not to make a comparison between my experience in the West to that in Dar (though I have no point of reference other than the West, really), but it is more for my fellow Tanzanians. I was sitting in this super slow traffic, I couldn’t help but wonder: What about a business person in Mbagala who relies on commuting to and from downtown? How many trips can they make in a day? The saddest part is that even employed folks get up at 5:00am just to make it work at 7:30am or 8:00am!

The worst part is that having your car or boarding a daladala does not make any difference. It is not a surprise, then, that many people opt for walking. I was amazed at a long line of pedestrians climbing the Mtoni Mtongani “hill”. I later learned that pedestrians actually beat cars in short distances.

As I sit in the ride home and mesmerizing at my first few hours in Dar, I just couldn’t help but let my mind do the wondering: Was I ready to enjoy the City where pedestrians go faster than cars?

Despite of all things I still had to discover, I knew one thing for sure: I was so craving for organic chicken or beef barbecue. Nyama choma anyone? Ain’t anything better than a really good nyama choma and a cold Coke (Sorry Jeff Msangi, I don’t drink that hard stuff).

Bongo Series: On My Way Home

2008-07-09T17:13:00.001-04:00

Going back home is always nerve wrecking. It could be because it breaks ones daily routine. For me, I was probably anxious because of all the things I had to do and places to go. But above all, I think the main reason for my anxiety was that I was equally excited.

The flight to Tanzania, from New York to Dubai was uneventful. Obviously, just boarding the plane - particularly the Emirates flight that I took, brings the reality of stepping into a different place. That is due to the fact that the majority of the passengers weren’t Caucasian, but mainly of Asian descent.

It was refreshing to see a few (I mean a few) of my fellow Bongolanders and Kenyans on the same flight. Nonetheless, I was turned off by the fact that some of them were acting as if they are 110% African-Americans. That really gets to me. It amazes me how a fellow Tanzania can meet you in the USA and look at you as if you aren’t here.

I mean, aren’t we have access to the same JC Penney, Macy’s, Marshalls and Wal-Mart? So why would one think that wearing buggy jeans and Nike sneakers make them any better or special? Could it be that the reason I don’t dress hip-hop is because of a personal choice and not otherwise?

In a nutshell, I saw a couple of those Tanzanian “kids” in the plane.

So let’s get to Dubai…

Nothing special happened there, except for plenty of airport workers who actually speak fluent Swahili.

Landing in Dar….

Nothing brings the reality of being home like landing at JNIA. For one, the whole idea of an international airport disappears. Though JNIA is all we have, it certainly feels like landing at an air field, especially if you have been through some true international airports.

It is not like this was my first trip home, but as I was checking out through immigration; I couldn’t help but notice a heavy stench coming from the toilets nearby. I know the answer already, but let me just ask this rhetoric question, why would one place stinking toilets close the immigration checkpoint?

After grabbing my bags, I headed to the customs area. I was actually impressed that no one asked me for a bribe! Honestly, one the things I expected were for someone to actually give me stupid runarounds for my few things. I was prepared to be patient though.

As I was about to hit the heat wave outside to meet my relatives after smoothly going through customs, a TRA guy stopped me. Amazingly, the guy asked for my passport. I had already gone through immigration and customs, so I was eagerly waiting to hear the reason for a tax guy to ask for my passport. Guess what the guy asked me? He wanted to know where my old passport was (as I used the new Tanzanian passports) and where I renewed my passport. I almost laughed.

Instead of being dramatic (as my relatives where eagerly looking and waiting for me), I calmly told the guy that I renewed my passport at the Tanzanian embassy in Washington, DC. As to where my old passport was, I kindly told him that it was somewhere in my luggage. But then I smoothly asked the guy to read my current passport carefully, I specifically drew his attention to the part where it reads that my passport was still valid for the next eight years!

If I were the old, unwise me, I could have slapped the guy. For one, I had already gone through immigration and customs, which means as a tax guy he had nothing to ask. Secondly, I had no time for senseless questions.

I didn’t ask the guy what he wanted, but I presumed he was looking for a loophole to pierce a hole in my wallet. I stepped out on the warm Dar-es-Salaam air to kiss and hug my loved ones; I couldn’t help but wonder how many of these senseless incidences my fellow Tanzanians go through on a daily basis.

And can you believe that the driver actually drove on the “wrong” side of the road going home?

Bongo Series: The Vacation Overview

2008-07-07T16:37:00.003-04:00

In my last post I hinted that I was feeling burned out about this whole blogging thing. Unlike someone like Michuzi who could pull contents from his line of work, mine requires going an extra mile. Well, that extra kilometer sometimes tolls your mind.

I had to take a break.

However, I did also take a literal break. Where else could Bongolanders like me take a nice little vacation? ….You guessed it right.

So in the next few days…or weeks…I will open my diary for you. I will try to reflect on issues I saw firsthand.

Despite pressing family issues that I had to attend to, the vacation in Tanzania was wonderful. It opened my eyes to positive changes happening in Bongoland and negative things alike. Three weeks in Tanzania wasn’t adequate in my mind, but that time was enough to open my eyes.

So come along in the next few days....

Condemning Mugabe: It Is About Principles

2008-07-02T15:38:00.003-04:00

For a while I didn’t want to write. I didn’t want to think. Thinking drains, if you didn’t know. I just wanted to let the world go by. Besides, what I am accomplishing by blogging? That’s what I thought.

When something is your calling, it is hard to run away from it. You could find all the “logical” reasons to stop, but then when you see issues around you, something in you just burns…

I am back to this spot? I am not sure. I just thought I should something about this Mugabe thing.

Given the historical relationship between Africa and the West, I can understand why the African leaders failed to condemn Robert Mugabe. I can understand the sentiments that ordinary Africans are taught to hold against the West. I can understand the African leaders’ view, which equates condemning Mugabe to sacrificing a brother to fulfill the desires of the Western imperialists.

Nevertheless, if you take a grand view, ain’t there life and general principles that are beyond George W. Bush and Gordon Brown? I mean, ain’t some of those principles so precious that some countries like Tanzania have built their Constitution (e.g. All human are created equal) on? Aren’t those same and valuable principles that Mugabe has repeatedly violated?

So what exactly are the “unique” African principles that make Mugabe worth hugging and laughing with?

I knew African leaders were wimpy, but I never knew they could be wimpy to this horrible extent. I never knew they would actually have the audacity to sacrifice millions of helpless Zimbabweans for the sake of a useless crap like Mugabe.

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Photo credit: Mroki

Poor Inattentive Bongolanders…

2008-05-06T17:37:00.002-04:00

I don’t want to be thought of as a senseless critic. And talking of that, can you have a senseless critic? I think so. To me, a senseless critic is the one who likes to criticize for no good reason other than getting a thrill from shooting everything down. I think a senseless critic is the type that cannot provide an alternative or a good rationale for their criticism.

As much as I have spent much of this blog aiming my guns at those at the top, I also believe the guns should be aimed at an ordinary Tanzania. The reason for it is very simple – leaders are elected among Tanzanians. As such, whatever crazy things leaders do, without serious consequences, should be a reflection of the Tanzanian society in totality.

Just to bring balance into this, I am not suggesting that there are no Tanzanians who know and desire better, but are just stuck in a situation where they feel powerless. I can guarantee you, there are plenty of those. My belief, however, is that the general population has not really been able to define what they want out of Tanzania, and then impose those desires on the leaders.

That is very ideal. However, how can a general population come to that point, if they don’t pay attention to what is happening around them? Come with me.

I picked this story up from Issa Michuzi’s blog. You can read for your own self.

In a nutshell, the story is about an invitation extended by the Tanzanians’ society leader in Detroit, Michigan, Mr. Mfinanga, for people to have an audience with a young Tanzania MP, Mr. Zitto Kabwe. I mean, there was nothing to the story. So I thought.

I really like to read comments dropped by blog readers, just for kicks. That’s where I found the juice. What caught my attention is a series of comments that were dropped by various readers. One of the themes that emerged the criticism and defense of Mr. Mfinanga’s choice of English (whether “broken” or “straight”), as opposed to the “national” language.

Phew!

At the core of those comments is a sense of patriotism. And to be honest, I applaud my fellow Tanzanians who are pushing for a distinct national identity, the Swahili language being one of unique Tanzanian identifiers. Nonetheless, patriotism does not mean rigidity in thinking. To me, patriotism is about protection of national interests, while finding a rational balance in handling global and natural pressures. Sometimes, hard items handle pressure well, and at times flexible items handle pressure well. We have to pick our battle and to know which approach works well. Not only that, but being flexible and ready to change over and over again as the world changes.

So why I am gunning down those who are up and arms against Mr. Mfinanga’s use of English? For one, it is his prerogative to use whatever language he chooses. Being a Tanzanian does not compel you use English. Isn’t Daily News, an English daily newspaper, owned (through their government) by the very people who are shooting down Mr. Mfinanga? The biggest reason for my “anger” is this: while folks are shouting at Mr. Mfinanga, their own government is talking about making English the official teaching language in Tanzania!

Go ahead, read the story.

So at the end of the day, who is stupid?
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Photo Credit: Mjengwa

Thankful for Spiritual Freedom...

2008-04-29T19:32:00.002-04:00

Did I ever tell you that I “love” Tanzania? Well, forget about the NBA’s slogan, “Where amazing happens”. I think the amazing really happens in Tanzania. Some the “amazing” things can actually freak any normal human being out. I mean, where else does the “man-eat-man” actually is practiced?

If you missed it, just revisit this crazy story .

I know I can discuss critical thinking and the ability to put things in the right perspective as the way forward. However, I know that when all fails, there is the Almighty God who is in charge. Can you mix faith and intellect? Absolutely! I do it all the time. If you a bit confused on how that works, please shoot me an email.

Freaky stories like the one above really makes me revere God even more. Such stories makes even more thankful of God’s amazing grace. Even more, I am thankful of the revelation and knowledge of how great it is to have a fear of God. It makes me appreciate the fact that my salvation is unmerited, as I could have very well been in very deep and weird spiritual bondage.

And for all of you have been blessed enough to have the knowledge of what God can do, why wouldn’t just lift up Salome Yohana’s family in prayers? Furthermore, why wouldn’t you pray for the spiritual deliverance of this man-eating young man who is definitely under deep spiritual bondage?

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Photo Credit: Michuzi

MPs Boredom Pill…?

2008-04-17T12:39:00.003-04:00

I don’t want to sound like a prophet of doom, but as it is, Tanzania has a long way to go. Nonetheless, I find comfort in knowing that nothing stays the same. Life has never stopped providing plenty of surprises for all of us. Who knew, for instance, that Robert Mugabe would come to the point of hanging by the cliff’s edge?

So cheer up, Tanzania has better days ahead. I think that the Tanzanian society, especially those that want to keep the status quo, are failing to change and accept the fact that the Tanzanian society is being more informed. Folk are no longer glued to RTD or Uhuru newspaper for information. You could just get the juiciest stories from Jamboforums.

Again, let’s just see what will transpire five years from now.

In my previous post I reflected on the quality of the Tanzanian education. From my point of view, I really think that the Tanzanian education is missing one key ingredient, which is critical thinking. And I think most readers would agree with that.

So let’s just go this story, shall we?

In summary, the above story is about the MP for Kigoma North, Mr. Kabwe’s call for prohibition of MPs from becoming board members of parastatals or government wholly-owned corporations. Personally, I think the call is brilliant, since the central rationale behind that call is that MPs can’t have it both ways. That is, the MPs can’t be in both in the judicial and executive branches. Lawmakers must remain impartial and objective, ideally.

I have blogged on the notion of separation between the judicial and executive branch before. So Hon Kabwe is just picking up where I left.

So wouldn’t you expect that a “reputable” lawyer such as Hon. Nimrod Mkono to get it? Hardly. The guy is actually contending that prohibiting MPs from parastatals’ board membership is equivalent to injustice, since Parliament sessions are so short and that MPs will only end up being idle. Furthermore, Mr. Mkono contented that participation in board meetings would supplement MPs’ income.

Is that amazing or what?

Obviously, there is bucketful one can say about Mr. Mkono’s argument, the summary of which is simply stupidity. If our MPs are only productive during the Bunge sessions, then something is wrong. What about using the “off season” for communication with constituents, attraction of investments in their respective areas, review and research on upcoming and proposed bills, etc?

If we have to give MPs board membership as a boredom pill and a means of supplementing their income, then we are missing the core function of boards (wonder why profitable parastatals went under?). Furthermore, this argument from Mr. Mkono just solidifies our shortsightedness and stupidity as a nation.

Trust me; something is terribly wrong with the Tanzanian society. I am yet to be proven wrong on that. Seriously, if Mkono is a degreed individual and yet does not have a clear perspective, what about a poor uneducated farmer in rural Musoma?

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Photo Credit: Michuzi

Tanzanian Education: A Piece of Junk?

2008-04-10T21:51:00.004-04:00

I knew it was just a matter of time before someone said something about the pathetic state of Tanzanian education. Apparently graduate students from various colleges and universities in Tanzania have the view that the Tanzania education system is unable to prepare competent graduates capable of doing practical work in a dynamic labor market.

Check out this article for yourself.

Well, that is sad, but true.

Though I didn’t get my degree in Tanzania, I experienced the elementary and secondary education there. As such, I would not categorize the Tanzania education as useless completely. As a matter of fact, I believe that the Tanzania education has some really solid contents. In the post primary education, I “specialized” in business education. I can tell you that we truly went deep into book-keeping, commerce and all other subjects. However, that was it.

The biggest problem with the Tanzanian education system, as already alluded to, is that it lacks the ability to empower and transform. And to me, the education system that produces citizens who can’t critically think is junk.

Given that most Tanzania students I know perform extremely well in Western schools, the problem is not with Tanzanian students. I strongly believe the problem is the inability of the government – which sets up the educational philosophy – to create transforming education system. That is, the government has failed to determine whether the Tanzanian education should focus on revolutionizing the Tanzania experience or merely a tool to communicate already established experiences, values and expectations.

Think I am kidding? Just read the Ministry of Education’s vision: “To have a Tanzanian who is well educated, knowledgeable, skilled, and culturally mature to handle national and international challenges in various political and social-economic fields by 2025.” Just think with me. Is the MOE’s vision going to change post 2025? Isn’t education supposed to be a life changing experience not focused on a limited timeframe?

Based on my own observation, the Tanzania education is set up to maintain certain expectations that are stale and do not align well with the current state of affairs. The worst part is that most of the current decision-makers in Tanzania do not know the alternative. That is because they went through the same educational system.

As it is, we shouldn’t expect anything to change, unless competition between higher learning institutions in Tanzania causes flexibility and innovation in the delivery of education.

So how bad is the situation? Just read this excerpt from the above referenced Guardian article:
“…it was established previously that people who even graduated with First Class were not able to perform well once employed and it was difficult for them to learn fast while training on the job”. If we have graduates who can’t perform in the labor market, what constitutes a “well educated” Tanzanian?

Don’t you think it is a little odd that a seemingly super intelligent student cannot comprehend job training instructions? Well, I am not surprised. The problem circles back to the root, which is the emphasis on rote learning as opposed to critical thinking, communication and other soft skills that empower and equip students to be well rounded. And that is why foreign companies in Tanzania like to hire and pay higher salaries to employees educated in the UK or the USA compared to locally educated counterparts.

And this quote from this very article, solidifies my argument: “It is discouraging to find degree holders in low-standard jobs. If you are a graduate, then you should secure a job that is commensurate to what have studied”.

Well, well, didn’t I say that the Tanzania education is set up to maintain certain expectations that are stale and do not align well with the current state of affairs? Let’s be practical. Who said that all graduates should be formally employed? What about graduates being able to create new things through an entrepreneural spirit?Furthermore, in a free market environment, shouldn’t the labor market determine how much a UDSM graduate in accounting, for instance, is worth? Who says that pay rate is based on education alone and not other unique skills that an employee brings to the employer?

As depressing as it could sound, the reality is that if a UDSM graduate is being paid peanuts, it could be that the Tanzanian labor market has determined that the UDSM graduate is worth peanuts.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the above quote from Ms Sylvia Ngemela reflects what the Tanzanian education has failed to provide – empowerment of students to critically think.

If you believe in the “junk in, junk out” thing, then I am convinced Tanzanian education system is an epitome of that.
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Photo Credit: Unknown

Painful Moments…

2008-04-03T15:45:00.001-04:00

Life is just, well, life
It provided me with a wonderful mother-in-law,
A mother to my wife
But why would she go so soon, what was her flaw?
These are painful moments

Life is just, well, life
Through many questions, pains and even sorrow
That cut as knife,
Your memories will be alive today and tomorrow
To overcome painful moments

Life is just, well, life
But through it all, God is still the best
In joy and strife
He provides peace, wisdom and uncommon rest
Even in painful moments

Jaduong’ Metty
Columbus, Ohio

In memory of my wonderful mother-in-law who passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Monday, March 31, 2008 in Moshi, Tanzania.

When Politicians Lie…

2008-03-24T13:06:00.005-04:00

The good thing about advancement in technology, particularly the information technology is this, I can prove our politicians wrong right here from a foreign land. Isn’t that amazing?

Honestly, I have so much respect for Dr. Slaa. He has been one of the fiery politicians who are not afraid to stretch the imagination of those in power. He could be just another politician, but what he has accomplished in bringing the BoT scandal to light deserves its due praise.

So, does that mean Dr. Slaa gets it right all the time? You would think that, him being a PhD holder and all. Just read the following story to get the context in which I am slamming this dude.

What caught my attention in that story is the following sentence from Dr. Slaa:

“I have not seen any country that has privatised power supply”

Mh….let me scratch my head a little bit. Well, the sentence could mean two things. Either no country has ever handed over a government-owned power supply company to private ownership or no country has ever allowed privately owned companies to play in the power supply market.

Given the context and discussion within which Dr. Slaa made his point, it is safe to argue that our esteemed Doctor meant that no country in the world has ever allowed privately owned companies to supply power. We will find out if that is true.

I just hate it when my fellow Bongolanders are fed junk. This was definitely one of those dumpster materials from a reputable politician. Let me just shred Dr. Slaa’s statement into tiny little pieces. I will accomplish that with practical experiences.

Dr. Slaa, please hear this. The supplier of electricity to my humble abode is none other than American Electric Power (AEP). AEP, dear friend, happened to be a non-government owned power supply company. The company also is publicly traded at New York Stock Exchange. You want some proof? Check out the company’s website for yourself.

Need I say more?

The saddest part is that I am sure someone clapped for that crap.
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Photo Credit: Food For Thought Blog.

If It Ain't Your Forte...

2008-03-17T21:57:00.004-04:00

Sometimes I just laugh at how Bongolanders like to pull a fast one on themselves. I mean, someone would pretend to be an expert in an area where…well, they are essentially Maimunas. The end result, for someone who really knows the field, is just downright hilarious. I am not against trying, but there are areas where experimentation is a no-no. Especially when you call a press conference, with planned points.

Let’s get down to it, shall we?

Well, y’all know the whole BoT scandal and how there have been a whole lot of dilly-dallying displayed by the Tanzanian AG – Mr. Johnson Mwanyika. By the way, I just think this guy is a really good example of how “empty” the Tanzania government is. I mean, the guy can’t make a convincing point! That, to me, begs the question, how in the heck did become the country’s AG? Is that how Tanzanian legal experts are?

I wouldn’t conclude that though, because I have heard some very good Tanzanian lawyers making some very good and convincing points.

Going back to the EPA funds thievery, the Attorney General initially contended that commission appointed by the President was taking all its time and cautions to finalize the investigation on BoT funds’ looters. In his explanation, he pointed two things – one, exposing the name of looters would be jeopardize the possibility of collecting all the funds, and secondly, going after these thieves is a bit complicated given that the recipients of the EPA funds were companies, which are legally regarded as “persons”.

I have very little knowledge of the Tanzanian business laws, but I would imagine that those laws are not far off from “universal” business laws. Based on my understanding, it is true that a limited liability company, typically denoted by a LTD in Tanzania, shields owners from being pursued when the company owes money. In other words, when a company goes belly up, debtors cannot go after personal assets of the owners.

This is called a corporate veil, which Mwanyika explained above.

Corporate veil could be pierced in some cases, especially if a company was a sham and essentially set up to defraud. Given the facts regarding the EPA funds’ thievery, AG’s contention of complication in prosecuting EPA funds’ looters is…well, stupid. Unless, the Tanzania laws are set up in such a way that corporate veil could not be penetrated for any reason under the sun. I am presuming that is not the case and that Mwanyika was trying to pull a fast one on us.

Let forget about Mwanyika for a minute and fast-forward with me.

Apart from Mwanyika, another member of the EPA investigation commission is the Inspector General of Police – Said Mwema. Apparently Mr. Mwema has taken a somewhat tougher stance on the looters, likening the looters to terrorists. Tanzania Daima covered part of IGP's address to the press. But what really caught my eyes was this sentence:

“Sasa tumeshavuka corporate vein (wigo wa makampuni)…”

Given the context of the EPA scandal and what the AG has earlier talked about, I am sure Mr. Mwema meant “corporate veil”. Was he misquoted? Possibly, because the Tanzania Daima undisclosed writer opted to interpret corporate vein as a “corporate network”, which does not make sense also in the given context.

This story does not have any juice to it, from a contextual standpoint, but it still highlights one of the biggest problems in Tanzania, where folks are trying to impress in areas which are not their strength. This is my perspective: given that plenty of information and speeches given by politicians and whoever calls a press conference are posted online, it is necessary to avoid exposing yourself (negatively) to the entire world.

If indeed Mr. Mwema talked about “corporate vein”, then I can only assume he picked that from AG, but didn’t quite understand what it meant. Given the Tanzanian culture where asking questions for clarification is equated to stupidity, it is very possible that the poor guy went on and used a word he didn’t understand!

On the other hand, if the Tanzania Daima writer misquoted the IPG (which is more than likely), then just shoot the writer, would you? Someone once contended that Tanzania journalists should have at least a college degree. In cases like this, that person was absolutely justified. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the person who made that suggestion is nobody other than Dr. Harrison Mwakyembe.

My point is this, if an area is not your forte, don’t play a hero. You could end up making a fool of yourself.

By the way, what in the world is corporate vein? I could be the one missing something here. Please let me if you know anything.

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Photo Credit: Mjengwa

I Told You So…

2008-03-12T17:06:00.003-04:00

Let me just admit to the fact that I am not a genius by any imagination. As a matter of fact, I goof just like the rest of humanity. I err just like all of us. Nonetheless, once in a while I get things right. And that makes me feel justified in calling out the doubters of this blog – I told you so!

I have been accused on leaning towards the negative side of the Tanzanian experience. I understand that and I am doing that deliberately. But, boy, it feels so great to “dunk” on my “enemies” and wag a finger like Mutombo Dikembe (in case you have not seen Mutombo do that, please consult any NBA nut head).

So what is this fuss or junk I am writing about? I will tell you.

Once upon a time when Tanzania faced drought which led to power problems, the then elected Mr. President contended that power problems were not to be blamed on anybody in particular, as this was an act of negligence, but a test from God. In case you forgot the story, just revisit my original reflection right here.

Little did I know that almost one year and a half later; I would be proven to be right on the money. In case you didn’t have time to revisit my reflection, let me fill you in. In a nutshell, I bored a hole in Mr. JMK’s argument that electricity problems in Tanzania were not to be attributed to negligence. I provided the fact that Tanzania Meteorological Agency is charged with weather trends observation and prediction. I also pointed out the fact that TMA actually predicted rain deficiencies and that data was available – on the TMA’s website!

Guess what? Recently, Raia Mwema reported that Dr. Mohammed Mhita, TMA’s director general, confirmed that the agency do produce weather reports that are disseminated to, among other places, the State House and TANESCO!

So who is still doubting the fact that Mr. JMK is a goofball and that Tanzania will NEVER go anywhere (except backward) with him as the president? In case you are wondering why I think so, just revisit many of my past reflections, some of which dissected the president’s thinking. Honestly, I don’t think we have the greatest critical thinker in the president. But that is just me.

But re-dissecting the Prez wasn’t my main point though. I just wanted to let know how great it feels to say “I told you so!”

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Photo Credit: NBA

Introspection – The Fear of Self?

2008-03-06T22:23:00.003-05:00

According my Google search, introspection could be defined as “self-observation of one's thoughts and feelings”, “is a technique of self-observation”, “a process of inward attention or reflection, so as to examine the contents of the mind”, etc. The underlying concept though, is that introspection is about taking an inventory of self.

I am not a psychologist, so if I get some of the concepts wrong in this reflection, I am welcoming those who are experts in the field of psychology to help out by correcting me. In the end, my objective is for all us to grow and learn.

What has prompted me to write on this piece is my observation of the way most Tanzanians, including my very own relatives, tends to attribute their issues and problems to some external factors. Hardly do you come across a person who is willing and humbly ready to take ownership of their state of affairs. Everyone is just almost always on the lookout for that mchawi out there.

Unfortunately, our political leaders are not exempted. I have hardly come across an African leader who is ready to take an inventory of Africans’ own doing. You are more than likely to hear the old and tired rhetoric, such as how badly the white folks are exploiting Africa and how Africa could have been developed if it wasn’t for colonialism. You know the usual junk that flows, like river Nile, from the mouths of the so-called African leaders.

Well, I know that colonialism wasn’t the best thing that happened to Africa. But that Africans are not the only people that were colonized. History attests to that. I also think that it is crazy to blame the West for exploitation of Africa, while the same Africans are exploiting each other. So I threw this challenge out - to what extent should we blame Africa’s problems to external factors and to what degree should we attribute the Continent’s woes to self-destruction?

Guess what? No one has ever given me a response to that.

And I am not surprised. That is because responding to that question requires self introspection. Not in Ghana, not in Zambia, not in Tanzania, would you find a typical African willing to take a closer look inside. And that is where the biggest Africa’s problems lie. We are very afraid of ourselves, because what we see inside is not pretty. So we find a comfort zone is singing the same old songs.

But let me just speak to my peeps – Tanzanians.

Shifting or projecting of our problems to external factors diminishes a sense of personal responsibility. And I am not crazy for saying that. The fact that our president would proudly regard his trips abroad as a success simply because he secured some donor funds proves my point. The beggar’s mentality, which I have address in this very blog, is just an outcome of lack of self introspection and a sense of personal responsibility. If the government is not setting up realistic goals on when to end donor dependency, that tells a lot about our character and the desire for personal responsibility. It is very sad that we derive more satisfaction from what others do for us than the best we can do for ourselves.

Lack of introspection has also made Tanzanians reactive. I stand to be corrected, but I don’t see any indication that Tanzanians are proactive. That is because lack of introspection leads to a victim mentality. The victim mentality makes one feel that whatever happens to them is attributed to someone or something out there and not self. The worst part is that the victim mentality does not encourage the assumption of a leadership position. You can never be a leader (in politics, science, sports, etc) if all you do is wait for something bad to happen to you (giving you a reason to throw a pity party) or something good to be handed to you (giving you a reason to feel accepted).

Because Tanzanians, and most Africans for that matter, tend to glorify the victim mentality, it has become very difficult to identify and focus on their unique strengths and potential. You know what? Everyone faces obstacles and opposition. The world is a competitive place. Nothing comes for free and only those determined enough gets the prize. Most winners, however, focus on their strength while minimizing their weaknesses. The reality is that you can never fully identify and exploit your strength if you don’t know who you are. And discovering self requires plenty of introspection.

At the very end of the day, lack of self introspection brings down a very damning outcome, and that is lack of development. And this is not only at a national level, but also on a personal level. Progress and development requires adaptation to changing environment and boldly taking a lead in setting the future trends. Taking those steps is impossible if you think that your circumstance is controlled by someone else.

See, what introspection does is to give us an opportunity to connect our failures or success to our mindset, attitudes, strategies, tactics, tendencies, etc. All successful people do that. I know that most Tanzanians are quick to conclude, typically without concrete evidence or wrong political ideas, that problems in Bongoland are attributed to some evil wazungu. That is not entirely true. I think we should all look inside before we step out looking for that mchawi, because our enemy in most cases is ourselves.

How big is the problem of lack of introspection in Tanzania? It is humongous. Just read
this article .

Why in the world would the Tanzanian government be offended by the delay of donor funds? When was the last time beggars had any rights? That, amigo, underscores the fact that we can’t even be ashamed. Shame, of course, comes when we can look at ourselves and know that we messed up. When we justify shameful things, we are either stupid, insensitive, or we are just not from this world.

May be self introspection is also a sign of intelligence. If that is the case, then, oh well.

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Photo Credit: Mjengwa

PSP: Buyers Beware

2008-02-28T22:28:00.003-05:00

In case you are wondering what PSP stands for, it is my own coined term – Politicians’ Sales Pitch. I think politicians are the dirtiest sales people. They overpromise while delivering little or nothing at all. The worst part is that, in a Tanzanian case for instance, “consumers” can’t terminate the “business relationship” until after five years. What a waste of time!

Amazingly, though, after failing to deliver, politicians would come back with a new set of promises for the next five years or so. Think I am kidding? There is an MP in the current Bunge who was my headmaster back in the days before joining politics. The guy has been the MP for over 15 years and nothing has really changed for his people. Isn’t that something to marvel at?

So why do we keep on electing these conmen? I really don’t have a scientific answer to that. Nonetheless, I believe having politicians is a result of a natural order. Somebody has to lead in any given social setting. Unlike the Tanzanian experience (and for the most part many other African countries), individuals who step up to the leadership role in other countries do so to bring something new and better to the table.

I honestly think that being a political leader in Tanzania is an end to itself. And to me that is just both myopic and pathetic. Having that mindset is not at all progressive. That is why the recent (seemingly) political shift in Tanzania following the Richmond scandal has been viewed differently, depending on who you ask. While the Dr. Mwakyembe’s committee is being commended by progressive thinkers for stepping outside the Tanzania political box, others like Mr. Emmanuel Ole Naiko have condemned the parliamentary report for stepping into personal space.

My personal view is that Mr. Ole Naiko is a pure representation of the older and regressive thinkers who view their public service positions as personal success. I stand to be corrected, but equating the Edward Lowassa’s resignation and pressure on TIC for not conducting adequate due diligence on the Richmond company to ethnic cleansing is not only stupid, but it gives the impression that neither EL nor Ole Naiko (were) are serving the interest of the Tanzanian people, but the Maasai people.

I know that following the resignation of Edward Lowassa, Tanzanian have ushered into a new invigorated hope. The danger, though, is that most Tanzanians lack the capacity to gauge and judge whether the change will actually bring the desired end. I recall the euphoric feeling when Kikwete came into power. Two years later, I wonder if Tanzanians have really seen the fruits of their choice.

One of the specific areas that I would really get an answer to is the creation of jobs. Not just jobs,one million jobs by 2010, to be exact.

I know that politicians talk about crap they don’t mean. Giving specific numbers is not equivalent to giving hard-to-assess promises such as “improving the quality of life”, because the evaluation of “quality of life” could be based on an array of factors. Nevertheless, when you give promises that are measurable by hard numbers, it makes our job easier, as regular folks to vouch and verify.

So two years into the Kikwete’s presidency, how many new jobs have been created in Tanzania?
Perhaps I am a little bit ahead of time, idealistic, or just overly skeptical, but empty words typically tick me off. Hope, as I previously pointed out in one of my blog posts, is atician, for instance?

I really don’t know Mr. Mizengo Pinda, the current Tanzanian Prime Minist good thing. Nonetheless, in the context of political promises, hope should be based on something concrete. May I suggest basing our hope even on the past performance of a polier, personally. To be honest, I have never heard of the guy before his appointment to the Minister for Regional Administration and Local Governments post. That is not to say that he is not suitable for the PM’s job. Mr. Kikwete must have seen something in him, which stood out among the 30 million plus Tanzanians.

Despite the President’s vote of confidence in him, putting all my eggs in Mr. Pinda’s basket would be a risky strategy. I don’t know everything, but I am not that naïve either. If I have to project Mr. Mizengo’s future performance based on what he has produced in the past, the picture ain’t pretty. My recollection tells me that under Mr. Pinda’s watch, the government failed to establish where the newly established Rorya district’s headquarters would be, effectively and efficiently. As a matter of fact, the issue is still unresolved.

I blogged on that and you can definitely check that out over here.

In my perspective, the establishment of the Rorya district, including where the headquarters should be, was not such an overly complex endeavor. So why in the world would Mizengo Pinda, with the most recent leadership failure, be given even more responsibilities? Maybe the Rorya failure wasn’t such a big deal to Tanzanians. Perhaps Tanzanians have such low expectations that any warm body can become a PM.

That could be the case, but if Tanzanians want to make strides, the quality of people we give leadership responsibilities should match our aspirations and desires. I don’t see anything in Mizengo Pinda’s past to match that future grand vision.

I know it is too early to judge, but if the Swahili saying “Nyota njema uonekana asubuhi” holds true, then Masoud Kipanya sees something bigger that the rest of Tanzanians should be aware of. It was definitely great for Edward Lowassa to go, but may be Mizengo Pinda is also “all hat and no cattle”, if I should borrow a saying from Texas.

Buyers, please beware.

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Photo Credit: KP

So, What’s the Point…?

2008-02-26T15:33:00.005-05:00

I think I have taken this road before, but I will dare take it again just for the sake of clarity. I typically don’t like to open up a whole new post just to respond to my readers’ comments, but I am prompted to do that in order to clarify my position.

Recently, one of my readers pointed out that this blog has “increasingly become irrelevant”. Let me try to draw an analogy to that. If I were a soccer player, that would mean that I am increasingly getting tired and losing my “juice”, can’t dribble and juggle anymore. If I were a soda, I am getting flat as flat could be. Man that is heavy.

I have to admit that I didn’t do a good job of being specific and articulate of what I wanted to say in my last blog. If I say something that leaves room for two thousand interpretations, I have failed as a writer. So I am shouldering the blame, 100% of it.

The biggest question that I have; in response to the reader’s comments that this blog is increasingly becoming irrelevant, who decides the relevance of any blog? At what point was this blog so relevant? And if there is such a concept, how do we determine a blog’s relevance, given that the subjectivity of all blogs? Could it be that I undermined the expectations and responsibilities that were unofficially placed on me?

I don't know.

So what exactly is the point of this blog? It is my personal reflection of what is happening in Bongoland. There are plenty of things that happen in Bongoland on any given day. So I have to pick and chose what I want to say and how I want to say it. At the end of the day, this is not a newspaper with a strict editorial concept. This is my field. This is where I open my mind and my heart to the entire world.

I can only guess why some readers feel that this blog is losing its juice. The issue is really not with me, the issue is with the Tanzanian society that is not changing. As such, by pointing out the same ills over and over again, I find myself in a position that could be viewed as nagging. That is a tough position to be in.

Seriously though, let try to explain the foundation on which this blog is standing on. My view is that issues facing Tanzania are not due to lack of money or resources. The problem is a wrong mindset. As simple as that sounds, it is not easy to see if you are part of a typical Tanzanian mindset. So my attempt is to connect various stories and incidences to that central theme of mindset. Occasionally, I would venture away from that, but the mindset thing is the major theme of this blog.

Does it get boring at times to hammer the same thing over and over again? You bet it does. Honestly, sometimes I don’t feel like writing on the same crap from Tanzanian leaders. Sometimes I don't feel like writing, period. So I find ways to keep myself going. Does it also feel like that I am only critical? That also is true, and that is because I feel my calling is not to hold hands and sing love songs with a typical destructive Tanzanian mentality.

If you don’t get what I am saying, check the difference between Michuzi and Mjengwa’s blog. We all have a voice and I acknowledge that mine could be a little bit harsher. Nevertheless, that’s my calling and I have to live with that.

My plea is this: if you think I am pointing out is irrelevant, think again. Let me just give you a good example. Recently, a Daily News columnist, Makwaia wa Kuhenga reflected on donor dependence syndrome, That was Thursday, February 21, 2008. I don’t mean to brag, but I have reflected on that on the same concept on July 18, 2006. If you do a little bit of math, that was over one and a half years ago!

That defies the irrelevance of this blog, wouldn’t you agree? Perhaps my biggest shortcoming is being ahead of many Tanzanians.

My point is this: I try to talk about fundamental concepts that are universal. We don’t have the same talents, so I don’t expect every Tanzanian to jump on my bandwagon. Nonetheless, failure to embrace universal principles I am pointing out will just result in our Tanzanian society being stuck on the same spot year in, year out. I wonder if Makwaia reads my blog, but even if he does not, it is thrilling to know that he has finally found a voice of reason and seen those universal truths.

Pointing out those fundamental truths have been the mission of this blog all along. I don’t see that mission changing anytime soon.
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Photo credit: Michuzi

Tanzania: No Hope for the Future?

2008-02-21T15:35:00.005-05:00

Did I ever tell you that my job requires “professional skepticism” as one of the pillars? Well, maybe I have demonstrated that level of skepticism in my writing, who knows. I wouldn’t be surprised if you readers have noticed that. That is because sometimes your professional life influences your personal life to the extent that the two ends up intertwined.

Am I allowed to crack jokes at my own line of work? I think I am. Well, the key word there is “skepticism”. The word “professional” is attached to it so that we won’t spook ordinary citizens. In a nutshell, “skepticism” requires me not to take anything at face value. You have to throw me some proof, otherwise I will just give you a look that will rush you into producing (or doctoring) your supporting details. You have to convince me. I guess that’s why I laugh when someone like Mr. JK goes around announcing a new push for a fight against majambazi . Dude, what happened to the last push, which resulted in formation of a special security unit?

Stuff like that doesn’t make sense to me. My natural response, therefore, is to become cynical. I truly desire to believe, but man, these Bongo politicians are full of crap. Surprisingly though, you will find poor wananchi clapping. Clapping for what? What has this smiley face done for you lately? Hasn’t the talk always been “serikali ina mpango wa blah…blah…blah.”? In my thirty-something years, the Tanzanian government has always been about planning and very shallow on doing.

Don’t get me started.

Well, I had a point about the whole skepticism thing. My job, due to the required level of skepticism, prompts me to look for little detail, the small prints. So I was going through this article publish by Washington Post and my mind couldn’t just help, but to zoom on the following line from the author, Anne Applebaum:

“The more hope you have for the future, the more frustrating it is to be badly governed”

The main thrust of the article, obviously, was the Kenyan election fiasco. Nevertheless, I could stop my mind from reflecting on my fellow Tanzanians. The biggest question that came to mind is this: Are many Tanzanian really hopeful for the future? If so, how is wananchi’s frustration on bad governance reflected? I mean, really, do you have to be a genius to see that Tanzanian government, when it comes down to good governance, is a joke?

Maybe, again, it is just I just see things in a totally different way.

I stand to be corrected, but my assessment is that the majority of Tanzanians have little hope for the future. That is evidenced by lack of courage to call for a new political direction. There is no real courage to even vote for the alternative. While lack of the opposition’s strength in Tanzania is self-made, I strongly believe that the opposition cannot do much, if wananchi prefer clinging to CCM despite the party’s evident lack of true leadership in this current generation. My argument, however, should be regarded as unfounded if the recent EL’s resignation could be regarded as a major political shift in Tanzania.

But let just wait and see.

You know what? I think the Kenyan experience has clearly brought to life that pathetic state in Tanganyika, and that is the fact that majority of Tanzanians are not educated enough to see their potential. Quite naturally, you can’t hope for what you don’t know or can’t visualize. I am not pulling these arguments out of thin air, trust me. Statistics prove the difference between the post secondary education level in Kenya and Tanzania.

According to statistics I found on the International Network for Higher Education in Africa (INHEA) online resource, in 2000, the number of enrollment in higher education institutions in Kenya was approximately 49,000 compared to 37,000 in Tanzania. If you take those figures as a percentage of the entire population (even ignoring the fact that capitalist economy had forced many Kenyans be aggressive in the pursuit of opportunities for years), Tanzania is obviously a country full of Maimunas.

In a nutshell, Kenyans have been able to make political changes (though it hasn’t been smoothly) simply because the majority of the population is well-informed.

On the flip-side, the Tanzanian population, which is bit ignorant compared to that of Kenya, has been swallowing political rhetoric from CCM like peanuts without a critical look at the performance of those in power. That notion, again, is just not pigments of my imagination. According to recent polls conducted by the Research and Education for Democracy in Tanzania (REDET), which I had blogged on, there is a higher correlation between the approval of the CCM’s performance and the education level of the general Tanzanian population. In a nutshell, the less educated a Tanzanian is, the happier they are with CCM’s governance and vice versa.

Obviously, education and information are key elements in enlightening someone about not only themselves and their environment, but also what they can achieve. My conspiracy theory is that CCM has deliberately put a system in place to undermine education. One can argue otherwise, but I don’t think the Lowassas and Nchimbis are that dumb to create an environment where their influence, power and position in society will be eradicated through provision of quality education to the “other class” of Tanzanians.

I strongly believe that things are changing in Tanzania. And they must. There are signs that wananchi are starting to demand accountability from their leaders. Nonetheless, the level at which wananchi are displaying their discontent is not significant enough. As change happens, I can’t just wait for the day when wananchi would demonstrate their frustration with the CCM clowns through their votes or hijacking the streets, whichever works. All in all, I don’t think that the majority of Tanzanians are that hopeful for a better future. If they do, it doesn’t show.

But what can we say about hope though? “Hope is a good thing, may the best of things…”.

That quote, amigos, is from one of my favorite movies, The Shawshank Redemption. May be Dr. Mwakyembe knows something about hope.
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Photo Credit: Mjengwa

EL: Just Couldn't Wait?

2008-02-13T14:18:00.004-05:00

As I pointed out in my previous post, I don’t feel sorry for Mr. Lowassa. Obviously, I desire for him to repent for all his sins, but it is all up to him to do a soul search. Nevertheless, as far as his resignation is concerned, I just feel that “justice” was served. I am over 5,000 miles away from Tanzania, but the joy that the rest of Bongolanders felt when this guy announced his resignation, couldn’t just solidify my feelings even more.

We all transgress and hence beg for mercy and forgiveness at times. But forgiveness must come when one has seen the evil and wrong in them. Not my friend EL. He had to defend and justify his corrupt ways. The guy does not even feel an ounce of shame. Would you forgive a guy who is that arrogant?

Not in my court. And I think this guy is just evil. I am sorry to say that, but when a guy is not remorseful there must be plenty of ugliness brewing inside of them.

You know what though; I liked what the courage exhibited by MP Seleli, by challenging the former PM to swallow his own words and withdrew his stupid counterpunch. I just wonder why this story wasn’t widely publicized. But it was definitely juicy. Read on…

I do not evidence, but the vineyard in Tanzania has it that Mr. Lowassa started his corrupt ways a long time ago. That prompted the late Nyerere to carry out a negative campaign against this guy. That story could somehow be construed to be true, given the fact that Mr. Lowassa was eventually dropped from the Cabinet by President Mkapa in 2000. Given that Mkapa was handpicked by Nyerere, dropping Mr. Lowassa from the Cabinet was done by Mkapa to appease Nyerere.

Could it be that Mkapa was all hypocritical and not loyal to Nyerere? According to IPP Media, Mkapa brought Mr. Lowassa back to glory following the 2000 elections . Is it just mere coincidence that the reinstatement of Lowassa to a ministerial post was done after Nyerere’s death in 1999? You be the judge.

We all know that the Mkapa ended being just as corrupt as Mr. Lowassa himself.

I think I am getting off track. Let me steer my mind back to where I was going with this.

In Tanzania, Mr. Lowassa is regarded to be the president’s buddy, best buddy to be exact. I think there is nothing wrong with having your friend help you run the government. That is because a friend is in the best position to understand your ambition, goals and vision. That also works out great when such goals and visions are positive and meant to advance the country. Ideally, Mr. Lowassa could have helped Mr. Kikwete be the best Tanzanian president ever.

Time will tell if Kikwete is not another Mkapa in terms of corruption. Nonetheless, if Mr. Kikwete turns out to be of a different breed, then Mr. Lowassa is and will be in a very awkward position. That is, Mr. Lowassa will forever be regarded as a stupid PM who selfishly betrayed his friend. Mr. Lowassa will forever be regarded as the worst friend because a good friend doesn’t steal from a friend’s pockets. A good political friend doesn’t smear a friend’s government with dirt. But guess what? Mr. Lowassa just violated those friendship “codes”.

Of all stinky things that Mr. Lowassa could have done, to jump on the very first country crisis that Mr. Kikwete faced as a president to set in motion his corruption machine was the worst.

Try to imagine that.

It is scary to imagine that on the very first country crisis, the PM rolled out his corruption guns. Try to imagine what he could have done in ten years potentially as a PM. Try to imagine the fact that the guy was in a position to become the Tanzanian president in about 8 years.

Given that Mr. Lowassa, who was already stinking rich in Tanzanian terms, couldn’t wait for a couple of years before dipping his fingers into the government honey pot speaks volume about his character. And to me, that character is a stench of evil.

Unfortunately, Mr. Kikwete didn't know that. Or did he?

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Photo Credit: www.kikweteshein.com

EL’s Downfall: One for The History

2008-02-07T10:34:00.000-05:00

There is an old Swahili saying which goes like this “Kila lenye mwanzo halikosi kuwa na mwisho”. The meaning of that proverbial saying is that anything with a starting point must have an ending point. From a practical standpoint, seeing an end, particularly of a painful experience, could seem like an eternity. I just sensed that something was changing in Tanzania, thought at a slower pace, but I didn’t expect it to come this fast.

What I am talking about if you might ask? I am talking about an abrupt the resignation of the embattled Prime Minister, Mr. Edward Lowassa. Man, was that a joy in my heart!

Just read blog posts from Michuzi and Mrocky.

It is not like I am coldhearted, but I don’t feel sorry for the dude. Knowing the Tanzanian culture, forgiveness is almost always granted for those in higher position, with very stupid excuses such as “shetani mbaya alimpitia” or “hii ni mara yake ya kwanza”. For all y’all non Swahili speakers, the two excuses stand for blaming the devil and downplaying the misconduct for being the first offense, respectively. I am not feeling sorry for Mr. Lowassa for two reasons. One he was trusted by the poor Tanzanian people and secondly he did everything deliberately.

One has to picture a poor farmer in Morogoro, for instance. One has to visualize the poor farmers who are trying to make ends meet on a handheld hoe, poor folks who do not have access to better health care while the so called “viongozi” get their regular medical check-up abroad, school kids who don’t have adequate facilities while “viongozi” are driving expensive cars, or “educated” officials who sign stupid mining contracts to really see that what Mr. Lowassa and other folks implicated in the Dr. Mwakyembe’s report did was just gross betrayal.

I can’t really see how a sensible human being would do what the likes of Lowassa do. Probably being a leader in Tanzania requires being crazy, stupid and insensitive. Probably it requires throwing out your basic humanity for power, prestige and money. Probably it requires thinking more of you than the rest of the poor people who trust, depend, and hope that your knowledge, education and vision to help them out. I really don’t know.

Nonetheless, I honestly think that the likes of Mr. Lowassa are simply evil. Very evil. You can’t explain that differently.

I was just reading the reaction from both Mr. Lowassa and Mr. Karamagi and I couldn’t just help myself but laugh. How could these people be so stupid? In their defense against Dr. Mwakyembe’s report, these two honorable ministers claimed that they were never interviewed by the parliamentary committee headed by Dr. Mwakyembe.

Let me just throw in another Swahili saying “Mfa maji haachi kutapatapa”. Do you want me to interpret that? I’ll let you learn a little bit of Swahili on your own. Well, apparently these two gentlemen are trying to make it sound like being interviewed by the parliamentary committee could have exonerated them. Nice try. I read Dr. Mwakyembe’s report and the report provided enough detail, including documented communication and directives from Mr. Lowassa and Mr. Karamagi. As a matter of fact, Mr. Karamagi asserted that “the report is factually correct, but debatable in some aspects”. Let me think about what that means.

What it means is that these two are crazy, stupid, or hallucinating. Just like someone drowning, a little feeble root in the ocean could be thought of as a saving rope. Dudes, you are going down!

What makes Mr. Lowassa and Karamagi’s defense childish is the fact that the conclusions made by Dr. Mwakyembe’s report were not based on personal opinions, but supported by solid evidence. I just hate it when people like Lowassa and Karamagi, despite being on their way down; still think we are all stupid. For instance, when Karamagi makes a phone call from Canada or Lowassa writes a memo that gives directives that violate procurement regulations, how in the world is that “debatable”?

Besides, to what degree is the report factually correct? 100%? 90%? 10%?

I am saying it again. These people are just evil to the extent that they have lost sense of reality. You know what though? Being evil sometimes makes one stupid also. I think I heard that somewhere.

I am just glad for the poor and powerless Tanzanians who have waited for so long for a day like this. I am excited for the likes of Dr. Slaa who have tirelessly and boldly spoken against evil in Tanzania. I am happy for the likes of Dr. Mwakyembe who deliberately decided to violate the CCM political norm for the sake of poor Tanzanians. I am glad for the saints who have tirelessly prayed for Tanzania.

This one is definitely for the history. This one is a genesis of a better Tanzania. I consider myself blessed and privileged to be a part of probably a progressive generation of Tanzanians.

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Photo Credit: IPPMedia

JMK: Arghhhhhhhhh....!

2008-02-05T21:46:00.000-05:00

I hardly struggle to come up with a catchy title for my musing of the day. On this day, let me just scream. In case you are wondering what is prompting me to scream, this president of ours is driving me nuts. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t expect the president to be perfect. That is because we all err. We all make mistakes in our judgment. As a matter of fact, to err is human.

Despite the fact that we all err, it is laughable when the president is surrounded by advisors and speech writers who are responsible for scrutinizing every word, every sentence and every concept that is disseminated from the president’s mouth for public consumption and analysis, yet comes up with wobbly ideas.

Let’s just get down to why I am musing today. Recently, the president addressed the nation. I am not going to dissect the whole speech, but two things caught my attention. One, he touched on the subprime problems in the United States of America. The president pointed out that he had directed folks in his government to review the impact of economic problems in the United States of America on Tanzania.

It is true that the United State of America is one of the largest economies, and that what happens in the US could send a domino effect across the globe. My question, however, is the extent to which what happens in America could largely affect Tanzania. The last time I checked, our stock market is a tiny, weeny, little drop in the ocean, not even tied to the global stock market. Secondly, we do little business with the United States of America compared to the rest of East African countries, so it is not like Tanzanian export to the American market would greatly be affected.

Since Tanzania depends on tourism a lot, you could make an argument that American tourists, with little change in their pockets due to recession, would find it meaningless to trek across the globe to see wild animals in Serengeti. But the last time I checked, America does not produce a larger portion of tourists visiting Tanzania. As a matter of fact, we just recently started marketing Tanzanian tourist attractions in the US. If you ask me, the president’s call is all political rhetoric without any practical meaning.

I think the Kenyan crisis, to the contrary, is affecting Tanzania more than the American subprime mortgage problems. If we can’t even see what is happening in our own back yard, why in the world do we think we can fathom complex issues farther away? I know, I know. Just throw in America in your sentence and all of a sudden you sound intellectual and informed.

Psssss…I am letting you in on a little secret. As stock markets across the globe do badly, guess what happens? The price of gold soars, since investors move their money from stocks to gold. What that means is that if we didn’t have imbeciles structuring mining contracts, we could have actually been making more money on the subprime mortgage crisis. But since we are stupid, the sharp rise in gold prices will only end up benefiting Canadians. So don’t you feel like sending Mr. President a good luck greetings card?

We must have really smart people in the Tanzanian government.

We can all be aloud now. The second issue that Mr. JMK touched on was the call for political leaders to make a choice between business and public service. On the surface, this call actually seems logical, given the recent Bank of Tanzania scandal, which I am sure implicated plenty of CCM big dogs. To regain political equity, the president is essentially calling for a reversal of the Zanzibar Declaration, which paved way for political leaders to play into the business arena.

I can understand where the president is trying to go with this, but again, his view (or the thinking of his advisors) ignores plenty of other practical solutions. There are plenty of ideas on the way to solve political leaders’ ethical meltdown that have been provided by my fellow Tanzanians. You can check out Mr. Lusekelo's ideas right here and Dr. Semboja and others' thought over here.

Just to punch some more holes in the president’s thinking, let me just focus on one aspect, which is the process through which ministers assume their positions. As far as I know (and please fellow Tanzanians, correct me if I am wrong), ministers are appointed by the president. Also, I know that ministers must be members of parliament. So this is my bone with the president – if ministers do not apply for their positions, but appointed by you, why in the world would you go in public to cry out against the very people you appointed? If you have an issue with business owners-cum-politicians, why appoint them into ministerial positions in the first place?

Honestly, I think that it is ridiculous that the president acts as if he just experienced an epiphany about the political system in Tanzania. This is all stupidity and cheap political ploy, if you ask me.

The reality of the matter is that barring politicians from owning businesses will not stop them from owning one. It is one thing to formulate policies and regulations, and it is another to have a serious resolve in enforcing those policies and regulations. If anything, rules and regulations, especially those associated with leadership ethics, mean nothing in the Tanzanian context. Wouldn’t you expect the president’s advisors to know that the solution is a different enforcement mechanism and not reverting to failed Ujamaa thinking, given that we have a plethora of ethical guidelines already in place?

I guess I am living in a different world. I guess I don’t understand the world in which our president lives in. But if I have to be honest, Mr. JMK is the biggest goof ball Tanzanians have ever had for a president. History will someday prove me right or wrong. But I have no reason to believe that this guy has a clue of what he is doing. I don’t see any sense of direction or purpose from him.

I really didn’t think the shortage of intelligent people (generally speaking) in Tanzania was really that bad, but I am starting to believe.
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Photo Credit: Michuzi

Rorya HQ Decision: Say What…?

2008-01-28T12:55:00.000-05:00

I try to objective in all my reflections, but I would ask to be allowed to exercise at least a tad of biasness on today’s reflection. That is because my reflection is a bit close to heart. I am stakeholder in this. This is where I hail from.

My reflection is based on the story published online by Daily News. Apparently, the president has directed a fresh determination of where the newly established Rorya district’s headquarters should be. The driving force behind this directive is the accusation of corruption in the previous council members’ voting. The council members had initially elected Utegi as the district’s headquarters.

Election of Utegi as the district’s headquarters was a stupid choice in the first place. I don’t have a problem with Utegi being the new district headquarters, as that alone would not stop other areas within the district from developing. I just hated the fact that the headquarters’ determination process was marred by corruption accusations. In addition, Utegi is just a few kilometers from Tarime, which was the initial district’s headquarters. This was probably one the decisions that highlights the very best folks in Tanzania do – act stupidly.

You know what though? I am not that disappointed with the people of Rorya. The fact of the matter is the Rorya’s story is not any different from the rest of Tanzania. The majority of the population is uneducated and asking them to make a logical, informed decision as to most appropriate place for a district’s headquarter is way too much. They are the victim of their circumstance. As such, in the very end, people resort to emotions as the basis for making decisions. That is why strong ethnic allegiance has trumped logical analysis in deciding where the Rorya headquarters should be.

But the government knew that.

I am not convinced that government officials, including the president himself, are unaware of social dynamics in Tanzania, particularly in Rorya. That being said, it is stupid, in my mind, to resort to “voting” as a way of determining where any district’s headquarters should be. For one, I don’t know of any place in Tanzania where a district’s headquarters have been deciding through a ballot. Why this time around in Rorya? I know that change happens and we should not be bound by fear of change, but deviation from the “norm” should be logically explained. Trying to politically please the people is not good enough, especially if such an act turns out to be time consuming and financially costly to the government.

My second argument for concluding that the government’s call for balloting is stupid is my presumption that the establishment of Rorya’s district was strategic. My expectation is that this decision was made to achieve a specified vision and particular strategic goals. As such, the government, which ideally owns this vision, was expected to know where the district’s headquarters should be. Furthermore, it is my expectation that any district’s headquarters in Tanzania is established based on known technical criteria, and not based on feelings and ethnical influences. Unless the decision to divide Tarime district into two, like many other crazy decisions in Tanzania, was made on a whim without any logical thought process.

And I wouldn’t be surprised that this was the case, as anything is possible in Bongoland.

I am not calling for the central government to just impose on local people. My contention is that the decision to divide Tarime into Rorya district is not only strategic, but also a change in itself. As this decision involves bringing change into the lives of Rorya people, the government should have exercised good change management techniques. That involves identifying potential roadblocks to the implementation of the idea, which in this case tribal and ethnic influences.

Getting around the ethnic tensions could have been achieved by impartially making the decision from Dar-es-Salaam, then educating Rorya folks as to the technical and logical reasons for the decision. Any feedback from the constituents could have been implemented in the final cut. I don’t think that is rocket science.

I get surprised at how even very simple things in Bongoland becomes too complicated. And that frustrates the heck out of me.

I really don’t know how this whole thing will come out in the end, but this much I know, this was another proof of how ineffective our president and his cabinet is. I can't really undersand why Mr. Mizengo Pinda, the Minister for Regional Administration and Local Governments, could not advise his boss. Obviously, it appears that the Rorya folks are against this balloting crap. And I believe they are justified.

I am not that good, but I honestly think I can make a very good Tanzanian president. If this is the best Kikwete can offer, I have plenty of hope that Tanzanians can do better with me. Vote Pedro…err…me for President!

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Photo Credit: Mjengwa

Hasheem and UConn Rocking

2008-01-26T15:07:00.000-05:00

I was just relaxing at home, flipping TV channels, when I bumped into the UConn and Indiana game. Surprisingly, UConn, which is unranked team, beat Indiana which is ranked #7 in the country.

I don't have sophisticated video equipment, but I was able to catch a few shots of Hasheem in action. Watch out for the UConn #34 and enjoy. UConn are in dark colors...

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Living In Yesterdays

2008-01-23T16:49:00.001-05:00

I am a firm believer in equality. Well, I also understand that equality could be relative, based on what you are referring to. Regardless, I believe that all of us should be given an opportunity to express our thoughts and feelings. I have a little son and I can tell you that the boy is trying so much to express himself. Though what I hear from the little fella is gibberish, he is always trying to say something. He is trying to express himself just like the rest of human beings.

Because we are all wired differently, human beings don't typically agree on all things. Though the judgment of whether what we say is meaningful could be agreed upon by all human beings. That standard is called common sense. Sometimes, I come across articles and thoughts from my fellow human beings and I can't just help but wonder, what was this fellow human thinking? Is this all he or she can see? What about the other side of the coin?

I recently came across this article written by a fellow Tanzanian, Simon Mkina. In a nutshell, the guy was bemoaning the departure of Mwalimu Nyerere. You can definitely feast on the article yourself, lest you accuse of me making stuff up.

One of the things I hate is being stuck in the past. That is not to say that I undermine and belittle the past. I am far from doing that, because there are cases where the past is actually better than the present or even the future. My contention is that we must have a very compelling reason to long for the past. We can't just be nostalgic of the past just for the sake of it. My humble opinion is this – Mr. Mkina's article is a typical example of being stuck in the past.

On the other hand, I can't blame the guy that much. That is because most folks in Tanzania tremble at the very mention of the name Nyerere. We all can't deny the fact that Nyerere's name is very much connected to the Tanzanian history. Honestly, at times it seems like Nyerere is the Tanzanian history. And that is why it becomes difficult for people to differentiate between Nyerere the person, Nyerere the former president and Nyerere the ideals.

Obviously, Mr. Mkina's article demonstrated the failure to dissect those three Nyerere personas.

As I pointed out, it is Simon's prerogative to articulate life as he sees it. That includes his cry for Nyerere. However, my assessment is that this article is overly glorifying Nyerere. This article also prompts to question whether Tanzanians have really come to grips with the fact that Nyerere was just as human as we are, and that the ideals he preached were not new. King Solomon, who lived ions before Nyerere, had already alluded to the fact that there is nothing new under the sun. We just go over the same concepts, though in different forms or times. So Nyerere didn't invent anything new.

I wonder also, whether Tanzanians have come to terms with the fact that Nyerere lost his influence, not after his death, but even before his death. How many times did Nyerere speak against the boys he left in power while still alive? That definitely is a sure sign that the man lost his influence long before he died. Therefore, such a line as "If you (Nyerere) would emerge now, tears would roll down your cheeks over fate of your people" is missing the timing of when Nyerere became less of a factor in the Tanzanian experience.

What breaks my heart is the fact most Tanzanians don't realize that leadership is not endowed on just an elite group of people or a chosen few. The Tanzania of today has just a larger pool of potential great leaders as it was in the early 1950s. That potential could not be realized if we keep on gluing ourselves to Nyerere. That is because is hanging on to Nyerere we miss the fact that there will be no other Nyerere. Also, we miss the fact that Nyerere was fitting his time.

Even more, gluing ourselves to Nyerere is an insult to those folks who, in the present Tanzania, are boldly standing up for the Tanzanian people. Furthermore, it undermines the contribution and greatness of those wonderful folks at Haki Elimu, or even some opposition leaders such as Zitto Kabwe and Dr. Wilboard Slaa. Even worse, gluing ourselves to Nyerere gives an opportunity to outdated folks (like John Malecela and Kingunge Ngombale Mwiru) who cling to Nyerere's rhetoric to fool the regular folks who have no clue of changing times.

And speaking of changing times, with all these new the global forces, how do we know how Nyerere would have fared? As we don't know that, I wouldn't cry for Nyerere in 2008. It is disastrous when leaders go past their times. Just look down under in Zimbabwe and you can understand my point. What we are doing with clinging to Nyerere is creating a fear that Tanzanian without Nyerere is impossible. The effect of that is silencing those with a new vision for Tanzania, just like Nyerere had his.

Every society gets a great leader who influences his generation. The question, therefore, is not what Nyerere did for his generation, but rather who will influence (positively) our current and future generation. As a pointed out earlier, I am not bashing the past, but I think it is stupid to drive your car through a rear view mirror.

And who says a great leader, other than Nyerere, can't arise out of the 35 million folks in Tanzania?

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Photo Credit: www.africanpath.com

That's Moving Forward...(3)

2008-01-20T19:47:00.000-05:00

I am not going to hold back giving praise when praise is definitely due. I recently put up a post, highlighting the fact that it only one office in Dar-Es-Salaam was charged with birth and death registration. From my perspective, that wasn’t only stupid given the population statistics of Tanzanians, but also was a nice way of creating a corruption breeding environment.

Well, I just come across this story, and I was definitely thrilled to learn that there is a Registration Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (RITA), which is charged with the responsibility of birth and death registration at a ward level. I think that is brilliant and it makes perfect sense.

For that, I commend the government for doing what is sensible. Above all, that's moving forward...

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Photo Credit: Mjengwa

RTF: Sometimes, You Got To Lead Up

2008-01-18T09:36:00.000-05:00

It is another week, another dollar…err…shilling…or whatever. Well, what I really wanted to say is that I am glad to be back for another week. You know what; sometimes we take life for granted. Would you kindly kiss your spouse and children, or just call loved ones? Put life into the right perspective now and then, would you? This political stuff that we talk about won’t go away anytime soon, but loved ones can pass on before you know it.

Sounds preachy don’t it?

Let me just throw in this caveat, I am not a genius by any imagination. So don’t take it that whatever I say is because I know it all. As a matter of fact, I’m still learning. Probably a lot. I couldn’t tell you how they make a pencil, or even how this very computer I am using came to being. So I’m just sharing the little I know.

I love Tanzania, but I have to be honest with you. That country stinks sometimes. You have educated people who are acting (on a world class) as little kids. I recently came across this story on the Internet, where the Tanzania Revenue Authority’s Commissioner-General, Harry Kitilya, admitted that there were major weaknesses in mining tax management and that TRA lacked capacity in handling mining tax management.

Read the original story for yourself right here.

From my perspective, that is a scary thought. But in Bongoland, everything is possible, even dumb things.

So if you want to know what I think of Mr. Harry Kitilya as a TRA’s Commissioner-General, I think he stinks. I don’t know the man personally, so this is just an assessment of his managerial and strategic planning abilities.

I honestly believe that all facets of our life follow certain universal principles. There are physical principles, for instance. If you want to buff up your biceps, you have to hit the gym. From a spiritual standpoint, spiritual growth also depends on spiritual exercises such as prayer, fasting and delving into the word of God, for instance.

I believe that one of the universal principles that separate the average Joe from a super Joe is the ability to study and modify one’s approach as the environment changes. The ability to view life from a prospective as opposed to a retrospective alone could easily tell who is living in yesteryears’ glory and who’s chasing the next big wave.

This is my conviction, and I would not argue if I am corrected – tax systems are not static. Tax systems are dynamic, being influenced constantly by political, social and economic forces. On the other hand, tax systems also could influence social and economic aspects of citizens’ experience. That being said, why would a tax commissioner not be in tune with the changing economic policies in his own country, given that the economic policies and even administrative directives from the government very much influence daily activities of a tax authority?

Mr. Kitilya can’t argue against being out of touch with the changing factors that influence the tax system, particularly the capacity to enforce tax laws. That is because the Tanzanian government’s decision to solicit foreign investors, particularly in the mining sector, was bound to bring in a requirement of a different tax experience and skill sets. As a tax Commissioner, Mr. Kitilya is and was supposed to know this. As a Commissioner, Mr. Kitilya is and was supposed to have the ability to assess the impact of all policy changes in the country on the TRA.

Surprisingly, TRA's own website lists principles of a good tax administration, which includes Managing and Adapting to Change. So what good does it do to have theoretical principles on the website that TRA couldn’t put into practice?

Remember I talked about having a retrospective versus prospective view? While I commend Mr. Kitilya for acknowledging that TRA weaknesses when it came to complex mining tax issues, that does not take away the fact that this assessment should have been done prospectively and not retroactively. We can all agree that the cost of Mr. Kitilya’s incompetence in prospective assessment of the impact of policy change on the tax system has been in terms of billions of shillings.

I know some of you are thinking that sacking Mr. Kitilya would be unjust. It is not. That is because I believe in the concept of leading up. The president, AG, or ministers of finance are not tax experts. As such, they depend on the expertise and recommendations of this tax guru. I know that things don’t run as they should in Tanzania, and that it isn’t surprising that the minister of finance could very much ignore the tax guy’s ideas. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that Mr. Kitilya tried to lead up his superiors by trying to influence either the timing of mining sector policy implementation or solicited TRA capacity and capability building in anticipation of mining sector changes.

If I were the top dog in the country, this dude would have been shown the door. I know the question to me would be then what? Who’s the next guy who will be able to show true leadership skills? Honestly, that is dilemma in Bongoland. I don’t think that we have a pool of great leaders. If we do, they are probably swallowed somewhere within the system.

My message, however, is that you can’t have a leader who is unable to manage the changing environment or lead up by communicating his knowledge to his or her superiors. It is that simple. Sometimes, a leader has to lead up in order to be successful. Waiting for directives to come only from above is a sure sign of puppetry. I don’t think that TRA, being so technical and functioning in a constantly changing environment, can do well with a leader who’s waiting for politicians to make decisions for him or her.
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Photo Credit: http://www.kikweteshein.com/

RTF: Demanding Freedom From a Brother?

2008-01-10T22:02:00.000-05:00

Do I have to apologize every single time I bounce back? I am not sure, but I think I should. There are folks who have faithfully checked on this blog to see if I have fresh insights on what is happenings in Bongoland. For you faithful readers, I appreciate your diligence. I truly do.

But life, yes life, kept me from this space. I know most of you can relate. A lot have happened in the past few days, some thrilling while some are just straight up sad. Of course the hottest topic is what transpired in the Kenyan election. The aftermath of elections in Kenya couldn’t prove Dr. Watson’s theory of Africans’ lack of intelligence . I mean, seriously, what is it about the State House that makes our tired African leaders act like the merely intelligent chimps? Was that the best Kenyans could do?

Well, the thrilling news for Kenyans (at least) was the victory of their cousin, Senator Baraka Obama, in Iowa. Well, the fact that Hillary Clinton bounced back in New Hampshire is a whole new story. The next thrilling news of the week is the sacking of the Bank of Tanzania’s former governor – Daudi Ballali.I think story which started way back, has had a “happy” ending. I think multiparty system is working, somewhat. If it wasn’t for the opposition camp, I am sure this BoT crap would have gone under wrap. Trust me.

You didn’t think I just wanted to recap what you already know, did you?

Let me just go back to the Kenyan election story. I think it really underscores my reflection for today. You know what? My eyes “opened” in the early 1980s, the period which was still the heydays of the post-colonialism agenda. I grew up listening the preaching of the Kaundas and Nyereres and all other African greats about the evils of the West and the beauty of Pan Africanism. These speeches made me believe that the greatest thing that ever happened to the African kids was for “us” to get out of the chains of colonial rule.

For the most part, that was truly an inspiring story, because the desire for freedom is a universal phenomenon. For the most, “we” had to get our freedom. As such, debating whether Africans deserved to get their freedom then is almost mute pointless.

What is debatable, from my perspective, is whether most Africans are truly free. I seriously think that most Africans are still in bondage. They are enslaved and encaged by the very few elite brothers and sisters they ignorantly elected to occupy State Houses across Africa. They are enslaved by their own brothers who look like them and speak their mother tongues. These are not slave masters who crossed salty waters from continents far away, but slave masters who grew up in their own backyards.

Looking at the imagery I saw in Kenya, where the police resorts to shooting unarmed citizens simply for demanding a fair and just electoral process, one has to wonder – whose interest was the police trying to protect? Are they trying to protect the elite few? Trying to protect that bald imbecile who rigged the election?

Isn’t it crazy that after forty years of "independence", a Kenyan, and many other Africans have to beg for and demand freedom and justice from a fellow African? Why in the world then did we kick the Queen out of Nyanza, Mbarara and Kericho?

I am not that intelligent, nor am I an expert in the psychological makeup of the African mind. Nevertheless, this much I know. It takes so much gut to do insane things African leaders do. It takes a sick mind to boldly do what Mwai Kibaki has done in Kenya. It takes an insane mind to do and say the things Museveni does in Uganda. Honestly, are these best brand of leaders Africa could produce?

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Photo Credit: New York Times

RTF: Those Congested Dar Streets

2007-12-28T10:49:00.000-05:00

I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas. Mine was terrific. Got together with some friends, had nyama choma and plenty of other foods. Of course we had a wonderful time just relaxing and having a wonderful conversation. May be it is my “old” age or something, but I don’t get excited about Christmas as I used to when I was a little boy. There was something magical about Christmas time then.

Oh well, I will just let my kids take my place of Christmas enjoyment. May be, as a parent, seeing the twinkle in my kids’ eyes would rekindle something magical in me.

My experience has been that during Christmas, Dar-es-Salaam becomes a “ghost” town. All my friends from the northern side of the country (you know who) always head back migombani for Christmas celebration. May be to show off a few shillings skimmed in Dar-es-Salaam or just to have a good time with friends and family. Regardless, other folks too tend to head “home” for Christmas.

On any other time during the year, Dar-es-Salaam streets tend to be crowded with cars and people. When my brother first came to the United States, he was surprised to learn that downtown Columbus was not crowded; particularly during the hours that Dar-es-Salaam would be going insane. What he missed was the fact that Americans, for the most, part do work. That means you won’t find folks taking long lunch hours, gossiping or running personal errands during typical work hours. Right there, you can conclude that Dar streets gets crowded with folks who could otherwise be sitting at their desk, producing.

Apart from the cultural reasons (work ethic) that contribute to the crowding of the Dar-es-Salaam streets, technical reasons, in my opinion, make a huge contribution. The city’s infrastructure cannot handle the growing population and economic growth that has resulted in an unbelievable number of cars imported annually. Putting aside those statistical numbers, there is unexplainable concentration of businesses in the city center and Kariakoo.

I think it is crazy that someone would board a daladala from Mwenge just to buy onions at Kariakoo! But that is happening. You know what is crazy? The Temeke and Kinondoni municipalities are just letting Ilala run the City! I know probably vigogo in Kinondoni do not want the Kariakoo-type hustle in their neighborhood, but at least that would help decongest Dar city center.

I have just described the internal workings of the City. You what else contributes to the insanity in Dar-es-Salaam? It is the stupid concentration of power within the government. I know these guys talked about Madaraka Mikoani stuff. That is a bunch of rhetoric. The show is still being run from Dar-es-Salaam.

Honestly, I think something of the services that are typically offered Wizarani only could be offered at a regional and district level. Let me give you an example. You want a birth certificate? Good. You have to start from the ward to the district level to process your application, but the actual stinking piece of paper must be issued in Dar-es-Salaam! Try to imagine just one single office serving over 30 million people! Honestly, does it really mean that Vizazi na Vifo folks in Dar-es-Salaam are more qualified to issue birth and death certificate that those at the district level? Try to imagine someone coming all the way from Kigoma, spending about TShs 100,000 for a document that is worth TShs 2,000.

I think that we justify Dr. Watson’s theory of African’s lack of intelligence unnecessarily. Really.

The birth certificate issue is just one simple example. There is a host of other matters that an ordinary Tanzania makes a follow-up in Dar-es-Salaam unwarranted. There are such issues are business registration, issuance of a secondary school certificates, etc that one has to be in Dar-es-Salaam for. The effect of that has been that the City gets crowded. Of all those people you see standing at the new Post Office's daladala stand, chances are that 30% of them are from upcountry, following up something at a government office in Dar!

The most damaging effect, in my opinion, is that concentration of power on one individual at a ministry to serve 35 million Tanzanians leads to only evil – corruption. Sluggishness you see at government offices, especially those charged with offering some kind of service to the general public, is by design. That provides an incentive for kitu kidogo, as customer is typically left with no alternative. One is forced to either wait for 5 years to get a service that would take 10 minutes or part with an incentive that would speed up the process.

I think the three-lane idea to decongest the Dar roads was good, but there is much more that contributes to congestion of the City in general. One of them is the fact that Madaraka Mikoani is just a political hoax, with no practical meaning. If you still have to get some basic services in Dar, then what is the government decentralization for?

RTF: Down The Memory Lane

2007-12-14T08:52:00.000-05:00

It is Friday again and I am looking forward to a great weekend. You know, some weekends you just feel like resting. This week, I really need some rest. So I will savor my days off work.

I am not intending to bombard you with anything heavy either. If I have to relax, that has to start with my mind. So I’m allowing my mind to roam and wander around trivial stuff. It is not like I don’t have deeper stuff to muse on, but you would agree with me that life is not only about deep philosophical stuff. There are also minor, but relevant things that make life exciting.

Those minor things could be taking yourself on a journey through a memory lane.

So I couldn’t help myself but wander down the memory lane also. Man, how I miss the good old days! Trust me, there are things I couldn’t go back for in my childhood in Tanzania, but I certainly have good memories to make me nostalgic. How about those chandimu pickup games? You could temporarily shut down the street for a heated soccer game; occasionally being stopped by a passing beat up truck. What about going home all dusty after a long day at a manati factory?

If you didn’t make toy cars and trucks from old empty cans, please don’t think I am crazy. But I know someone out there can relate. Honestly, being creative is where I drew my childhood joy. I know some fellas who were so creative that the entire street soccer team depended on them for a bouncy, well manufactured soccer ball from rugs and old clothes. Of course, that didn’t go without some political power. Occasionally, this fundi would stop the game by threatening to take his ball, if he wasn’t allowed to play or someone, somehow, got them mad. Talking about power play!

Childhood, on the other hand, had its downside. I know older folks were teaching discipline by commanding strict rules on some areas, but I hated the idea that I was subjected to the obedience of every older man or woman in the village. That made me to desire growing up so bad, hoping that I would gain some kind of freedom. Of course I have gotten that kind of freedom now, but boy, little did I know that it was better for someone else to worry about my food and clothing!

Probably what I like the most about childhood is the honest ignorance that goes with it. Just like most of you, I wondered about those people talking in the radio. Just like you, I wondered how they were able to fit in that little box and attempted to open the back of the radio to see them! I also wondered if they even slept. I wondered how they looked like.

And talking about the radio, I always believe that when the program host announced that “Naona bendi ya Mlimani Park wanaanda vyombo kututumbuiza”, Mlimani Park Orchestra was actually in the studio tuning their guitars, trumpets and all that stuff. So when the song came on the radio, I was convinced that the band was performing at that very moment. Don’t laugh at me; that’s what I believed. I am sure you have your own secret stories, where you believed the universe functioned in a certain way, only to realize that you were innocently ignorant as a child.

I also got the idea of rain wrong as a child. In my universe, I believe that when it rained in my village, it was also raining across the globe! Fortunately, I grew out of that scientific theory very quickly. I learned that my theory was wrong as I listened to the conversation between my mom and relatives who resided in some other towns. They would talk about the weather, particularly the rain as it meant so much for the village economy, and in some cases they would talk about how it rained in their town and not ours. Something clicked that I needed to tweak my understanding of the universe.

I still don’t understand why the rainbow moves when you get close to it though.

My best childhood experience is when I learned how to read and write. That tops them all. I can remember vividly one day I was walking with my brother, who was by then in Standard Four. At the time, I had started to put letters together. So on this day, we passed by a dump with TAKATAKA letters on it. I remember putting the ta-ka-ta-ka word together into a marvelous takakata. You should have seen me exploding with excitement. I tell you what; it is like the world opened right before my eyes. I guess I never looked back on reading.

So what’s your childhood story?
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Photo: Mjengwa

RTF: “I Pity The Fool”

2007-12-07T08:36:00.000-05:00

Man, it is cold around me. If this is Columbus, Ohio and it is this cold, I wonder what is going on with my friends Jeff and Patrick in Canada. I wonder how colder it is for anybody situated in the northern most part of this globe. Honestly, this is the time I miss Bongoland the most. It is nice when it is snowing, but I am not fond of the extreme coldness and the ugliness that follows.

But guess what? It is appears like it getting colder for our beloved president, Mr. JMK. According to recent polls conducted by the Research and Education for Democracy in Tanzania (REDET) and reported by This Day, Mr. JMK’s popularity has dipped to 44.4 per cent.

The poll’s outcome is not surprising to me. You don’t have to be a genius to figure out that the country has no clear vision and direction. Just read Mr. Lusekelo’s musing to get the gist of it.

The poll definitely revealed some interesting information. For instance, 40.7 % of respondents “approved” the performance of CCM, while just 19% picked the opposition parties. That is a bit strange. Wouldn’t you expect 59.3% of respondents to pick opposition parties then? That indicates that folks are neither satisfied with CCM nor opposition parties. In a nutshell, Tanzanians think their political leaders are full of crap!

Let’s be honest, would you elect Mr. Mrema to be the Tanzanian president? Would you elect John Cheyo either? And that’s where the problem is. Opposition political leaders, generally speaking, have failed to bring anything new, fresh and inspiring. The opposition camp is just terribly wobbling. The camp has failed to gain credibility. I guess that's where wananchi feel they should stick with CCM, at least this is a familiar devil.

Despite other interpretations you assign to the poll results, one thing that strikes me the most is this: According to REDET co-chairperson Dr. Laurean Ndumbaro, the researchers found a direct co-relation between those who approve or disapprove of the president’s handling of national affairs and their education level. That is, most educated Tanzanians do not approve of Mr. JMK’s performance, while most of less educated Tanzanians think the president is doing a good job.

So why is this disparity? It boils down to the empowerment and freedom that education brings. And there is nothing as bad as being mentally enslaved.

The educated minds in Tanzania are capable of filtering political rhetoric and buzzwords that don’t mean much. But that is true everywhere. You cannot just walk up to an informed person, who is able to critically think, and just starting shooting your blah…blah. Statistics don’t lie, the poll results have clearly indicated that fact. Nevertheless, for CCM, this is also a scary reality: with an increasing number of graduates in Tanzania, true educated Tanzanians will make CCM extinct. Read my lips…err…my pen. I said true because there are educated folks in Tanzania who are nothing more than a joke.

I seriously think the Tanzanian politicians have been, for ions, feeding wananchi plenty of junk. Unfortunately, the uneducated mass has been consuming this junk left and right. I know this is a critical question – which an uneducated mind would probably fail to answer – but what is it about Mr. JMK’s performance that makes one happy and satisfied?

If you have to know, I stand with the 18.6% of Tanzanians who disapprove of the president’s performance. I would be insane to approve of a president who goes on public, claiming that he was scared of receiving his HIV test results. If we all have to read between the lines, the conclusion we deduce is this: the president gets around, unsafely. And for me, a high moral standard is a requirement for my kind of president.

This poll also tells the story as to why CCM has brought constant beat down on the opposition parties during elections. CCM feasts on the ignorance of the poor people, though the opposition parties have also brought this outcome on themselves by being pathetic. It is not surprisingly then, that there is no true desire from the CCM machinery to improve education in Tanzania. The machinery knows too well that eating off a blind man’s plate requires the victim’s condition to stay constant. Ukila na kipofu....so goes a Swahili saying.

In the very end, the vicious circle continues. Ignorant Tanzanians continually elect politicians who are not really for the people’s welfare.

This gets me sad. In some ways, just like Mr. T likes to put it down, “I pity the fool”. I wish there was some magic I could do to make things better for my people. Nonetheless, there is little I can do to save the uneducated 80% of Tanzanians who are willing to bite any bone politicians throw their way.

How blessed I am to be slightly educated!

Enjoy your weekend.

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Photo Credit: KP via Mjengwa

RTF: “A Good Start” Isn’t Enough

2007-11-30T08:14:00.000-05:00

I am sorry for not being here last Friday. You want to blame me? Right, go ahead. But I wouldn’t blame myself. Last week was Thanksgiving. You saw some Tanzanians in Houston, Texas, celebrating in their own way. I did not take that H-Town route, but spent time with family and friends thanking God for his endless blessings. So did you really expect me to have the energy to write after a wonderful bata mzinga feast? Come on! You wouldn’t demand that from a brother, would you?

Let me just get back to what I wanted to muse on.

So I was having a lunch break at work one day and I saw a flash of a commercial clip with an African tune in the background. I couldn’t see the whole commercial, but I definitely caught the last graphics. Tanzania was dangling on CNN!

You can watch the clip here .

I have made a call on this very blog that the Tanzanian government should do more to promote brand Tanzania . I applaud the government for putting this commercial on CNN and other media outlets. That is definitely a good start. Now, don’t take it that I am never satisfied or I simply get gratification out of criticism. I am not. I just like to call out things that folks tend to ignore. I just like to provide an honest feedback.

Doing something that has never been done before definitely deserves an applause. Nonetheless, good start is not good enough in some cases. In this particular case, the Tanzanian government attempted to do something that was long overdue. That deserves some praise, but does that justify doing a sloppy work?

A good start is not enough when you are spending tons of taxpayers’ money. A good start is not enough when you are just toying with competition. I am not a marketing expert, but I have seen enough commercials to tell what works and what does not, especially if you are going to advertise in a country like the United States of America. I have seen the Jamaican government advertisements, and I can only say that those guys know what they are doing.

From my little understanding of marketing, I believe commercials are intended to inform and persuade customers to consume a product or service. As such, commercials are meant to provide adequate information and tell a consumer why they should consume a product or service, and where to get that product or service. And that communication should be accomplished in a shorter period of time possible. Short of that, the commercial is just a waste of time.

Please revisit the Tanzanian government commercial again.

I don’t have any problem with the images and the background music presented in the commercial. Honestly, I think he images and the background music are great and are capturing the essence of the Tanzanian life. Nevertheless, the commercial does not communicate its core objective, which is to lure folks to visit Tanzania. Honestly, who suggested that informing viewers that Tanzania is the land of Kilimanjaro, home of the spice islands of Zanzibar and home to the greatest animal migration is good enough?

Why don’t you go out and say it flat out that “Hey you, Mr. Smith in Oregon or Arizona, come to Tanzania and experience all these things”? I mean, why would someone in Canton, Ohio care that Mt. Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania? You have to have a message for Mr. Smith to care about Mt. Kilimanjaro. The last time I checked, the Internet is full of that general information already. Kenyans have used the Mt. Kilimanjaro bait for so long. Your commercial must have a clear, differentiating point.

Let’s talk about the American market base, which this commercial targeted. It is a general expectation of an American consumer that all businesses have a website, where a customer can visit for further information on the company. Unfortunately, this commercial does not direct the viewer to the Tanzanian government or tourist board’s website. I know those websites do exist, but why in the world were those websites excluded from the commercial for further information and marketing?

I know Tanzanian government is full of bureaucrats who are experts in shoddy dealings, but when you want to play in an international arena, please bring your “A” game. Leave your Kaunda suits behind and know the league in which you are about to play in.

I expected that the Tanzanian government, in its attempt to woo the American tourist, had done their homework to figure out the behavior and general expectation of the American consumer. That is just common sense. Apparently, that was not done. I know the excuse will be that the Tanzanian government is new at this. That is fine, but when your commercial is not free; you better make sure that you are not spending that money on something half-baked.

Uurrgggghhhh! Let me just vent a little. Phew!

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Photo credit: Maggid Mjengwa

When The Vision Isn’t Yours…

2007-11-20T12:37:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess to err is human. So I am not going to hold Mr. KP, a famous Tanzanian cartoonist, hostage for his sexist cartoon that I previously posted on here. I have see this guy’s cartoon for a long time, and I know he is capable of using his artistic talent to pose some hard, critical questions. I guess he was just carried away or simply rode on a wrong sexist mentality of men around him.

Nevertheless, the above cartoon is a wonderful thought provoking piece of work. Whether the addressed people are paying attention is another topic of its own. It appears to me though; those fellas in power have found some super glue to block their ears from listening to anything meaningful.

I strongly believe that a great leader, at any level, must be a visionary. That is, such a leader must have a clear goal of where he or she wants to take the people and how and when he or she wants to get there. And visions don’t have to be complex or overly intellectual. Take Bill Gates’ vision for instance. The guys dream was to have a computer in every home and at every business office. How simpler can you go than that?

It should be scary to be in a situation where the leader does not have a vision.

In his trying to defend his political party’s promise to establish a kadhi court, a court essentially run by the Islamic laws, President Kikwete contended that the kadhi issue is not his brainchild, rather was handed over to him as part of the CCM manifesto. The president explained that the CCM manifesto is prepared long before the party’s presidential candidate is elected. I didn’t make that up; please check with IPP Media right here.

Let me break that down for you. The president is essentially saying this: he is running the country on a vision that is not personally his. He was just handed a book or something like that, which he is utilizing as a guide.

That, amigos, is ridiculous. I don’t know of any country where the president is visionless.

A vision must be a leader’s own brainchild, and not some ideas copied and handed over for a leader to baby-sit. Please don't ge me wrong, I am not saying a leader can't consult others. But a vision must come from the leader’s own personal and philosophical conviction. Leaders die or thrive with their visions. A leader’s biggest tasks are to share that vision (so that those charged with execution obtain clear understand of the vision) and to recruit quality people to carry out the vision.

Despite my disapproval of Mwalimu Nyerere on some areas, one thing I admire the most about the guy was his ability to create a vision and to stick with it (regardless of how faulty that vision was). The country’s culture, though turned to be full of corruption and ineptitude, is Nyerere’s brainchild. The CCM system itself is Nyerere’s own vision. The ability to create a vision and execute that vision has been the separating point between Nyerere and his successors. You couldn’t tell Mwinyi or Mkapa’s vision. The current president has already admitted that he is currently running a country on a guide, which he did not even take part in preparation.

For lack of personal vision, Nyerere’s successors have embraced everything without taking a closer look. That is acting like puppets. Look at the cartoon again. I believe Nyerere had a vision and plan, which led to the concentration of power on him. Nevertheless, we live in different times and change must come our way. Surprisingly, folks are still blindly following Nyerere’s vision and system. I honestly think it is dumb to do that.

Seriously, no one in the CCM camp intelligent enough to realize that concentration of power on one individual is a guaranteed ingredient for ineffectiveness? Isn’t it ridiculous that one could be charged to execute and evaluate their own performance? Honestly, give me that opportunity and I will tell you how great of a performer I am. And that has been happening in Tanzania for years.

Given that none of the presidents after Nyerere have ever had any visions of their own, ineffectiveness we see in Tanzania shouldn’t come as a surprise. Mr. Kikwete has just confessed that he is visionless. When the president is just handed over a plan to carry out, he or she becomes more of a midlevel executive officer. That is not the way it should be.

Honestly, I wonder where the president gets the inspiration to carry out a vision that is not his own.
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Photo Credit: KP via Mjengwa

RTF: On The Other Hand…

2007-11-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

Here go folks. It is another Friday. November 2007 is also about to come to and end. Man oh man, how does time fly this fast?

Anyways, this is Richard Bizubenhout thing is still hot in Tanzania. As a matter fact, I have read stories where the dude is being referred to as a superstar. I don’t doubt that. I know of some reality television super stars that have turned their exposure into some really cool careers. My advice to little Richard, go ahead and soak yourself into this before people forget you. Stars are born everyday.

My stance on the whole BBA show is still the same. I don’t believe for a minute that this show is helping the foster positive outlook on morality. For one, HIV/AIDS cases in Tanzania are high. You don’t want a television show that promotes the idea that a married man can go out, wag his you-know-what for the audience in the name of entertainment. You don’t want a show that does not hold marriage serious, as it should be. My moral campus does not allow me to swallow the idea that for the sake of entertainment, I could compromise everything that I hold dear and true.

Fortunately, I am not the only one who holds those views. I have read comments on various Tanzanian blogs and there are folks who stressed on immorality of the show. On the other hand, there have been those who have endorsed the show. I am presuming that the later group is the one that showed up at the airport to give Richard a hero’s welcome. Obviously, some folks took the opportunity to herald their political ambitions. Some CCM guys went as far as claiming that Richard fulfilled the CCM manifesto. What a bunch of crap!

Regardless of my personal convictions, people flocked the airport. You know what? That got me thinking. There must be something that brought people out. There must be something that made people feel that Richard actually made them proud, regardless of the platform and how Richard brought that pride. Mhh…what could that thing be?

The fact of the matter is that Tanzanians have been and being battered by life. I am not sure if you can find something from a political arena that gives Tanzanians a sense of meaning and achievement. On a daily basis, there is just bad news floating around. It is not wonder then, when Taifa Stars won a couple of games and hope of going the to the African Cup championship was still alive, something in people got stirred up.

There is a natural pride in all human beings. There is a natural desire in all of us to feel important and capable. Nobody likes to be defeated. We all like to be numero uno. Nonetheless, defeat has been a Tanzanian story. Defeat has been a Tanzanian daily experience. When was the last time Tanzania had sense of victory after the Ugandan war? May be Tanzania has experienced little victories, but none that ordinary person in the streets of Dar-Es-Salaam or a remote village in Sumbawanga could relate to.

It is for that reason; Richard’s victory (though none of the people who showed up at the airport would benefit from anything) means something. It brought a sense that Tanzanians can win at least something. It means that Tanzanians are actually capable of achieving something. It is for that reason the morality of the show is being overlooked. It is for that reason, whoever is criticizing the show is viewed a party spoiler. I mean, who would seriously care about “internal affairs” between Richard and his wife, while the dude has uplifted the spirit of the country?

The same feeling of inspiration and meaning also came surfaced with Asha-Rose Migiro was appointed UN Deputy Secretary General. In reaction to her appointment, the whole country went crazy. People look for inspiration. And it appears that Richard has brought that inspiration to the people of Tanzania. Richard has given Tanzanians something to escape the realities around them.

And I can’t blame any of wananchi.

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Photo Credit: Michuzi