Saturday, December 14, 2013

Leaders advised to take a leaf from Mandela’s book

From left: Former Prime Minister, Frederick Sumaye, Prominent Politician, Ngombale Mwiru, Algeria Ambassador to Tanzania,  Djelloul Tabet and his colleague from Palestine,  Nasir Abujaish pay attention during a commemoration service of ex-president of South Africa the late Nelson Mandela who died  last week and  will be buried today
Tuesday’s memorial service for Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg saw the world pay tribute to South Africa’s first democratically-elected president.
 
Mandela, who died last Thursday at 95, was hailed as an icon of the freedom struggle, peace, human rights and reconciliation. He will be buried today in his boyhood village of Qunu.

Those who spoke during the memorial service in Johannesburg on Tuesday praised the former leader and asked today’s leaders to emulate him and put the interests of the people before theirs.

TZ population rise ‘alarming’

Too many mouths to feed: Experts say unchecked population growth could rip apart Tanzania’s dwindling food reserves.
Tanzania’s population growth is among the highest in the East and central African region  and the world and could worsen food security which is already severe, a new book, published this week by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) says.

Released on Monday by three research organizations, the book says that arable areas in the region are under severe pressure to increase their productivity to feed a rapidly increasing human population.

Fate of inept ministers in Kikwete’s hands – CCM

Educational and Vocational Training minister Shukuru Kawambwa has come under a lot of fire recently over falling standards in Tanzania’s schooling system.
The fate of ministers viewed by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) as underperformers is in the hands of President Jakaya Kikwete, according to the party secretariat.

Speaking to reporters in Dar es Salaam yesterday, CCM Secretary for Publicity and Ideology Nape Nnauye said the party’s Central Committee, meeting in Dodoma on Thursday and Friday, grilled seven ministers on why their dockets were under-performing.

World watches as Tanzanian twins undergo rare surgery

A medical illustration shows a fused lower spine in conjoined twins – which is quite common in recorded cases of pygopagus twins. PHOTO | FILE 
Indian doctors are on the brink of a major surgical milestone should they successfully separate a rare type of conjoined twins from Tanzania.

The 20-strong team of specialists and surgeons is lined up to carry out the 16-hour operation on the twin boys born to Tanzanian parents from Dodoma region. The operation will cost some Sh103 million.

The case has elicited considerable excitement not only in India, which is famous for its medical tourism, but also across the global medical fraternity--which will have an opportunity to watch the delicate surgical operation live on the Internet.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Simba, Yanga's 'Nani Mtani Jembe' match set for Dec 21

Kilimanjaro Premium Lager manager George Kavishe (centre) speaks during a press conference about the Simba and Yanga 'Nani Mtani Jembe' match
Archrivals Simba and Yanga will lock horns in their ‘Nani Mtani Mjembe’ campaign match on December 21 at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking in a press conference yesterday in Dar es Salaam, the Kilimanjaro Premium Lager manager, George Kavishe, said the soccer giants have already signed agreements to play the ‘Nani Mtani Jembe’ match which will kick off at 16:00.


He said both teams are sponsored by the Kilimanjaro beer, have promised to play their first team players to entertain their fans. 



Rwanda meet Kenya, Zambia date Burundi

Haruna Niyonzima, Rwanda player
Hosts Kenya will meet Rwanda in the first quarter-final clash of the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) Senior Challenge Cup championship match to be played at Mombasa’s Municipal Stadium tomorrow.

Rwanda secured the last eight place after breezing past Eritrea during the final Group C match played at the Kenyatta Stadium earlier in the afternoon yesterday.

 It was Michel Ndahinduka who powered Rwanda into the quarters in a closely contested encounter. Rwanda had lost two group stage games by a single goal to both Ethiopia and holders Uganda. 


Secret behind Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda deal

East African Community Secretary-General Richard Sezibera addresses a regional media conference in Kampala yesterday
The Coalition of the Willing, which rocked the East African Community in recent months, was triggered by fear over competition for economic dominance in the region, The Citizenhas learnt.
Reports from Kampala hint that Tanzania’s aggressive ambition to invest in infrastructure, especially the construction of a Chinese funded multibillion-dollar port project, caused panic, particularly in Kenya, which has dominated the region because of its Mombasa port.
The revelation comes as Kenya yesterday launched the construction of the Sh22 trillion 1,250-km Mombasa-Malaba railway line in a ceremony attended by four presidents from the East African region.

The billionaire who ‘fixed’ Zitto Kabwe

Kigoma North MP Zitto Kabwe, follow the Parliament committee on Infrastructure debate at Pius Msekwa hall in Dodoma on Tuesday to discussing the problem faced the sector the meeting attended with transportation stakeholder, government officials  and MPs
If you are multinational company having trouble with governments in Africa over investment, you just phone one man called Moto Mabanga and task him to fix the problem.

In the blink of an eye, Mr Mabanga will have sorted out things for you, but for an astronomical fee, whose exact amount would depend on the nature and value of the business.

From presidents to prime ministers, millionaires to billionaires, Mr Mabanga has always fixed their problems and earned with a trust, power and millions of dollars.


Nelson Mandela: A remarkable man, an incredible life

Nelson Mandela: The official memorial service for one of Africa's greatest sons will be held on December 10 in Johannesburg, and he will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Qunu on December 15
South Africa’s first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, has died, after suffering for about six months.

Mr Mandela, 95, led South Africa’s transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison.

He had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital.


Thursday, December 5, 2013

Kenyan Journalists hold protests over media law

A journalist in Eldoret town holds a demonstration against the Media Bill yesterday
Journalists yesterday held protests in Nairobi and other major towns over changes in the media Bill that curtail press freedom. Editors’ Guild vice-chair David Ohito led journalists in peaceful picketing in Nairobi.

The protests were also held in Mombasa, Nyeri, Nakuru and Eldoret.

In Nairobi, the journalists converged outside Nation Centre before starting the procession on Kimathi Street, Moi Avenue and later joined Harambee Avenue before presenting their memorandum to the Office of the President, Deputy President, Attorney General and to Parliament.


Mandela on deathbed

Nelson Mandela
For the former South African President and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, affectionately known in his country as Madiba, it is just “a matter of when” as he struggles with his life lying in what his family is now describing as his deathbed.

Yesterday one of Mzee Mandela’s daughter told South African Broadcasting Corporation that the ailing hero was in extremely serious condition. She used the word “deathbed” to describe the health situation of arguably Africa’s most enduring and famous freedom fighter.


Swahili Fashion Week lined up for December

Swahili Fashion Week
The sixth annual Swahili Fashion Week gets underway in Dar es Salaam from December 5 the organisers have confirmed yesterday.

The event will collectively bring together 40 designers from within Tanzania and beyond to showcase their collections, predicting trend for the East African market for year 2014.


Voters stay between Hisia and Tusker Project Fame

Elisha Maghiya 'Hisia'
The only surviving Tanzanian Tusker Project Fame contestant like the rest in the academy here at Ruaraka, Elisha Maghiya or Hisia, is desperately looking for voters’ amnesty so as to stay in contention for the lucrative 100m/- lucrative cash prize next month. 

There are nine contestants who all pray for their country’s voters as a sole fulcrum for their ultimate survival in the music composition career.


POLL: 91 percent want underperforming MPs out

Rakesh Rajani
Majority of Tanzanians want the new constitution to have a clause that mandates the public to expel underperforming Members of Parliament.

Releasing the findings of a research titled: “Drafting the law of the land: Reflections of citizens in Mainland Tanzania on the draft constitution” head of Twaweza, Rakesh Rajani, said - according to the study- 91 per cent of people in Tanzania mainland want to have a mandate to oust their legislators in case they fail to perform their duties or are underperforming.


Invest in infrastructure, private sector urged

Transport Minister, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe (L) addresses the Great Rift Valley Transport Infrastructure Summit yesterday in Dar es Salaam. 
The government is calling for private sector participation in building the nation’s infrastructure to improve service provision.

Opening a two-day Great Rift Valley Transport Infrastructure Summit yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Transport Minister, Dr Harrison Mwakyembe said more effort was needed to find a lasting solution to the congestion in Dar es Salaam and other cities in the country.


Tanroads draws plans to end congestion at weighbridges

Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads)
Tanzania National Roads Agency (Tanroads) plans to install Weigh in Motion equipment to screen heavy trucks so as to reduce the congestions and save time at weighbridges, it has been learnt.

The plans are contained in a report released in Dar es Salaam by Tanroads titled: “Vehicle Overload Control on Trunk Roads in Tanzania.” 


Zanzibar pays price for disorganisation

Salum Bausi, Zanzibar Heroes head coach
Zanzibar soccer team’s head coach Salum Bausi unexpectedly disappointed reporters here after boycotting to attend the post match interview at the Afraha Stadium here. 

Bausi scoffed at the CECAFA tournament organizers for not setting up the final group stage game simultaneously.


Malinzi forms two ad hoc committees

TFF president Jamal Malinzi addressing a press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday on a Coach's Retreat organised by TFF to find ways of improving Taifa Stars.
The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) president, Jamal Malinzi, has formed two ad hoc committees to evaluate the structure of the Tanzania Premier League Board and the league in general and recommend ways to improve it, including establishing a company.

According to the TFF acting secretary general, Boniface Wambura, the League’s Structure Valuation Committee is under former national team coach Dr Mshindo Msolla while secretary is the TFF’s Competition Officer, Idd Mshangama. 


Samata inspires Kili Stars to win

Mbwana Samata
Kilimanjaro Stars ended the preliminary matches on high after defeating Burundi by      a single goal in the final Group B match played at the Afraha Stadium here yesterday to book their quarter-final clash against either Group C winners or whichever team finishes as first best loser at the end of today’s final group stage matches.

 TP Mazembe’s talismanic striker Mbwana Samata made his presence felt here seven minutes into the game when he headed home a beautiful goal-bound aerial cross by midfielder Thomas Ulimwengu from the right flank to send Burundi goalkeeper the wrong way. 


Update registers before referendum, MPs urge

William Lukuvi, Minister of State (Policy, Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs)
Members of Parliament yesterday asked two electoral bodies of the union and Zanzibar governments to update the permanent voters’ registers to allow more people take part in the forthcoming referendum on the constitutional review process.

They were debating the Referendum Bill, 2013 tabled by the Minister of State (Policy, Coordination and Parliamentary Affairs), William Lukuvi.


9bn/- budget for urban local govt strengthening plan

Hawa Ghasia, Minister of State Prime Minister's office Regional Administration and Local Government
The government plans to spend 9bn/- in the implementation of a five year Urban Local Government Strengthening Programme (ULGSP) in 18 district councils countrywide, Parliament was told yesterday in Dodoma.

The plan was made public by the Minister of State Prime Minister’s office Regional Administration and Local Government Hawa Ghasia, when responding to a question posed by the Lindi Urban Legislator Salum Barwany (CUF) during the question and answer session.


Traditional land title deeds may serve for loan collateral

Goodluck Ole Madeye, Deputy minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements
The government is asking financial institutions in Tanzania to accept traditional land title certificates as collateral in loan acquisitions because they are legal documents.

Deputy minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements, Goodluck Ole Madeye, said although they do not have long life spans, financial institutions must recognise traditional land title certificates as legal documents.


Youth forum set to focus on gas sector

Guy Ryder, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director General
As increasingly more foreign countries invest in the country’s natural gas sector the government has announced that it is working intently on ways to empower the nation’s youth so that they too benefit from the country’s resources.

These efforts are expected to take centre stage at today’s youth forum in Dar es Salaam where Vice President Dr Mohamed Ghalib Bilal will be officiating and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director General, Guy Ryder is expected to attend, his first trip to Africa.


Singapore companies already buying shares in oil and gas sector

Juliet Kairuki, Executive Director of Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC)
Announcing that several Singaporean companies have already bought shares in the oil and natural gas sectors the Executive Director of Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), Juliet Kairuki, said there are more companies from the Asian country looking to invest in the sector.

She was speaking shortly after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TIC and IE Singapore Cooperation Enterprises in Dar es Salaam.


6 million adults illiterate, government urged to act

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
The government has been urged to invest more in adult education programs to reduce the number of illiterate adults in Tanzania which at the moment is estimated to be a shocking 6 million people.

Acting Director at the Institute of Adult Education (IAE) Dr Fidelis Mafumiko, was speaking at the 49th graduation ceremony of the institute held earlier this week in Dar es Salaam. A total of 384 graduates were awarded certificates, ordinary diplomas and degrees in various fields.


Dar residents: End traffic jams, please

Just as in many other parts of Dar es Salaam, motorists stranded at Mnazi Mmoja – along Bibi Titi Street – yesterday
Dar es salaam residents have called upon relevant authorities to take urgent steps to reduce - if not end - traffic jams that trap people in vehicles for hours.

Passengers and motorists interviewed by The Guardian yesterday said they had spent hours in traffic jams as a result of the rains yesterday, but even without rains the problem remained.


Kikwete wants constitution to protect people with disability

President Jakaya Kikwete addresses nation from Dar es Salaam yesterday at climax of celebrations to mark World Day for People with Disability.
President Jakaya Kikwete has called for incorporation of a section in the new constitution guaranteeing representation of people with disabilities in decision making bodies, including the National Assembly.

The president made the call in Dar es Salaam yesterday in his speech to mark the International Day for People With Disabilities (IDPWD) whose theme this year is: “Break barriers, open doors: for an inclusive society for all."


Rich, poor gap growing in East Africa - report

Society for International Development Associate Regional Director Aidan Aidan Eyakuze presents overview of research done by the agency at inauguration of 'State of East Africa 2013 Report'.
The growing gap between poor and rich in East Africa is fanning violence and crime across the region, a report released in Dar es Salaam yesterday has shown.

Ambassador Juma Mwapachu, Global President of the Society for International Development (SID), said if the governments do not find solutions to reduce the inequalities - mainly caused by corruption and poor use of resources, crime rates and violence will be inevitable in such countries.


Police nab 2 foreigners in KIA drug haul

Robert Boaz, Kilimanjaro Police Commander
Police at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) yesterday arrested two foreign nationals who they alleged were carrying 12.7 kilogrammes of drugs whose value is yet to be established, The Guardian can reliably report.

Josiane Dede Creppy (25), a Togolese and Grace Teta (34), a Liberian, were arrested before boarding flights to Accra, Ghana and Cape Town, South Africa respectively.


Sumatra takes measures to ease festive season's travel


The Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA), intends to issue temporary route licenses to bus owners in attempt to curb fare hikes during Christmas and New Year Festivals.

The plan is also set to reduce upcountry passengers at the Ubungo bus terminal in Dar es Salaam, which is being pulled down to give way to the Rapid Bus Transit project.


Tanzania has world's highest rate of deforestation - NEMC


Tanzania's average annual deforestation rate is at a global high of 1.1 percent, more than twice the global average of 0.5 percent. As such, the country is loosing between 300,000 to 400,000 hectares of forest each year and experts warn over the possibility of increased rapid climate change effects.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam over the weekend during the ‘Global warming and climate change forum’ the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), Chemical Engineer, Menan Jangu, feared that the trend will continue short of introduction of alternative fuels.


Suspicious object feared bomb retrieved from church vicinity


An object feared to be a bomb has been retrieved from the vicinity of a church and police in collaboration with explosive experts are investigating.

The suspected object was discovered near a church early Monday morning by a young child, Standard two Mji Mpya Primary school pupil, Emmanuel Stanley, in the bushes where he was playing. 


Dr Migiro nominated MP


President Jakaya Kikwete has nominated Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro Member of Parliament.
According to a State House statement circulated to the media yesterday, the appointment is with effect from Monday December 02, this year.

Currently, Migiro is CCM’s National Executive Committee Secretary for Political Affairs and International Relations. Dr. Migiro was the first African woman to hold the post of United Nations Deputy Secretary General.


Bill to Penalise Prostitutes’ Clients Approved


Paris – French lawmakers on Wednesday approved a controversial bill that will make the clients of prostitutes liable for fines starting at €1 500.

The draft anti-prostitution law was approved by the lower house National Assembly with 268 deputies voting in favour, 138 voting against and 79 abstaining.


FIFA Unveils 2014 World Cup Ball, ‘Brazuca’


The official match ball for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil has been revealed. The ball is named ‘Brazuca’ after a fan poll in Brazil that drew almost a million votes.

‘Brazuca’ is a colloquial phrase that refers to the Brazilian way of life, and is also a phrase sometimes shouted in approval of a skillful move on the pitch.


Landlord Removes Tenant’s Eye


A landlord who damaged one of the eyes of his tenants will know his fate tomorrow at the Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State, western Nigeria.

The court will tomorrow sentence the landlord, Rasaki Elegbede, who pleaded guilty to the offence of damaging his tenant’s eye during a fight. The police in the charge sheet accused him of using an object to hit one of the eyes of his tenant, Alfa Fatai Adekola, during a fight over payment of electricity bill.