Category: The Citizen

Arusha. The High Court has sentenced Hamis Shija to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his pregnant wife, Diana John, and their child, Yakobo Hamis, in a case described as horrific and cruel.

Court documents show that Hamis slit his wife’s throat with a machete, then cut open her stomach with a razor blade, and removed their twin foetuses. He told the court that a traditional healer had convinced him that his wife was bewitching him and blocking his chances of becoming wealthy.

The court also heard that he boiled parts of one foetus in a pot. He later killed his son, Yakobo, by slitting his throat.

The murders occurred on January 28 and 29, 2024, at Misangi Village in Uyogo Ward, Urambo District, Tabora Region. Delivering the judgment, High Court Judge Zaiban Mango said the evidence left no doubt that Hamis committed the offences.

He was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Hamis was charged before the High Court, Tabora Sub-Registry, with two counts of murder contrary to sections 196 and 197 of the Penal Code.

The prosecution told the court that Diana was the accused’s wife and Yakobo their child. It presented 12 witnesses and five exhibits, while the accused testified as the sole defence witness.

Although there were no eyewitnesses to the killings, the prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence and the accused’s confessions. Witnesses who saw the bodies confirmed that both victims had deep cuts.

A key witness, Elisha Paulo–the accused’s stepson–recounted the events of January 27 and 28. He testified that the accused, his mother and Yakobo slept in the bedroom, while he and another child, Sumbu, slept on the veranda. He said the accused returned home late that night but did not wake him to open the door as usual.

The next morning, Elisha heard groaning from the bedroom. The accused later emerged alone.

Diana did not come out, and the children were barred from entering the room. Elisha said the accused admitted to killing their mother, citing a misunderstanding.

Later that evening, Elisha found Yakobo dead on the bed with a neck wound, while Diana lay on the floor. He testified that he saw the accused boiling what appeared to be meat, and was asked to collect the fat in a bottle because it was “rare and valuable.

” The accused then instructed him to help bury Diana’s body outside the house. Relatives later arrived at the home, but the accused refused to let the children out.

Villagers eventually forced the door open and rescued them. Hamis denied killing his family, claiming he had travelled to Mnande in Kaliua and returned to find the bodies.

He alleged that armed villagers had frightened him and that he locked himself inside to protect the children. Judge Mango ruled that Elisha’s testimony, corroborated by other witnesses, provided strong circumstantial evidence linking the accused to the killings.

The court also accepted an additional police statement in which Hamis confessed to the murders, claiming he believed his family practised witchcraft. The judge ruled that the defence had failed to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case and sentenced Hamis to death by hanging.

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Dar es Salaam. For many years, Tanzania has watched talented young people miss out on international scholarships simply because the system did not prepare them adequately to compete, The Citizen has learnt.

The array of obstacles included a lack of timely information, insufficient clarity regarding scholarship prerequisites, and systemic bureaucratic complexity that routinely eliminated even highly qualified applicants during the initial selection phase. Some applicants did not know they needed international examinations; others learnt about language tests only after deadlines had passed.

A significant number did not have passports when admission processes demanded them, while some, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, lacked the support required to navigate complex application procedures. It is against this backdrop that the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has introduced a new strategy aimed at ensuring Tanzanian scholars no longer remain on the sidelines of global academic opportunities.

Speaking to The Citizen shortly after meeting the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Tanzania, Yahya Ahmed Okeish, yesterday, Education Minister Prof Adolf Mkenda explained that government assessments had revealed deep structural gaps in how Tanzanians approached scholarships. He said the country could no longer afford to continue losing opportunities that were meant for its young people simply because the system was not aligned with international standards.

Prof Mkenda recalled that various embassies, including those of Saudi Arabia, South Korea, China, Iceland and South Africa, frequently announce scholarship opportunities for Tanzanian students as well as the government has been engaging these countries for such a collaboration. Yet even with the recent increase of Saudi Arabia’s annual scholarship slots from 90 to 127, Tanzanians continued to miss out in significant numbers.

According to him, the issue was never a lack of ability. Instead, it was the absence of preparation and a system that assumed students knew what global application processes required.

“We realised that simply announcing scholarships is not helping many Tanzanians to seize these opportunities,” he said. He added: “Sometimes the information does not reach those who need it.

Other times, those who receive it do not have the required international examinations or passports at the time of application.” He added that some embassies had openly shared their concern that while Tanzanian youth struggled to meet scholarship criteria, applicants from countries such as Kenya and Rwanda were taking up their slots with relative ease.

To respond to this gap, the ministry has introduced a more proactive approach under Samia Scholarship Extended to prepare potential beneficiaries long before scholarship announcements are made. The model has already taken shape with the selection of 50 high-achieving science students who are currently undergoing a 10-month knowledge and preparation camp at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha.

These learners are being equipped with advanced academic training, language skills, cultural awareness and university admission preparation. They are also sitting for internationally recognised examinations that are often required by some scholarship-granting institutions.

The government has gone further to assist them with obtaining passports early in the process, ensuring they meet the fundamental admission requirements many universities insist on. Prof Mkenda emphasised that this initiative was designed to give equal opportunity to all high-performing students regardless of their socioeconomic background.

He said most Tanzanians currently studying abroad were from international schools, which naturally provided students with the necessary exposure and preparation. While acknowledging this as a positive thing, he said the new government strategy seeks to ensure that students from ordinary public schools, as long as they have the talent, are not left behind.

He described the programme as, “a platform that would allow even the brightest children from low-income households to reach global universities, with the government covering the support they need along the way.” Applicants who have previously lost out share similar experiences.

Ms Rehema Mwakisu recalled missing a full scholarship in Europe because she was unaware she needed an English proficiency test before applying. Education agents’ comments Education agents have welcomed the strategy as long overdue.

An East African regional expert with Global Study Pathways, Ms Grace Kimani, told The Citizen that Tanzanian students have the potential to compete globally but often approach opportunities too late. She said the preparation model fills a gap that education consultants have been facing for years.

From the Tanzanian perspective, Edu-Kwanza founder Sarfraz Kassam described the number of missed scholarships as “painfully high”, noting that some opportunities required only that students pay for their flight, yet many failed due to inadequate preparation. He said the government’s new approach would significantly improve Tanzania’s global academic presence within a short period.

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Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam Special Police Region has confirmed the detention of former Minister Geofrey Mwambe since the night of December 7, 2025. He was apprehended in the Tegeta area of Kinondoni over allegations linked to criminal offences, which are still under investigation.

A police statement issued today, December 12, 2025 indicated that Mwambe, who previously served as Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office for Investment and later as Minister of Industry and Trade, was arrested during a routine security monitoring operation in Dar es Salaam. Initial legal proceedings regarding the allegations are ongoing.

Mwambe, who also served as Director of the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC) and as the Member of Parliament for Masasi, Mtwara (CCM), has been held by the police since December 7, 2025. After several days of silence regarding his detention, yesterday, December 11, 2025 chsrges were filed against the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the Head of Criminal Investigations for the Dar es Salaam Special Zone (ZCO), citing unlawful detention. The application, number 289778/2025, was filed by Mwambe through his lawyer, Hekima Mwasipu, at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court under emergency procedures and is scheduled for hearing on December 15, 2025. In addition, the police have urged the public to remain calm and allow state authorities to complete the investigation and legal processes.

The development comes just days after the Minister of Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, called on the police to ensure arrests are conducted with dignity and in accordance with the law. .

Dodoma. The Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, has identified four key areas he says remain the biggest loopholes for the loss and misuse of public funds–procurement, contracts, issuance of licences and revenue collection.

Dr Mwigulu made the remarks yesterday during a meeting with officials from the Ethics Secretariat for Public Leaders, held as part of his ongoing familiarisation tour of government institutions. He also directed leaders across the country to prepare for a mandatory national declaration exercise in which every public servant will be required to list their assets and explain how they were acquired.

“I decided to let the country settle first because we have just come from a storm. If I trigger another immediately, it will not be ideal.

But it is coming, and you will witness the commotion. It is unacceptable for people to feast on what belongs to others,” Dr Mwigulu said.

Procurement “number one source of loss” The Prime Minister said procurement remains the leading area where public money is siphoned off, followed by valuation and revenue collection, and then contracts and the issuance of licences. He noted that systemic corruption is causing severe damage, citing cases where government projects have stalled because officials allegedly shared the project funds among themselves, leaving contractors unable to proceed.

In sectors like mining and land licensing, Dr Mwigulu condemned the exploitation of vulnerable applicants by corrupt officials. “Go and investigate.

Someone applies for a mining licence, but because of their vulnerability, officials see it as an opportunity, share the benefits among themselves, and deny the rightful applicant their due. This is also happening in land matters.

It is unacceptable,” he stressed. Ethics declarations to be enforced Dr Mwigulu ordered that all public servants be compelled to fill in ethics declaration forms, starting with departments deemed to have high corruption risks.

He directed that the process be fast-tracked in collaboration with the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and other agencies. While affirming that owning wealth is not a crime, the Prime Minister maintained that the source of such wealth is what truly matters.

He highlighted the current inefficiency where high-influence individuals, such as members of tender committees, often file cursory statements that are simply stored away, while individuals not directly involved in corruption-prone operations are still required to fill out comprehensive forms. Ethics authorities urged to act Earlier, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Ridhiwan Kikwete, said it was unacceptable for leaders to be widely accused of wrongdoing while ethics watchdogs remained silent.

Mr Kikwete said that even he had faced accusations, yet no authority had summoned him for questioning to establish the truth. “It is impossible for someone to have teeth and fail to bite.

If the Commission does not act, we will continue to have leaders who lack patriotism in this country. We must act,” he said.

Lack of evidence a major obstacle The Commissioner of Ethics for Public Leaders, retired Judge Sivangilwa Mwangesi, said the Commission was often hampered by a lack of evidence, as many complainants feared to come forward. He added that limited legal awareness among citizens contributed to the shortage of credible information needed to expose misconduct.

Judge Mwangesi said that in the last financial year, 62 cases were brought before the Commission, with 16 percent of the complaints found to be defective. .

Kilosa. Farmers in Kilosa District have received different items ranging from motorcycles and bicycles to smartphones and solar panels after embracing digital payments in the agriculture sector.

The awards were presented as part of the “Vuna na Mixx” campaign, which promotes the use of the digital payments. Kilosa District Commissioner Shaka Hamdu Shaka, who was joined by government officials, AMCOS leaders, agricultural stakeholders and representatives from Yas and Mixx, hailed the company for its continued innovation in digital financial services, saying the platform had strengthened efficiency and transparency in agriculture.

“Statistics clearly show that Kilosa plays a critical role in Tanzania’s food production. More than 75 percent of our population depends on agriculture, producing over 400,000 tonnes annually.

Mixx by Yas has added value to this chain by providing secure payment systems and services that empower farmers,” he said. He called on farmers to continue using digital payment solutions to minimise losses, avoid long trips to payment centres and enhance transparency in their transactions.

Mr Shaka added that the government would continue to collaborate with private-sector partners such as Mixx and Yas to lift productivity, address market and input challenges and strengthen the agricultural economy. Mixx North Coast zonal business manager, Anwar Kisesa, said the campaign was introduced to recognise farmers who have been leading in the use of the platform to receive their payments safely and on time.

“What we are doing today goes beyond giving out prizes. We are demonstrating that farmers are the engine of the economy of Kilosa and Tanzania at large.

Digital payments through Mixx have enhanced transparency, reduced congestion and enabled farmers to receive their money instantly,” he said. Mr Kisesa noted that more than 6,000 Mixx agents in Morogoro Region have earned income through transaction commissions, while the government continues to collect revenue through digital payment taxes.

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Dar es Salaam. Veteran politician and long-serving minister, Jenista Mhagama, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering woman who rose from a career in teaching to hold ministerial positions across different government phases.

Mhagama, born on June 23, 1967, died on December 11, 2025, just over a month after being sworn in for another term as Member of Parliament (MP) for Peramiho (CCM), a seat she first won in 2005. Speaker of Parliament Mussa Azzan Zungu announced her death through a statement issued by his office, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to her family, relatives, and constituents. “With great sadness, I announce the passing of the MP for Peramiho, Jenista Joakim Mhagama, which occurred today, December 11, 2025, in Dodoma.

I extend my condolences to all honourable MPs, the family of the deceased, relatives, and the people of Peramiho. May God grant you strength and patience during this difficult time,” the Speaker’s statement read.

The statement added that Parliament, in collaboration with the family, is making funeral arrangements, and further updates will be shared with the public. A life of public service Mhagama’s journey in public service began not in politics, but in the classroom as a teacher, a career that laid the foundation for her leadership, patience and community service.

She served as a secondary school teacher and later as a project coordinator at the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) in Ruvuma between 1997 and 2000. She also taught at Songea Girls’ Secondary School and served as Vice Principal of Korogwe Teachers’ College. Additionally, she was Head of the College of Community Development at different times.

Political career After her teaching career, Mhagama entered politics, serving for over two decades as an MP and being appointed minister in various portfolios. In 2000, at the age of 33, she contested and won a special-seat parliamentary position in her home region of Ruvuma.

In 2005, she successfully contested the Peramiho constituency, defeating the late Prof Simon Mbilinyi in CCM primaries. From 2005 until her death in 2025, Mhagama served as MP for Peramiho, winning every internal and general election, thus representing the constituency for 20 years.

During President Jakaya Kikwete’s second term, she was appointed Deputy Minister for Education and Vocational Training from January 2014 to 2015, before being promoted to Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Labour, Youth and Persons with Disabilities). Under President John Magufuli, she continued in the Cabinet, serving in different capacities, including Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service and Good Governance).

In August 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed her Minister for Health, succeeding Ummy Mwalimu. In the new Cabinet announced on November 17, 2025, Mhagama’s name was not included, marking the end of her ministerial tenure.

Her name remains among the notable politicians recognised for advancing women’s participation in politics, her influence in Parliament, and policy leadership affecting the lives of many Tanzanians. Condolences pour in President Hassan expressed her grief on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “I received with sadness the news of the passing of MP for Peramiho, Jenista Joakim Mhagama.

I extend my condolences to the Speaker of Parliament, the people of Peramiho, her family, relatives, and friends. For 38 years, Mhagama was a dedicated CCM member, youth leader, women’s leader, minister, and advisor to many in politics and life.

May God grant her eternal peace.” Former ACT Wazalendo leader and ex-MP for Kigoma Urban, Zitto Kabwe, said: “I worked with her in Parliament from 2005 to 2020, though Mhagama entered in 2000. We chaired and supported each other in standing committees.

May God rest her soul in peace; I am deeply saddened. I also extend my condolences to the people of Peramiho.

” Kasulu Urban MP, Joyce Ndalichako, a close friend, described Mhagama as hardworking and compassionate. “She was a people’s person, always willing to help.

May God grant her eternal rest. I was saddened to hear of her passing this morning,” she said.

President of the Medical Association of Tanzania (MAT), Dr Mugisha Nkoronko, said Mhagama was a responsive leader, particularly during her tenure as Health Minister, coordinating efforts against Mpox and Marburg outbreaks. “She engaged with us respectfully and collaboratively.

We mourn her early passing and extend condolences to her family, Parliament, voters, and all the people of Peramiho,” he said. .

Kahama. A S.

8 billion rainwater harvesting and filtration project jointly funded by Barrick Buzwagi and the government is set to significantly improve water availability in Kahama Municipality, marking a major step towards resolving the area’s long-standing water shortages. Currently under construction in Mwendakulima Ward, the project will collect, treat and distribute rainwater, providing a sustainable and alternative water source for the fast-growing municipality.

Once completed, it will supply up to 10 million litres of clean and safe water per day, reaching more than 66 per cent of Kahama’s residents. Authorities say the project is one of the most notable investments that will remain after the Buzwagi mine, now in its closure phase, completes its shutdown.

It is expected to reduce pressure on existing water infrastructure and stabilise supply for domestic and economic activities. During an inspection tour of the site, Mwendakulima Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Kahama Municipality, Shaban Mikongoti, said the initiative marks a transformative shift for the community.

“This investment will greatly reduce the persistent challenge of accessing reliable and safe water. It will improve the quality of life for our residents, support local businesses and enhance public health,” he said.

Mikongoti noted that the project is part of wider development efforts supported by government and partners, adding that the construction and operation phases will also create employment opportunities for young people. He urged the youth to take advantage of jobs emerging around the Buzwagi economic zone and called on investors to prioritise hiring young people from Kahama, particularly for non-skilled roles.

Barrick Buzwagi representative Tito Jonathan said the company, operating in partnership with the government through Twiga Minerals, remains committed to supporting efforts to ensure communities access clean and safe water. .

The Tanzanian music industry is facing an unprecedented moment of tension as fan boycotts of local artistes continue to grow. At the centre of the debate is Francis Antony Ciza, popularly known as Majjizo, CEO of EFM and TV E, who has publicly urged fans to reconsider their actions, warning that prolonged disengagement could threaten the industry’s stability.

Since the October 29 “Curfew” incident, several high-profile artistes, including Diamond Platnumz, have reportedly lost followers due to online movements criticising them for remaining silent during political or social disputes. Majjizo expresses deep concern, emphasising the potential long-term consequences for the sector.

“What worries me is that this platform may fail, and in the future, politicians might thrive because we agreed not to support Tanzanian music. This is a very serious statement,” Majjizo says during a discussion with music stakeholders and fans.

He highlights the broader economic stakes, noting that the music industry employs a significant number of young people. “When we say we don’t support Tanzanian music, we are indirectly saying we don’t support Tanzanian youth,” he explains.

Majjizo calls for dialogue to bridge the gap between artists and fans, citing independent musicians who have already felt the effects of the boycott. “The effects are already showing.

Artists have slowed down production because of threats, and fans may not even realise the damage caused. Not supporting a video can cost hundreds of jobs,” he says.

Fans Speak Out: Calls for Accountability and Responsibility Despite Majjizo’s appeal, some fans express pointed criticism, arguing that the industry’s failures must also be acknowledged. “Kaka Majizzo, Very well said, but one-sided.

From my perspective, you are speaking on a side most citizens don’t want to hear. The benefits and losses you mention mostly affect your industry directly, while the impact on ordinary people is much smaller, because most of our artists don’t know how to give back to the community,” one fan comments.

Fans highlight several concerns, emphasising accountability, fairness, and social responsibility: “Artists must admit when they have seriously erred and always stand on the side of justice. No one is opposing their political choices, but we question why some use their influence to mislead or harm society instead of educating and uplifting it.

Accepting payment to suppress issues that are clearly unjust is unacceptable.” “Artists should remember that their positions exist because fans supported them.

Using fame or power to undermine fairness earns no respect, even if it seems unnoticed. They should reflect on why even fans from neighbouring countries are turning away and consider the ethical implications of profiting from unfair practices.

Before speaking to the public, artists must remember their societal role, learn from global examples, and understand the responsibility that comes with their influence.” The Boycott’s Impact on the Industry The consequences of the boycott have already become tangible.

For nearly two weeks, no major concerts or music shows have been announced, creating an unusual silence in an otherwise vibrant calendar. New releases have struggled, with view counts and streaming numbers falling below typical levels.

Industry insiders report that some musicians have postponed or cancelled releases, citing “unpredictable fan behaviour” and market uncertainty. Even studio sessions scheduled for November and early December were halted.

This slowdown is affecting the entire creative ecosystem–from video directors and dancers to sound engineers, stylists, and digital marketers–highlighting the interconnected nature of Tanzania’s music industry. As the debate continues, Majjizo’s appeal serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between artists and fans.

While some argue for accountability and social responsibility, others stress the importance of support for a sector that sustains thousands of livelihoods. The question remains: can Tanzanian music navigate this crisis and rebuild trust with its audience? .

The story of Pilot Abeid Soka is a testament to determination, a real-life example of how sheer will can align with the universe to grant you what you want, but only through pure grit, hustle, and ambition. The Chinese have a saying: ‘The best time to plant a tree was a hundred years ago; the next best time is now.

‘ Soka’s professional life has always revolved around tourism as a tour guide, walking around the Serengeti plains, but deep in his heart, he knew he was meant to fly. While other pilots will cage you in an iron bird for the duration of your flight, Pilot Soka lets your eyes soar high and watch the sunrise while the herd of elephants roam through the Serengeti plains.

For the last 17 years, he has been a safari hot air balloon pilot, with numerous journeys under his belt and lots of adventures treasured in his heart. Evidently, he and his colleagues continue to cement their place in Tanzania’s ever-diversifying tourism sector.

Pilot Abeid Soka They are still in celebratory mode; they are just coming from the World Travel Awards in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where they won World’s Leading Balloon Ride Company 2025. Behind the scenes are hard-working hours that Tanzanians like Soka dedicate to their craft. Which will rarely be noticed or acknowledged.

But it is something that he wakes up to every morning, knowing he is living a dream he worked so hard for. What would make a Tanzanian local tour operator outshine the rest across the globe? Soka affirms that their experience accumulated over 35 years of flying hot air balloons in Tanzania.

It’s a norm to hear of Tanzanians flying aircraft; Air Tanzania has a substantial number of those, but local balloon pilots are somewhat of an anomaly. Soka, by then a notable safari guide, would normally take his clients to ride in the hot air balloons after they had completed their safaris in the national parks.

The balloon company would, occasionally, offer the safari guides a spot to fly alongside their clients. “When I took my first ride, I was hooked,” he remembers.

That was the start of his journey in pursuit of one day not only being a passenger but also steering the balloon to the skies. Being on the first balloon ride is mind-blowing, to say the least.

You watch yourself elevated above the trees, and suddenly the Serengeti is below your feet, so are its wild beasts and lush environment. While one is expected to be fixated on the scenery, on his first flight, Soka had his eyes on the operator and how he was navigating the balloon.

He kept his eyes on his hand movements every step of the way, and he kept absorbing what was happening, oblivious to the beautiful picturesque everyone was mesmerised by. Pilot Abeid Soka Subsequently, he would go on a search to find how he could study to become a balloon pilot, initially hitting a snag because no Tanzanian institution offered such studies.

When he hit the wall, he boldly sought after the Balloon Safari’s owner and asked him if he could help in finding a place to learn how to fly. Additionally, he asked if the owner could provide him with a scholarship.

A request that would take him 3 years of persistently knocking on his door before he would realise that Soka was not the one to give up, and he was determined to learn the trade. His first training took him to Tuscany in Italy, a hot air balloon enthusiast’s paradise due to its convenient weather.

There, he enrolled in a British-owned institution, and after three months of vigorous training, he acquired his British private hot-air balloon pilot licence in 2007. He came back home to Tanzania. Upon his return, he would ride along with experienced pilots and watch what they were doing, sharpening his skills.

After a few months, he felt confident enough to then go study for a commercial licence, which took him to the state of California in the United States. Training at the airport and Temecula Valley towards the end of 2007. The hot air balloon pilot training requires a strong science subject background; one has to have a good command of English, with a background in mathematics, geography and physics, of which Soka excelled.

Fear of heights is not within Soka; he actually finds his peace when he is up in the sky. “That’s my passion; I can go as high as the oxygen is available in the sky,” he said.

“Most people who say they have a fear of heights, it’s because they have never tried getting a ride in a hot air balloon, but when they do, all that fear goes away,” he attested. Pilot Soka describes a hot air balloon ride as the most peaceful mode of safari rides.

The aerial perspective of the wildlife and the Serengeti is nothing like anything you see when trekking on the ground. Unlike the ground safari, balloon rides are designed to offer a different kind of exploration, seeking wildlife, which is often found, but it’s a bonus.

The rides are more for a panoramic view, a scenic feast for the eyes. The whole journey experience as you leave the ground is what tourists go for; from the vegetation, the hills, mountains, woodlands and the sunrise in Serengeti, it guarantees one to have an exceptionally good day for the 40-60 minutes you spend in the air.

Although pilots would on occasion navigate the hot air balloon as low as 200 feet above ground, so that tourists could see the wildlife a little bit closer. Soka said they have the utmost respect for wildlife and to stay as far as possible so as not to disrupt their lives.

“We give the animals a good distance, from 200 to 500 feet, so that clients can take photos but not at the cost of the animals’ well-being,” he added. The balloon lowers so that they can recognise the animals and soak in the moment, but not put animals or the client in any danger.

For the millions of tourists who flock to Tanzania to visit its numerous national parks and beaches and even climb Kilimanjaro, Soka urges you to use this relatively environmentally friendly mode of transportation. That typically uses propane as fuel, which burns cleanly and produces minimal emissions.

“Try climbing into a hot air balloon because you have no idea what you are missing. Whoever goes on a balloon flight will never stop doing it, I guarantee that,” he affirmed.

Regardless of one’s height or weight, a hot air balloon is for everyone; there are balloons for 8, 12 and 16 seaters, with all calculations done to consider takeoff mass. The flights are conducted with the utmost care and adherence to strict flight regulations to ensure smooth operations and maximum enjoyment for all onboard.

For those planning to visit Tanzania, Soka said any time of the year Serengeti is amazing and a balloon ride will be equally enjoyable. “In Serengeti, we have animals throughout the year, 365 days a year; this is their home,” he said.

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Kilosa. Farmers in Kilosa District have received different items ranging from motorcycles and bicycles to smartphones and solar panels after embracing digital payments in the agriculture sector.

The awards were presented as part of the “Vuna na Mixx” campaign, which promotes the use of the digital payments. Kilosa District Commissioner Shaka Hamdu Shaka, who was joined by government officials, AMCOS leaders, agricultural stakeholders and representatives from Yas and Mixx, hailed the company for its continued innovation in digital financial services, saying the platform had strengthened efficiency and transparency in agriculture.

“Statistics clearly show that Kilosa plays a critical role in Tanzania’s food production. More than 75 percent of our population depends on agriculture, producing over 400,000 tonnes annually.

Mixx by Yas has added value to this chain by providing secure payment systems and services that empower farmers,” he said. He called on farmers to continue using digital payment solutions to minimise losses, avoid long trips to payment centres and enhance transparency in their transactions.

Mr Shaka added that the government would continue to collaborate with private-sector partners such as Mixx and Yas to lift productivity, address market and input challenges and strengthen the agricultural economy. Mixx North Coast zonal business manager, Anwar Kisesa, said the campaign was introduced to recognise farmers who have been leading in the use of the platform to receive their payments safely and on time.

“What we are doing today goes beyond giving out prizes. We are demonstrating that farmers are the engine of the economy of Kilosa and Tanzania at large.

Digital payments through Mixx have enhanced transparency, reduced congestion and enabled farmers to receive their money instantly,” he said. Mr Kisesa noted that more than 6,000 Mixx agents in Morogoro Region have earned income through transaction commissions, while the government continues to collect revenue through digital payment taxes.

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