Category: The Citizen

Arusha. Four bird species native to Tanzania’s grasslands are in the running for the coveted title of Tanzania Bird of the Year 2026, with voting now open to citizens, the diaspora, tourists and global bird enthusiasts.

The contenders are the Common Ostrich, Red-necked Spurfowl, Kori Bustard and Southern Ground Hornbill. They are competing to succeed the Superb Starling, which currently holds the 2025 title until December.

The campaign, coordinated by Nature Tanzania, is part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness about bird conservation. Marketing Officer Gaudensia Mariki said students from Manyara Ranch Primary, Tumaini Senior Secondary and Edward Lowassa Secondary School have already voted.

“We also conducted a community campaign at the Makuyuni marketplace to familiarise residents with the voting process and to promote appreciation of birds and environmental protection,” Ms Mariki noted. According to Programme Officer Edwin Kamugisha, the voting exercise began on September 7 and will run for four weeks.

The 2026 winner will be officially announced in December after more than 10,000 votes are tallied both online and in person. Each species brings unique ecological value.

The Kori Bustard is celebrated as a heavyweight grassland ambassador, crucial in controlling insects and dispersing seeds. The Common Ostrich, symbolic of Tanzania’s savanna, contributes to ecological balance but faces threats from habitat loss and illegal hunting.

The Red-necked Spurfowl supports both grasslands and farmlands by dispersing seeds and regulating insect populations, though it is vulnerable to overhunting and habitat destruction. The Southern Ground Hornbill, known for its booming calls and slow breeding cycles, plays an important ecological role but is highly endangered.

Outgoing titleholder, the Superb Starling, with its dazzling plumage and social traits, remains a reminder that even familiar species face growing conservation challenges. Nature Tanzania Director Emmanuel Mgimwa said the Bird of the Year campaign, launched in 2023 with the Secretary Bird as the first winner, seeks to inspire citizens to protect “everyday nature” before it is too late.

“We want Tanzanians to understand that even common species are under threat. This year, we encourage everyone to take part and make their voices count, either face to face or online,” he said.

.

Liverpool. Prime Minister Keir Starmer appealed directly to working-class voters on Tuesday, calling on Labour’s traditional supporters to reject the “snake oil” peddled by the populist Reform UK party and back his vision of “a Britain built for all”.

In the most passionate defence of his premiership since he won a landslide election in July last year, Starmer called for unity, attacking Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage and his Reform party for only being interested in fomenting division. Under threat from Reform on the right and a nascent leftist party under his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn, Starmer called on voters to be patient with his Labour government, which he said was taking its first steps along the path to “renew Britain”.

And he appealed directly to Britain’s working people, saying he understood their frustrations of being “patronised” by politicians, referring to his late father feeling disrespected for having a manual job rather than a university education – something he pledged to change by promoting technical colleges. Starmer calls for fight for ‘soul’ of Britain “No matter how many people tell me it can’t be done, I believe Britain can come together,” he told his party’s second annual conference in the northern English city of Liverpool since winning power last year.

“We can all see our country faces a choice, a defining choice. Britain stands at a fork in the road.

We can choose decency, or we can choose division. Renewal or decline,” he said in a challenge to increasingly restive lawmakers who question his leadership after falling behind Reform in the polls.

In a nod to the difficulties he has faced in the first year of his premiership with his personal poll ratings the worst for a British leader since at least 1977, Starmer again committed to raising living standards and putting money in voters’ pockets. But he also sought to convince them that Labour is the true patriotic party rather than Reform, with officials handing out Britain’s flags to the audience, who waved them during several standing ovations.

“For me, patriotism is about love and pride, about serving an interest that is more than yourself, a common good,” he said. “And the question I ask seriously of Nigel Farage and Reform is, do they love our country or do they just want to stir the pot of division, because that’s worked in their interests?” He repeated that his government would tackle the high rates of illegal immigration into Britain but would fight racism and those who “say or imply the people cannot be English or British because of the colour of their skin”.

That focus on fighting Farage was welcomed by many in the packed conference hall. “Farage doesn’t care about normal people, and it was important we get that message out,” said Shabaan Saleem, a 21-year-old Labour councillor.

But Farage said the accusations of racism had put its supporters in danger. “To accuse countless millions of being racist is a very, very low blow,” he said.

“It directly threatens the safety of our elected officials and our campaigners.” Starmer faces difficult tax and spending decisions Starmer faces some difficult decisions.

After saying that last year’s tax rises – the biggest in more than 30 years – were a one-off in terms of scale, the government might be forced to again raise tens of billions of pounds in taxes to cover a forecast fiscal shortfall. Finance minister Rachel Reeves used her speech at conference to warn those in the party who want her to ease her fiscal rules to spend more on the nation’s ailing economy that they were “wrong, dangerously so”, keeping the door open to tax rises.

And Starmer warned the party that it might face uncomfortable choices. “It is a test.

A fight for the soul of our country, every bit as big as rebuilding Britain after the war, and we must all rise to this challenge,” Starmer said. “And yet we need to be clear that our path, the path of renewal, it’s long, it’s difficult, it requires decisions that are not cost-free or easy.

Decisions – that will not always be comfortable for our party.” .

Dar es Salaam. Presidential candidate Doyo Hassan Doyo of the National League for Democracy (NLD) has identified five major challenges in Geita Region that he says he will address if elected in the October 29 General Election.

Speaking during his campaign tour in Sengerema District at Zamani Bus Terminal and Buseresere Ward yesterday, Mr Doyo said poor roads and high transport costs remain the region’s biggest problems. He also highlighted shortages of medicines and medical equipment in health centres, limited access to clean water, and farmers’ struggles to sell their produce in profitable markets.

“If citizens grant me their mandate, I will ensure farmers can sell their produce in markets that offer fair prices,” Mr Doyo said. “Currently, many are forced to sell in exploitative markets that perpetuate poverty.

If you trust me and vote on October 29, I will ensure farmers receive fair and motivating prices for all their crops.” Mr Doyo criticised the ruling party, CCM, for fixing prices that he says prevent farmers from earning fair returns, describing such policies as a way to keep citizens in poverty.

He also raised broader infrastructure and social service challenges, noting that despite the country’s rich mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, and Tanzanite, many citizens still lack access to clean water, health services, and quality roads. On transport, Mr Doyo said operators face high running costs due to poor roads and excessive taxes, limiting business growth.

“These problems have persisted for decades. Citizens are again asked to trust promises that were never fulfilled.

Tanzanians, choose NLD for real development,” he said. Campaign Manager Pogora Ibrahim Pogora urged voters to support Mr Doyo, noting that he had studied the challenges before seeking office.

“It is time for citizens to elect Mr Doyo, a leader committed to addressing the issues he has already researched,” Pogora said. He added that the NLD manifesto focuses on three principles: patriotism, justice, and development–values Mr Doyo promises to uphold if elected.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania and China’s Fujian Province have taken a significant step towards strengthening cultural and heritage ties following the signing of a new partnership during a Fujian tourism promotion event held yesterday in Dar es Salaam.

The agreement, signed between the National Museum of Tanzania and the Fujian Museum of China, seeks to deepen collaboration in research, preservation and tourism promotion. National Museum of Tanzania director general Noel Lwoga described the partnership as a milestone for cultural diplomacy.

“Through joint research, preservation efforts and tourism promotion, we aim to create meaningful opportunities that benefit both our peoples and deepen our shared understanding,” Dr Lwoga said. The collaboration will cover joint scientific research on cultural heritage, exchange of museum collections to enrich exhibitions, preservation of tangible and intangible heritage and promotion of cultural tourism.

Dr Lwoga said the partnership builds on a recent visit to a cultural and tourism promotion event in Fujian by National Museum of Tanzania researcher Wilbard Lema. Chinese ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, forged by previous generations and strengthened today.

“Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China-Tanzania relations have maintained a high level of development. Political trust has deepened, economic cooperation has yielded fruitful results and cultural ties have flourished,” she said.

Ms Chen described Fujian as a province of natural beauty and cultural richness, known for landmarks such as Mount Wuyi and Gulangyu Island. “Tourism serves as an important bridge connecting our peoples,” she said, adding that improved travel opportunities would allow more Tanzanians to experience Fujian’s culture, jasmine tea and the traditional melodies of Nanyin music.

The ambassador also underscored Fujian’s economic role, noting that many enterprises from the province are “going global” and sharing development opportunities with African partners. “Within the framework of FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative, Fujian can serve as a new bridge for cultural and economic ties.

” Ms Chen expressed hope that the partnership would strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between China and Tanzania in the years ahead. .

Mwanga. A fire of unknown origin has razed a dormitory at Asharose Migiro Girls’ Secondary School in Makuyuni hamlet, Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region, leaving 46 students in shock.

The incident, which occurred in the early hours of September 29, 2025, destroyed property including 354 beds and mattresses, 32 wardrobes, and 32 shoe racks. Kilimanjaro Regional Fire and Rescue Commander, Jeremiah Mkomagi, confirmed the incident, saying no lives were lost.

“The cause of the fire is yet to be established. A thorough investigation is under way.

There were no injuries, but 46 students experienced shock and were rushed to Mwilange Health Centre for treatment,” he said. Mr Mkomagi said that the Fire and Rescue Service continues to educate the public on fire prevention and safety measures.

.

Mbeya. Police in Mbeya have confirmed that two suspects were fatally shot during an attempted arrest in Chunya District and that a third suspect later died after allegedly jumping from a police vehicle, in connection with the murder of 21-year-old Mzumbe University student Shyrose Mabula.

The victim, a second-year law student, was reported missing on September 14, 2025 and her charred body was discovered on September 16, 2025 in the Nane Nane area of Isyesye Ward, Mbeya City. Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga said preliminary inquiries indicate the perpetrators intended to abduct Ms Mabula for ransom and, when that failed, killed her, poured herbicide, strangled her with a rope and set the body alight in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.

Commander Kuzaga told The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi on Monday that police arrested Marwa John (25), a resident of Uzunguni A, on September 24, 2025. Marwa is said to have confessed and identified Edward Kayuni. Mwantembele, described by police as a security guard, later cooperated and guided officers to locations in Chunya District where the other suspects were believed to be hiding.

According to the commander, on September 27, officers travelled to Chalangwa Village, Chunya District, after Mr Mwantembele led them to a rendezvous point where Mr Kayuni was believed to be hiding. When officers moved to arrest Mr Kayuni he drew a knife and threatened the team.

He was then shot in the leg. “Warning shots were fired but the suspect resisted and was subsequently shot in the leg,” Commander Kuzaga said.

During that fracas Mwantembele also attempted to flee despite warnings and several shots being fired into the air; he was subsequently shot in the leg and the chest. Both men were rushed to Chunya District Hospital but died while receiving treatment, Commander Kuzaga said.

After killing Shyrose it was alleged that Marwa chopped off her right-hand finger and took it to a witchdoctor who was alleged concealing items believed to be linked to the killing. The police ordered Marwa to take them to the witchdoctor.

But on the way he, allegedly, jumped from the police vehicle. Inquiries into the exact circumstances of his death are continuing.

In searches carried out by investigators, police said they recovered two handcuffs (locally known as pingu), two forged Tanzania People’s Defence Force identity cards, mobile phones containing images alleged to be linked to criminal activity and the victim’s undergarments, which, police say, were reportedly taken to a traditional healer for ritual purposes. Commander Kuzaga characterised the case as one motivated by financial gain.

“Our preliminary investigations show the suspects intended to obtain money from the victim’s family through abduction and, when that failed, they killed her to conceal evidence,” he said. Family reaction Reacting to the arrests and the subsequent deaths of the suspects, Dr Mabula Mahande, the victim’s father, praised the police for their professionalism and the assistance given to the family throughout the inquiry.

“I commend our police for fulfilling their duties. I request that they be equipped with modern tools because criminals change their methods every day; with better communication equipment they will be more effective,” he said, urging residents to help expose criminals living in their communities.

The Regional Police issued a public appeal against pursuing wealth through criminal means. “The police call on citizens to abandon the desire to obtain money and property by unlawful means.

Crime does not pay and the long arm of the law will reach those responsible wherever they are,” Commander Kuzaga said. Investigations into the circumstances of Ms Mabula’s death remain ongoing and police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward and assist in the inquiry.

.

Dar es Salaam. As the government opens doors to investors across various sectors, deliberate efforts are needed to ensure Tanzanians benefit not only from financial inflows and technology transfer but also from opportunities to acquire practical skills.

Barrick Mining Corporation, one of the country’s largest investors in the mining sector, has placed education and skills development at the centre of its operations. The company operates in partnership with the government through Twiga Minerals Corporation.

Each year, Barrick’s Bulyanhulu and North Mara mines host students from local universities, offering them exposure to different fields. The company also runs a one-year internship for post-secondary and university graduates, providing mentorship and, in some cases, direct employment.

In addition, a two-year graduate programme trains young professionals in mining and related sectors, with participants either absorbed into Barrick or pursuing careers elsewhere. To support neighbouring communities, the firm operates a first-entry scheme for unskilled youths from villages around its mines.

Participants receive training in mining-related roles, equipping them to secure jobs or apply their skills in other industries. Barrick has also been sponsoring college symposiums through AIESEC, a global youth platform.

Experts from the company mentor students, helping them to prepare for the future, explore career opportunities and develop leadership potential. Speaking during the release of Barrick’s 2024 sustainable strategy implementation report, the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mark Bristow, said education remains a top priority in its investment strategy.

“Barrick continues to prioritise education and will strengthen its investment in the sector to ensure Tanzanians access better learning opportunities,” he said during his recent visit to the country. Interns interviewed by The Citizen praised the mentorship provided during their training and noted the company’s commitment to environmental protection, workplace safety and community development projects in education, health and infrastructure.

.

Mbeya. Chama cha Makini presidential candidate, Coaster Kibonde, has promised tractors for farmers and a minimum wage of Sh600,000 if elected, urging residents of his hometown, Mbalizi, to support him.

Speaking at a rally at Tarafani grounds on September 27, Kibonde said his upbringing in Mbalizi gave him a unique opportunity to serve the people with patriotism. He outlined his party’s priorities in agriculture, education, and health.

He pledged free education from primary to university level, focused on skills for local and global job markets, and support for students to study abroad. In agriculture, he promised five acres of land with title deeds for each youth, tractors to replace hand hoes, and open markets for farmers to sell produce.

On health, Kibonde vowed to build well-equipped dispensaries and warned against negligence leading to deaths. He said his government would also provide interest-free loans to small traders.

Running mate Azza Haji Suleiman said health would be prioritised through a free service known as Makini Care. “Health is the foundation of all other plans.

With healthy citizens, everything is possible,” she said, urging voters not to be swayed by money. Deputy Chairperson and Ubungo parliamentary candidate Grace Ngonyani urged residents to seize the opportunity to vote for a local-born candidate.

Deputy Secretary Ramadan Bambo added that the party would redistribute land from a few leaders to the youth. “On 29 October, do not make a mistake.

Vote for Kibonde to lead the country towards development,” he said. .

A video on social media grimly showed Isakwisa Atupele Mwamasage’s last breath, a 39-year-old Tanzanian kicking his legs as two South African police officers pinned him to the floor, and no sooner than he wet his pants did he stop moving. His place and time of death have been disputed.

The onlookers said ‘Ras Isa’, as he was known by his friends, died on the scene, right next to where he set up his roadside hustle as a shoe cobbler. The police would later take his lifeless body and claim he died in the hospital after spending time behind bars.

His death is reminiscent of the death of an African American with a white police officer’s knee on his neck. This incident sparked anti-racism and Black Lives Matter protests in various American cities.

But unlike in the American case, this was a Black African man killed by Black African policemen. Ironically, it is in this country that Tanzanians died alongside native South Africans as they were fighting for their independence.

His death was not a separate individual case; throughout this year, social media groups belonging to Tanzanians living in South Africa have continuously announced deaths of their fellow countrymen, whose crime was to look for better lives outside their country’s borders. Even after Ras Isa’s demise, debates have raged on social media, speculating about what he did for a living.

The people knew him as a cobbler, but police said he was selling drugs, and after seeing him behave suspiciously, they approached him. That’s when he swallowed the drugs to hide the evidence.

But the questions remained: does the small amount of drugs he allegedly swallowed warrant death? Speaking to Mr Mohammed Msangi, a Tanzanian sailor who resides in KwaZulu-Natal, he said, In general, no one is immune to the violence in South Africa; all foreigners from other African countries are targeted, and even South Africans are affected by the wave of violence in the country. “Zimbabweans and Congolese are among the worst targeted communities; I think Tanzanians are fourth,” Mr Msangi said.

He further elaborated on the difference in lifestyle between Tanzania and the country he has called home for years now. He said, with the exception of academia, most young Tanzanians going to South Africa are going there knowing there are no jobs for them to do; they have no skill set or educational qualifications to join formal job sectors.

So as soon as they get to the country, they are absorbed into gangs and delve into illegal activities, from petty drug trade to pushing sachets of cannabis just to survive and settle in. The young Tanzanians in such a quick fortune, unfortunately, graduate from thieves to hardened criminals.

“It’s like stealing has been formalised as a regular job,” he said. They risk it all, and if they meet untimely death by the bullet, life goes on; it fazes no one.

More young people will keep doing the same thing that ended their colleague’s life. Most Africans living in South Africa illegally are accustomed to the growing animosity towards them.

Seeking refuge with the police force is not an option; Mr Msangi is all too familiar with the look of contempt they receive from the law enforcers. He narrated how, just a few weeks ago, a Tanzanian named Rajabu was stabbed to death by his South African wife in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and the wife was just briefly held at the police station and let go.

Life is cheap; all you have to do is survive the night. “Another Tanzanian, Mr Likizo, was stabbed by a fellow Tanzanian while fighting for a corner in the street.

Each wanted to put their goods for sale,” he said. While one would think the police force would be on the hunt for the assailant, Mr Msangi said that is never the case; all the killer has to do is move to another place and carry on with his life; the police will not bother to look for him.

“It’s like you can kill someone in Mbezi and move to Kariakoo and live your best life,” he elaborated. These fights break out, fighting for a corner, because in some cases, this is where they sell their drugs, he said.

“They sell batik and other stuff, but under the table, they sell illicit substances,” he added. The Tanzanian community in South Africa is still traumatised by the killing of Ras Isa.

The police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, promised an autopsy to determine what caused his death. Western Cape Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will be thorough with the investigation.

But Mr Isakwisa’s body has already been flown and buried in his hometown, Mbeya, Tanzania. While the world seems to have forgotten him, the videos of his heartbroken family weeping in church while saying their final goodbyes are a clear reminder of the faces and turmoil the violence has caused.

These are people, not just statistics. These are sons whose mothers grieve.

Lives shattered and dreams obliterated. Neither the South African government nor our embassy in Pretoria has explained in detail the recent deaths of these Tanzanians.

But Mr Msangi might understand why: “Our embassy knows some of these young Tanzanians are involved in illegal activities; hence, they just turn a blind eye,” he said. Whether Mr Isakwisa was a drug peddler, as insinuated by the Western Cape police in their case report, or he was simply a shoe cobbler, as his neighbours attested, I hardly see the South African government taking much time on it.

The Tanzania Ministry of Foreign Affairs of East African Cooperation has not even batted an eye. This is just another story with shock value that will fade into the background soon enough.

The Tanzanian media, on the other hand, would sensationalise morbid news rather than dig deeper. The bold headline ‘A Tanzanian has been killed in South Africa’ gets more clicks than ‘a petty thief murdered’; whether these young boys are criminals or not, every Tanzanian life should hold some value, and the right to life is universal and not based on your bank balance or lack of it.

“Death is everywhere in South Africa, especially in the African communities,” Mr Msangi said. “No one wants us here, so if we are murdered, the killers go unpunished,” he added.

Mr Mohammed has posted on his Facebook page too many Tanzanians who have died in South Africa; he can’t keep count of how many. Just recently, Mr Steven Bico Mwambeta was gunned down in Mtubatuba in KwaZulu-Natal.

Another case that he is sure will go unsolved. Humans have been habitual nomads, migrating continuously since the dawn of our species.

We are now obsessed with the borders. The very borders in Africa came as a result of the Europeans’ scramble to divide the continent.

The “Bondeni” dream has already turned into a nightmare and a gravesite, but who is to tell the youth whose unemployment in Tanzania is so dire that they have no choice but to risk it all? On social media, Tanzanians are urging their fellow countrymen to retreat and return home, but as a man, a growling stomach and dreams of a fancy life before growing old will always precede any logic and instinct to heed danger. The best we can do is start addressing the elephant in the room, call a spade a spade, and admit we have a problem that has been there for a decade, which is a right start.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s leading sports equipment manufacturer and retailer JustFit Sports Gear has officially launched its first-ever official Mainland Tanzania Premier League match balls, which are now set to be used in the ongoing competition.

This marks a significant milestone for local sports manufacturing and retail, as the Premier League had previously relied on imported match balls. The launch highlights the growing capacity of Tanzanian companies to produce high-quality sporting equipment for top-tier competitions.

Speaking with The Citizen yesterday, the firm’s managing director, Salim Salim, said the company has signed a two-year partnership with the Tanzania Premier League Board. Salim noted that they have introduced a high-quality match ball that will be used throughout the new season of the Tanzania Mainland Premier League.

In addition to the ball, he said they have also unveiled specially designed referee kits to be worn during all matches in the upcoming league season. “This move highlights the company’s commitment not only to football but also to enhancing the overall professionalism and branding of Tanzanian football,” said Salim.

He explained that the match ball itself is a Tanzanian innovation, reflecting a combination of creativity, uniqueness, and world-class quality. According to Salim, the design meets international standards, demonstrating that local talent can produce equipment capable of competing on a global level.

Salim added that the company plans to expand its product line further and continue collaborating with football authorities to strengthen the sport at all levels. For his part, Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) vice president Athuman Nyamlani commended the firm for the innovation, saying it enabled Tanzanian football to mark another milestone.

“This is a milestone for Tanzanian sports. For the first time, we have a locally designed football that meets professional standards.

We hope it inspires players and young talent across the country to take pride in locally made products,” said Nyamlani. He added that such innovations contribute significantly to the growth and modernization of football in Tanzania.

He noted that having a high-quality local football and referee kits enhances the professionalism of the league and ensures that the domestic game continues to improve in line with international standards. Justfit’s launch is part of a broader strategy to support sports development in Tanzania, promoting both locally manufactured products and a culture of excellence in football .