Whither war on cholera

. . . as food vendors defy orders to stop selling unhygienic foods

EUGENIA MADHIDHA

THE cholera pandemic continues to cause untold suffering to wananchi through out the country despite concerted efforts by the authorities to curb the social anomaly. If reality on the ground and recent figures on reported and recorded cholera cases are to go by, then there is no light at the end of the tunnel as the disease is spreading like veld fire.

The coming in of the rain season, coupled with the general populace’s lack of hygienic consciousness has been blamed for the ever increasing number of cholera cases recorded through out the country.

Though no latest updates on cholera cases could be obtained by the time of going to press, statistics availed last week revealed that Dar es Salaam Region had a total of 211 cases that had been reported so far.

Temeke District was said to be having the highest number of reported cholera cases where 73 had been recorded while Kinondoni District had 68 and Ilala had 70.

Contacted for comment then, the Acting Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Evance Balama, said: “I want to remind people to observe hygiene especially when preparing food as city executives are working on modalities to bring awareness to the public on the disease.”

The RC also expressed fear that city executives are taking bribes as they were ignoring an order he issued earlier banning all food vendors preparing and selling food in open and unhygienic areas, instructing the city authorities to descend on them.

According to the order, all vendors operating from unhygienic areas were supposed to stop their business or face legal action. This was so because they were blamed for fueling the spreading of cholera.

The RC’s fears were confirmed by Ilala municipal authorities recently who admitted the presence of bribery and corruption amongst city executive officers and city militia when it comes to an exercise of removing food vendors operating in open and unhygienic areas.

This was confirmed by the Ilala Municipal Director, Gabriel Fiume that it was true that some militia are involved in such acts.

According to him, it is difficult for the exercise to be implemented at once because of these problems so in a bid to curb bribery, city militia men were now deployed on rotational basis, saying that no militiaman will be assigned to work in one place for more than one week.

“The reshuffle system will help given the fact that vendors do not develop friendships with militiamen and thus cannot create any chance for her/him to be bribed,” he said.

Despite all these efforts and laxity by city authorities in as far as dealing with cholera is concerned, reality on the ground shows that the war against the disease is far from being won. A visit by this reporter in Temeke District, one of the most affected districts in this region reveals that city fathers still have a lot of work to do.

The situation in Tandika is pathetic to say the list. Food vendors openly and continue to sell food under unhygienic environment despite the order. In separate interviews with this reporter, vendors in Tandika said they have no other source of income and life is difficult so they will continue to risk and defy the order in order for them to feed their families.

“We are aware that there is an order banning us from selling food items in open areas, but, if we are to abandon this business then what will we do? We have hungry mouths to feed at home, so if they want us to stop this then they should give us hygienic places to do our business,” said a sugarcane vendor who requested anonymity.

The situation at Mwembe Yanga was not pleasing also as vendors were operating near pools of dirty rainy water mixed with garbage. On the near side is a fried chicken vendor whose operational environment leaves a lot to be desired. Other vendors could also be seen, crowded at the same area selling different types of foodstuffs such as mangoes, oranges, sugarcane and many other types of foods.

The busy area, which also operates as a bus stand, is in a sorry state and food vendors there became suspicious of this reporter, despite having identified herself, they were not cooperating as they thought the reporter was one of the council officials who had come to implement the ban. However, they confirmed being aware of the ban but could not shed more light on their defiance.

At Yombo Kilakala and Vituka areas the situation wasn’t any better. The situation is worse in this godforsaken area where women in these suburbs prepare and sell different kinds of foods such as chapatti, mihogo and mandazi just but to mention few by the roadside where the environment they prepare food is not hygienic at all. Their wares are not covered and dust from the passing vehicles quickly settles onto the food, not to talk about swarms of flies that will be feasting on the food.

A look at meat vendors especially those selling chicken pieces, is not pleasing. The meat is exposed both to dust and flies to an extent that it needs people with stronger hearts to buy and worse still cook and eat. Asked why they continue defying an order banning them, some professed ignorance while others cited economic hardships as their main reasons.

With no solution in sight for the problem of unhygienic foods being sold on our streets, then the problem of cholera is here to stay. It remains true that with the global economic recession taking its toll on ordinary citizens, then they wouldn’t let go their sole source of income without a fight or resistance, making the job of city authorities to clear the streets of unhygienic foods an insurmountable task.

As long as no solution is found for the problem of food vending, with vendors continue to defy orders to stop selling from unhygienic places, then winning the war against cholera will just but remain a dream.

Ends.

Will Dar auxiliary police end the problem of garbage?

EUGENIA MADHIDHA

The place is filthy as heaps of garbage keep on piling especially from vegetable vendors strategically positioned along the street and those from a nearby market. Not only is the place an eyesore, but also a pungent smell comes out of the dump causing everyone who passes through that place to spit.

Surprisingly, just a few meters away from there is a woman selling food stuffs, opposite is a restaurant and a swam of flies probably from the garbage dump are not only unwanted visitors but are an inconvenience to those enjoying their delicious meals.

The dinners are not only forced to ward off the flies but find themselves removing those that would have been fried together with their meals. This is not a fictitious story from a novel but describes the situation on the ground along one of the streets in Karakoo.

At the place you can find all kinds of garbage you may think of, banana, oranges and other fruit peals, rotten vegetables, papers, empty water bottles and so on. What flabbergast me most is that the people contributing to the ever piling rubbish are aware of the consequences. Diseases like cholera, dysentery, stomach upsets just to mention three are not exceptions when it comes to dirty environment.

“We know of the problems we might face from throwing rubbish everywhere but we have no option because there are no rubbish bins”, said a nearby food vendor who requested anonymity. She added that even if one happens to buy a rubbish bin the city council takes ages to collect the garbage.

A snap survey conducted by this reporter indicates that it is true there are no adequate rubbish bins on the streets of Dar es Salaam. One can walk from corner to corner without coming across a rubbish bin. This is the main reason people throw garbage everywhere in the streets.

Summer season is the hottest and there is no doubt water sales are increasing day by day. The weather causes people to buy water in a short space of time for them not to suffer from dehydration. Also, this is the season where we find many fruits so their prices decline and many people are found buying them a lot, hence the rate at which people are going to be throwing of garbage is bound to increase.

The problem of garbage carpeting the streets and inconveniencing residents and passersby in Dar es Salaam has been with us for a longtime now. In fact, a permanent solution to the problem seems to be eluding the powers be.

In recent years, many attempts have been made to curb the problem but all efforts have been in vain. The city council having realized that petty traders contribute significantly to pollution in the city, employed city militia to arrest those found selling their wares at un designated areas. This however, seems to be failing since vendors and the militia play hide and seek game resulting in traders maintaining a heavy presence on our streets.

At this darkest hour of the evening, light seems to be shining in Dar es Salaam since the police and the city council have teamed up to curb this problem.

They jointly formed an auxiliary police force that will be operating in the Dar es Salaam region. The auxiliary police, headed by former police commanders, will be there to enforce city by-laws including fining those that are found throwing garbage onto the streets.

Everyone found on the wrong side of the law will be fined $50 000/- . Speaking during a ceremony to inaugurate the force and allocate uniforms for the different municipalities in the region, this week, Dar es Salaam Regional commissioner, William Lukuvi warned city residents that they should comply with city by-laws or leave, adding that those who fail to comply will face the wrath of the law.

At the ceremony, Temeke municipality auxiliary police were given grey coluor, Ilala municipality auxiliary police will wear green while Kinondoni got maroon and the Dar es Salaam city council police will put on blue.

The RC said that the exercise will nab those who litter the city haphazardly throwing food leftovers, plastic bottles and papers on the streets.

Though this is a step towards the right direction, more seems to be needed in order to put an end to the problem of litter. Fining people for throwing litter onto the streets alone will not help as there are no bins for them to use. This therefore means that there is need for concerted efforts by both the public and private sectors to fight this social anomaly.

This is so because as long as there are no rubbish bins in the streets, and garbage remains uncollected for months then Dar es Salaam will continue being an eyesore.

Ends.

Coins selling – A necessity or liability?

EUGENIA MADHIDHA

TWO boys were digging a hole at their parents’ house as they were playing and one of them said that if they get (from their digging) a 200/- coin they were going to buy some sweets. The other one disagreed and said that they were going to buy books and write what they want. A heated debate ensured degenerating into a fist fight.

Their mother heard of the noise and came out of the house and demanded to know why they were fighting.

But undeterred by the presence of the mother, the boys continued arguing, “No! We are going to buy books,” said one of the boys. “You stupid, I told you we are going to buy sweets,” argued the other.

Out of curiosity the mother asked where the money was and where they got it from.

Then one of the boys said “We haven’t got it yet.”

Surely, coins are important such that even kids become happy if you give them some. The shrewd ones have decided to earn a living out of coins and indeed they are smiling everyday because coins are on demand especially to bus conductors.

Early this year, the Surface and Marine Transport Regulation Authority (SUMATRA) reduced transport costs of transport costs especially for urban areas. In Dar for example, fares were reduced from 300/- to 250/- for shorter distances.

This gave conductors a lot of headaches since it was difficult to get 50/- coins for change. As a result, a lot of commuters cried foul over losing a lot of 50/- to conductors.

This then necessitated coin sellers to provide the much needed coins and there has been a remarkable increase in the number of people trading in coins.

As the situation threatened to go out of hand, the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) imposed a ban on the practice arguing that it was illegal and fuels corruption.


A snap survey carried out by the Times unearthed that the ban has fallen on deaf ears as the coins business is thriving.

The coins sellers do it in broad day light and openly display their wares without fear of being reprimanded. With these difficult times aggravated by the global economic recession, those undertaking the business are eking a living out of it.

According to them, they are now able to feed their families and fulfill other obligations. Countless commuters and buses are always on the road, which means more business to the coins sellers.

“I don’t know anything about the banning of coins, but even though, this is my only way of surviving. I have been in this kind of business for sometime now and I can’t complain,” said a coins seller at Bakwata in Yombo who just identified himself as Mudi.

This man is selling 950/- of coins at 1000/- and can get thousands of shillings though he did not specify. They are three in his family and all are in the same type of business, his brothers are operating from other business centres.

However, the price of coins varies according to places. At the new Post Office in town, the price is higher as compared to Bakwata. A woman at Posta is selling 800/- coins for 1000/-.

The woman who requested anonymity, said life is going on well. “I’m earning a living out of trading in coins,” she said adding that if the police decide to come after them like they once did, she will not know where to start from.

Though a paradox remains as to whether coins business is a necessity or a liability the BoT should weigh the merits and demerits of the business and come up with a bold move.

Though labeled as illegal and fueling corruption, the sector feeds many mouths in Tanzania and provides relief to many commuters who for a long time had been losing a lot of money through change problems as bus conductors were hiding behind the scarcity of 50/- coins to amass extra cash.

Mourning the untimely demise of THISDAY chief graphic designer

SIMBARASHE MSASANURI
Dar es Salaam

THE atmosphere was pregnant with sorrow and it was a heart-rending experience as the IPP Executive Chairman, Reginald Mengi, led scores of mourners, among them relatives, workmates and friends to pay their last respects to Redemptus Angelo Ngereza. The visibly shaken and heart broken mourners were slowly moving in a queue to catch a last glimpse of the deceased at the Kinondoni Cemetery in Dar es Salaam last Thursday.

Many people could not contain their composure as streams of tears could be seen rolling down their cheeks, others were sobbing while others were struggling to show their bravery as they looked, shook their heads in disbelief as if to protest to God on why he had taken their beloved colleague, a man who for many had gone too early.

The whole drama started on 23 April, 1971 in Mrutungulu Village, Ukerewe District, in Mwanza Region, when a boy was born. His parents named him Redemptus, a Latin name meaning emancipated, redeemed, liberated or freed. And, true to the meaning of his name, Redemptus, grew up into someone who was always willing to help by redeeming others through sound advices and an exemplary life many people lived to emulate.

To prepare for duties and tasks ahead of him, Redemptus joined Mrutungulu Primary School for his primary education before moving to Dar es Salaam where he enrolled with Mgulani Secondary School in 1987 to start his secondary education.

After completing his Ordinary Level in 1990, he later crossed the border to Nairobi, Kenya where he joined St Joseph’s Worker Training Centre for a certificate in Computer Software skills which he completed in 1995.

Soon after completing the course, he immediately joined the Guardian Limited as a graphic designer before moving to Mwananchi Communications Limited. (MCL) It was when he was at The Guardian that he gained a lot of experience and was a darling of many workers. Most of his workmates then, knew him for his ever smiling face and they nicknamed him Tembe.

Tembe left MCL in September 2005 to become one of the founding members of Media Solutions Limited as a graphic designer where he rose through the ranks to become the Chief Graphic Designer for both papers, THISDAY and KULIKONI.

It was a sombre mood in the newsroom last week on Monday after the news about the untimely death of the soft spoken Redemptus had filtered through. Many of his workmates could not believe it as he had last visited the office less than 24 hours before his death, in a jovial mood as usual. There was no sign on him that could suggest that he was not going to make it through the next 24 hours.

It had happened, Rede as he was affectionately known, had completed his journey on earth the previous day, August 1, 2010, after succumbing to what doctors say is Intracerebral haemorrhage or acute blood pressure (BP).

In utter shock and disbelief most of his colleagues could be heard reliving the last moments they had with the deceased. They, however, heaped praises on him, counting the losses as Rede's shoes were too big to be filled by anyone else.

John Badi, the Chief Photographer with Media Solutions Limited could not hide his disappointment. “ I knew him from the time we were together at Mwananchi Communications in 2005 before we moved to Media Solutions at the same time.”

“He was a good man, mcheshi, cooperative and we worked together harmoniously to produce the newspapers. He never quarreled with anybody, what he did best was his job. He was also a good adviser and consultant who was always willing to give advice and his input in both social and work matters,” he added.

Badi also said that the gap he has left will be very difficult to fill, He vividly remembers the last time he talked to him, soon after finishing producing last week's issue of THISDAY when Redemptus said the weekend was not going to be good as his pockets were empty. And they laughed over it hoping to meet on Monday but that was never to be.

Innocent Shirima, an IT and Database Administrator said: “I have known and worked with him for about five years. He was a very charming person and he was full of jokes.”

“He was a person who listened and had the time to advise you on anything. He spoke his mind and was always frank. He was very keen and sharp to his work. A few days before he died, he came to our office and was talking to almost everyone, telling stories and a lot of jokes as if he was bidding us farewell. We will sadly miss him.” he added.

At the grave yard, the Managing Editor of Media Solutions, Evarist Mwitumba, heaped praises on Redemptus saying he was a hardworking, dedicated and highly skilled worker who did not complain much about his job. He was cheerful, resilient and had the company, especially the newspapers at heart and this could be seen by the products he produced.

The IPP Executive Chairman, Reginald Mengi also addressing the gathering touched on an important aspect humanity seems to be overlooking. He said that in most cases when a person dies, many people cry to God asking Him why, but they don't even bother to thank him for the period they spent with that person.

He said it was time humanity changed the perception of death whereby they would thank God for having been given the opportunity to have that person in their lives. He sighted examples that wives can thank God for having lived with the husband for a certain period and having had children and cherish their successes instead of blaming God for the death.

He went on to promise unconditional support to the family, by completing the house Red was building and to continue taking care of the widow and her child amid applause from mourners.

It really was a painful moment for many, especially when the coffin was being lowered into the grave. The widow could not stomach it as it was beginning to register in her mind that what will be left of her loved one are only imaginations and memories of the good and bad times they spent together.

As the undertakers were mixing concrete and at the same time covering the grave while mourners were singing Ee Bwana Bwana Ee Bwana, Wewe ndiwe mwenye haki . . . . , it was clear that our dear Red had finished his journey on this earth and was beginning another elsewhere.

When the Tegeta Roman Catholic Parish Priest, Richard Tiganya, finally laid the epitaph on the grave, it was like as if he was putting a seal to an era that had prematurely ended. An era many people will live to cherish.

Judging by the scores of people who gathered at the cemetery to bid him farewell, Rede was a man of the people, and as if to show him that he was loved even unto death, people took turns to decorate his grave with flowers. It was even more painful for many people as they watched the deceased's only child accompanying her mother to put flowers on the grave with her future looking bleak after having lost one of the most important people in her life, a father.

When the burial was finally over and mourners dispersing to their respective areas they knew they had given their loved one a befitting send-off. And, though he might be physically dead, his works will live to remind us of a warm and considerate person who completed his journey on this earth while we still needed him. Fare ye well Redemptus, a.k.a Tembe, a.k.a Rede, May your soul rest in eternal peace. Amen!

Ends.

SAPHINA ABRAHAM: Only the sky is the limit

Simbarashe Msasanuri
Dar es Salaam

INVADING a star-studded, talent-filled gospel music industry which boasts of the likes of Rose Muhando, Bahati Bukuku just but to mention a few and leaving an indelible mark is not easy but can only be done by an exceptionally talented and devoted person with an insatiable appetite to conquer.

This rightly applies to Saphina Abraham, a renowned gospel musician whose advent into the industry was not only historic but catapult her to unassailable levels. Those who have had the opportunity to listen to her music will confess that the lady possesses unique talent that can take her to the promised land.

In a field that has been invaded by some unscrupulous artists who hide behind the word to eke a living, the songbird, a born again Christian has only one aim -- to preach the word of God.

“I sing the word of God and I don't sing stories from magazines. I encourage and worship God as well as prophesying through music,” said the soft spoken Saphina in an interview recently.

This is evident in her bible-rich lyrics that have irresistible impact on listeners who are not only left yearning for more but singing a different tune all together. The irresistible forces of the music would have changed them.

Born Saphina Abraham Maluli on May 8, 1983, in Iringa District, the musician has a natural talent that has made it easier for her to invade the music circles and make her presence felt as most of her songs have been rocking Bongoland's music airwaves for a long time now.

In a quest to conquer the world and define her destiny, Saphina enrolled at Ilula Primary School in Iringa where she did her primary education before moving to Tepas Secondary School in Dar es Salaam for her secondary education.

The first born in a family of six children, Saphina like any other born musician started singing at a very tender age. She recalls singing when she was seven years old at church.

“ I was born in a Christian family and I started singing at the age of seven while I was still a member of the Sunday school. Later on I discovered that I had the talent and I developed a zeal to sing and become a successful musician,” says the musician.

Having discovered her talent, Saphina, a member of the Living Faith Church popularly known as Winner's Chapel, joined several musical groups where they sang during events such as parties, church gatherings and so on.

In her road to stardom, the ever smiling musician joined Namusho musical group that was based in Temeke before severing ties to join Dominion Praise Band.

As if that was not enough she has been a member of the Winner's Voices Choir (Winner's Chapel Church Choir) for a long time. Because of her abundant talent, she rose through the ranks to become a praise leader at her church.

“ All these experiences have come in handy for me as after realising that I had enough experience and ammunition, I decided to record my debut album in 2005,” she adds.

According to her, the coming on of her debut marked a turning point as it sent warning messages to the industry that a star was in the making.

The eight track album entitled Acheni Mwenzenu Niseme was an instant hit when it was released and the title track that proved a darling of many music fans is rich in message.

The singer in this song speaks of God's goodness, who raises the poor from the dust. She also praises God for uplifting people and praising Him for His greatness.

Another song that failed to go unnoticed was Amesikia Kilio Changu, in which the musician thanks the Lord for hearing her grievances. The song highlights God's goodness and how He listens to people who seek Him.

“The album was well received though as musicians we always aim higher. I have decided to move on and I have produced my second album that I will be launching soon. I have also completed the production of my DVD album for my debut album and it is already in the market but I am planning to launch it at the same time with my second album,” says Saphina.

The second album, entitled Mungu Utanitembelea – literally translated means God will visit me, is also an eight track album and just like the first one is a scorcher and a must have for gospel music lovers.

In the title track, the musician prays to God for Him to visit her early so that He perfects all things that concern her.

“I was just reminding God of His promises,” she adds.

The other songs penciled to change the landscape of gospel music in the country are Wazidi Wakuitavyo and Nimekukimbilia Bwana, just but to mention two. What is different with Saphina's music is that her songs are not about the bible but she sings the bible.

On the problem of piracy that has crippled our arts industry in this country, Saphina bemoaned the existence of this hideous social anomaly describing it as a threat to the industry.

“I have seen people with my music on their phones, computers and so on who would not have given me anything. This is a disadvantage to us since the people entrusted on safeguarding our rights are doing nothing about it,” says the songbird.

“COSOTA, an organisation formed by the government to protect our rights, they say they are doing something to stop the rot but we haven't seen their efforts or results because music is being pirated everyday. I think government is the only solution. The government has the means to help us and we are waiting upon them to act and help us.”

She also does not have kind words for music distributors who for a longtime have been blamed for exploiting musicians.

“Distributors are riping us off. They can duplicate our music and sell it without our knowledge. At the end of the day we will be working for them. The percentage they give us is not encouraging and is more of enslaving us than a fair deal,” adds Saphina.

She however, pointed out that musicians should unite and fight this social rot. Without unity, she said, the musicians will continue being exploited.

The musician, who is currently studying towards a Diploma in Counseling at Eaglewings College in the city,took time to encourage those up and coming musicians and those who are planning to venture into the field to do so.

“I encourage anyone who wants to venture into music to do so. We are many but everyone is gifted in his or her own way and the market is wide so don't be afraid,” she says.

The musician castigated those who venture into gospel music for money wondering where they get their lyrics if they are not born again Christians.

Beside being talented she is a down to earth person. Her humility has seen her staging many live shows during weddings, parties, church events such as crusades.

“I believe my duty is to preach the word through music and for me to do that, many people request me to sing during their weddings, parties and so on. I have and will always be ready to sing for anyone anywhere because it gives me the opportunity to preach the word.”

It is against this background that she did not only stage shows in most parts of this country but has extensively performed in Kenya. She is also planning to hold shows in DRC and Swaziland later this year.

The musician has paid tribute to her sisters who always accompany her and are her backing vocalists whenever she stages live shows. With the aid of the natural talent she possesses, Saphina is destined for grater heights.

And she rightly says: “To me, only the sky is the limit.”

The musician is also in the process of scoring the first by creating a fan club and those who will like to have a chat with this rare musician can contact her on email – apewesifa@yahoo.com or telephone numbers 0759646425 or 0784971136.


Ends.

Of deception, infertility and miracle babies

Simbarashe Msasanuri
(bongoblast)


A man staying in one of Dar es Salaam's high density suburbs came back from work one day and found his son playing with two boys from next door. In a fit of anger, the man without saying a word rushed to where the boys were and clapped his son.

“I have told you several times not to play with these boys, they are too naughty.” Dragging him by the ear he continued shouting: “From today onwards you are grounded. After coming back from school, you stay indoors. In fact you Lizzy (referring to the house girl), you have to lock him indoors every time you collect him from school,” the man said, oblivious of the crowd that was quickly gathering to witness the free drama.

The boy at this moment was crying uncontrollably at the same time trying to free his ear from the painful grip of his father. The boy drew sympathy from onlookers who were now pleading with the father to forgive the boy.

More stranger than fiction was the reaction by the father of the two naughty boys who were playing with the one being punished. He peeped through the window and shouted that “Wewe zoba naona unaendelea, acha watato wangu washirikiane,” (You stupid man, let my children interact so that they can know each other). Dear reader, I won't tell you what happened next after the man had been told by the man next door that the child he thinks was his wasn't. This I leave to your imagination.

This quickly reminds me of the saying that mama ndiye anayemjua baba wa mtoto. I know that this day and age where deception and the love for money is taking centre stage, many men are taking care of other men's children without any ray of suspicion. Everything will be carefully planned and executed to such an extent that, in most cases, they come to know of it by accident.

Another surprising story from Britain left me even more confused. Two black parents welcomed a new member of their family in style when they discovered that their long awaited daughter was actually white. When I say white, I mean blonde not albino.

The stunned black dad of the new-born, white, baby girl declared last week that — "I’m sure she’s my kid . . . I just don’t know why she’s blonde."

Nmachi Ihegboro has amazed genetics experts who say the little girl is not an albino.

Dad Ben (44), a customer services adviser, admitted: "We both just sat there after the birth staring at her."

Mum Angela (35), of Woolwich, South London, beamed as she said: "She’s beautiful — a miracle baby." Ben told yesterday how he was so shocked when Nmachi was born, he even joked: "Is she mine?’’

He added: "Actually, the first thing I did was look at her and say, ‘What the flip?’" But as the baby’s older brother and sister — both black — crowded round the "little miracle" at their home in South London, Ben declared: "Of course she’s mine."

Blue-eyed blonde Nmachi, whose name means "Beauty of God" in the Nigerian couple’s homeland, has baffled genetics experts because neither Ben nor wife Angela has any mixed-race family history.

Pale genes skipping generations before cropping up again could have explained the baby’s appearance.

Ben also stressed: "My wife is true to me. Even if she hadn’t been, the baby still wouldn’t look like that.

This guy is too confident to say the least. I am not suggesting anything here dear reader, but to be confident of such things is something very difficult to stomach. Though there is something more than meets the eye, I just couldn't keep on imagining what would have happened if that child had been born at our own Muhimbili or any other local hospital. I don't even want to imagine what would have happened if the white girl was to be born in one of the remotest parts of the country.

The first thing that us men, this side of the earth, would have done is to label the woman a prostitute, while at the same time denouncing paternity of the child. Some people would blame it on witchcraft while others will label it an abomination. I really don't know what to call it but as the saying goes, the one who knows the father of the baby is the woman.

With so much deception going on in this world, I would advise the man to go for DNA test first before claiming that he is the father of a white child. If the DNA proves that he is the real father, then we can safely call it the miracle baby.

Just as I have mentioned earlier, we have so many miracle babies in our society, where deception and lies force men to raise other people's children, under the pretext that they are theirs. This, however, turns disastrous once the truth is uncovered.

These babies are so common especially these days where fertility among men in Bongo is said to have dropped to shocking levels. Medical tests are said to be showing that 35 percent of those going for checkups are often diagonised as barren. Doctors are attributing the rise in the rate of infertility in men to certain types of occupations as well as lifestyles in the fast changing and competitive world.

I think the government should make it mandatory for all men to undergo the testing. If that happens, we won't be surprised to find out that some men, who are currently boasting of having a full house, by having many children, including those from nyumba ndogos, are actually barren. What ever the miracle that would occur for them to end up having not only their wives but including small houses pregnant is something that will remain in need of answers.

Society is usually to blame for these miracle babies as soon after a couple weds, they begin counting and looking for signs of pregnancy. This puts a lot of pressure on the couple, especially women, some of whom are forced to look for miracle babies. This will be done to save face.

What most people forget is that, a man and woman get married, not because they want to have children, but because they love each other. Once people marry for the sake of having children or family then that family will not last. I believe that's why people are divorcing as if it's a competition.

Miracle babies are real and in most cases have helped to save shaky marriages. With each and everyone pointing the finger on a woman whenever a couple fails to have a child, most of them are not left without a choice but to look for miracle babies. But with this day and age where HIV is ravaging the society, t becomes dangerous as besides getting a temporary solution to a marriage, miracle baby, one can also bring in another problem, HIV/AIDS.

It is the duty of society to protect and stop discriminating against couples who fail to have children. Failure to do that, then the problem of miracle babies will stay with us for a long time. God bless you!

bongoblast@thisday.co.tz

Of Sepp Blunder, shattered hearts, Hand of the Devil and Vuvuzela legacy

Simbarashe Msasanuri
(Bongoblast)
THE curtain finally came down for the historic FIFA 2010 World Cup held in Africa for the first time, ending the soccer madness that had gripped the world for the better half of the year. Just as expected, the event left a lot of broken and bleeding hearts, while others were left on cloud nine after their team scooped the prestigious silverware.
My heart falls in the group of those who were left shattered after Africa failed to rise to the occasion and make sure that history books are rewritten. It’s official, the Brazilian soccer legend, Pele’s prediction has been proven wrong. If his prediction was within religious circles, then we were going to quickly label him as a false prophet. This is so because he had foreseen an African team lifting the world cup by 2010, something that never materialised.
I believe we had the arsenal to let the cup remain on our soil until we were cheated out of the tournament. When I read a headline on one of the South African newspapers during the tournament, I was left wondering as to why they had chosen to slander the president of the soccer controlling body (FIFA), Joseph Sepp Blatter. The newspaper had a headline, ”Sepp Blunder”. They were referring to the irregularities, questionable decisions by referees and so on which had rocked the soccer tournament in SA. But, the main reason they labeled him Blunder is that, his organization is full of blunders and at the same time is so rigid, or rather to be frank, they are stubborn in the sense that even if they see that there is continuous injustice because of lack of technological intervention, especially the goal line technology, the organization remains adamant, arguing that use of technology will kill the game.
In as far as I am concerned, this is utter rubbish as we have other, not only successful, but prominent sporting disciplines such as cricket, tennis and even rugby where technology is used to determine fouls and scores in desperate times where a naked eye cannot see it. If Blunder’s blundering organization had embraced technology and changed some rules that are disadvantaging other teams, we could have watched a more interesting and different world cup.
Players continue to use their hands to control, score or even defending their goal line and going away with it at the expense of the other teams. I am vending my anger on them because this saw our mighty Ghana being bundled out of the WC. To be frank, Ghana deserved to go through to the semi finals of the competition but because some people are too rigid to change the rules and they are reluctant to use technology, then we continue paying the price.
FIFA should borrow from other sporting disciplines and put in place a rule that if a player other than the goalkeeper uses hands to block a goal-bound ball, then that automatically be counted as a goal and on top of that, awards a penalty to the other team, as a punishment and deterrent measure. This is so because cheats like, Luis Suarez go about bragging on how he now owns the hand of god. This is cheating at its best and should not be allowed to continue as it dilutes the game.
I also came across a story from down south by one of Africa's best sports journalist, Robson Sharuko on the issue. He wrote: “Africa will once again feel the excruciating pain, inflicted by the Hand of the Devil on a heartbreaking night for the continent last Friday, when old wounds are reopened today with the appearance of Uruguay in a World Cup semi-final showdown against the Netherlands at the Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town.
“ …. Four days might have passed since the dramatic events at Soccer City last Friday night when Uruguay striker Luis Suarez deliberately used his hands to keep out a last-gasp headed effort by Ghana's Dominic Adiayah, earning himself an automatic red card with the Black Stars getting a penalty....... While Suarez would have done very little, in the given circumstances, but to sacrifice himself for the cause of his country, his actions - and subsequent post-match statements in which he glorified his deed - have drawn countless daggers into millions of African hearts and turned him into enemy number one.
Suarez's claims that the handball was the "Hand of God" has infuriated African fans and others around the world who believe that it is a reckless attachment of the good name of the Lord to what they generally believe to be an act of the devil.
"The Hand of God now belongs to me," he declared after the match. "Mine is the real Hand Of God. I made the best save of the tournament. Sometimes in training I play as a goalkeeper so it was worth it.
“...But the Africans are taking a different view. Newspapers across the continent have labeled Suarez a cheat, a disgrace, an insult to the spirit of Fair Play and described his save as The Hand of the Devil.
Sharuko went on to conclude his story by saying: “ Whichever way you look at it, the shadow of the Hand of The Devil will continue to loom over Uruguay.”
Dear reader, I need not to tell you what happened to Uruguay in the semis. They suffered the same humiliation and fate as their fellow cheats, France, who were bundled out of the tournament in the first round.
To tell the truth, I couldn’t continue watching ‘the remaining games of the world cup after that incident because to me, the beautiful game was reduced to a lawless game, where players cheat and get away with it. What a shame. Up to now, I can’t comment on the team that got away with the trophy because it’s news to me. So if you have the information about that, dear reader, please kindly pass it to me and I will appreciate.
To the mighty Ghana, you did us proud as a continent and I am convinced beyond doubt that, the youthful team will definitely be the team to beat, come 2014 WC in Brazil. I am referring to them as mighty because hate them or like them, the truth remains that they fell out of the tournament at the same level with the mighty Brazil and Argentina, who are considered as the world’s top soccer giants. If you ask me then I will tell you that Ghana=Brazil=Agentina.
I take this opportunity to urge FIFA to put its house in order and do away with cheating in soccer matches by embracing technology and put on rules that punish those who cheat. We love the game, but when it hurts to support soccer, then there is a problem. I don’t want even to concentrate on four people who lost their lives in Kenya soon after Ghana were cheated. I still maintain that we were robbed and nothing will make me change that.
At least life is now back to normal for many soccer lovers, who no longer need to run away from work only to watch soccer matches. They no longer need to get fake sick leave forms in order for them to watch the games. No more sleeping late glued on television sets watching football.
There is also another happy section of the society - wives. Some wives had become temporary widows as they could not contest for attention with television sets, as their husbands preferred watching television rather than paying attention to them. It’s over now and they can get all the attention they want, but this comes at a price as the WC left them with yet another disgusting nickname – VUVUZELA. Yes some women are now nicknamed vuvuzelas because they talk too much and this name came from the world cup where plastic instruments, which when blown, produces ear shattering noise, were used to unsettle opponents.
To those soccer lovers I hope you enjoyed the tournament, knowing very well that soccer is just but a game. You either lose or win. To Africa I say, we can do it and our time will one day come. Though it’s back to the drawing board for most teams, the tournament was not only a success but something Africans will cherish for a long time to come.
I apologise dear readers for turning this column into a sports column but I promise that since this soccer madness is over, then everything will be fine. May God bless Africa.
bongoblast@thisday.co.tz