Let the Pastor Not Feel Jealous

Adeladius Makwega – MBAGALA

“Alright ladies, should we sit here or move to another room? …let’s move to another room, Mwanakwetu is here… so that he doesn’t know what we’re discussing… this is our own matter as women…”

It is the morning of February 9, 2026. Mwanakwetu overhears these words as female employees from the Office of the Regional Commissioner of Mara walk in and out of the Regional Community Development Office, appearing as though they have something important of their own.

“…ladies, let’s move to the small hall… it’s open there, even Mwasamira won’t be able to reach us…”

Indeed, these women—employees of the Mara Regional Commissioner’s Office—moved to the small hall, closed themselves in, and began discussing their matter.

On February 9, 2026, Mwanakwetu watched them busy with great commotion—colorful kitenge fabrics draped over their shoulders, handbags tucked under their arms, going in and out, doors shutting firmly.

Mwanakwetu said to himself:

“When a farm gets a farmer, work gets workers.”

Upon closer observation, Mwanakwetu discovered that the women were actually discussing the selection of a kitenge fabric, as he could hear phone calls being made here and there:

“…no, not this one, I’m telling you we want that other color, the previous one was too bright, we want the one with 500 dots… how many dots did yesterday’s one have?”

This was part of a phone conversation between Ms. Upendo Kiswaga—Community Development Officer at the Mara Regional Office—and another person whose name and location were unknown, whether in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Morogoro, or right there in Mara.

Mwanakwetu continued observing quietly.

During this investigation, he remembered something he had learned while at the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports in Mtumba, Dodoma:

“When choosing a good kitenge, you must consider specific indicators of quality and designs that match your needs. A good kitenge is durable, breathable, and has bright colors. In terms of fabric quality, it is recommended to choose 100% cotton, which ensures good breathability and comfort for the wearer.

Avoid synthetic blends, which feel like plastic, do not allow air to pass through well, and fade quickly. A woman wearing kitenge must feel free and at peace in whatever style she chooses.”

These were words Mwanakwetu had been told by Ms. Amne Kassam, a Senior Arts Officer at the Ministry.

“High-quality fabric feels soft yet firm, not overly light or see-through. If it is see-through, that is not modest—because a woman values modesty.

It is advisable to choose fabric with medium weight: 120–160 gsm is good for flowing garments; 150–175 gsm is better for durability. The design should appear equally vibrant on the back as it does on the front.

The kitenge should not have overly crowded patterns that might make bees mistake you for a flowering tree. Check the edge of the fabric for the manufacturer’s name, brand stamps, or signatures, which often indicate authenticity.”

Mwanakwetu also remembered Ms. Hadija Kisubi, a Senior Cultural Officer at the Ministry, who once told him:

“In many African cultures, certain patterns and colors carry important messages—such as unity, prosperity, knowledge, religion, and so on. Not every kitenge design is worn casually. You must consider your event—does the design match the occasion? For example, if Christian women have a church event but the chosen kitenge features a crescent and star—symbols associated with Islam—that requires great attention.

Also consider whether the fabric will be tailored into suits and blouses or simply wrapped. If there are 500 women, will most sew dresses and suits, or will they just drape it? If they will sew suits, dresses, and blouses, ensure the fabric is heavier. If it is for wrapping, that is less of a concern—while also considering the climate of your town.”

Ms. Amne Kassam added:

“When choosing a good kitenge, remember it will be worn by women—who have many activities, both biological and environmental. Choose a color that does not stain easily. Also consider the price; if it is too cheap, it often means the quality is poor.

Finally, ensure the colors will not bleed, fade, or wash out quickly. You can test this by rubbing a slightly damp white cloth on a small hidden part of the fabric while purchasing. If the dye transfers to the cloth, leave it. Make sure the seller shows you a physical sample to see and touch—not just photos on a phone. This will prevent you from buying a goat in a sack.”

Since Mwanakwetu is not selfish, he decided to share all these criteria with Ms. Upendo Kiswaga, who had been busy in meetings for two days selecting the kitenge. He advised her to consider them carefully in order to choose the best one.

Ms. Kiswaga received the information and took it to their final meeting on February 10, 2026. By evening, they selected one kitenge out of ten samples.

After making their choice, Upendo Kiswaga showed Mwanakwetu the selected sample.

“…we have chosen this kitenge… and it is for International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026… here in Mara Region.”

When Mwanakwetu looked at the dotted design, he said yes—it met all the criteria he had learned from Hadija Kisubi and Amne Kassam.

What does Mwanakwetu say today?

Indeed, International Women’s Day is approaching, and the women of Mara Region have chosen their kitenge. What about you, women in other regions of Tanzania—what kind of kitenge have you chosen? Do you know the criteria of Hadija Kisubi and Ms. Amne Kassam from the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports?

Dear reader, this article from Mara Region gives you the answer.

Certainly, March 8, 2026 is not far away. Even if the women of Mara Regional Office do not invite Mwanakwetu, he will attend the event to see how beautiful Ms. Neema Ibamba (the Pastor’s wife), who is Head of the Community Development Section, will look in Mara Region’s chosen kitenge—so that the Pastor does not feel jealous.