Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala
“Who is your father? I am Masanja’s daughter. I’m from Mwanza, but I’m here working. Oh really! Alright then, where can you be found? I’m nearby, close to Musoma Airport, going about my work.
You’re very welcome—you are like my brothers.”
One of the young Sukuma men asked, If we come to you, will we find fair-skinned women there? The Sukuma youths continued chatting with the woman as she quickened her pace while walking away.
“Hey mzee… we Sukuma really love fair-skinned women…”
It was midday on February 13, 2026. Mwanakwetu was just outside the town of Musoma at gravel and sand mining pits, where practical training on rock blasting using explosives was taking place. The training was being conducted by the Dodoma Mining College in collaboration with the Mara Regional Mining Office. It had run for a full week, from February 9 to 13, 2026.
The conversation about fair-skinned women came from Sukuma youths who were participating in the training. It happened after a beautiful woman passed between them. She was Nyakyusa but spoke Sukuma fluently, which impressed them and prompted them to ask where she could be found. The woman, well aware of their teasing, engaged them in conversation as Mwanakwetu stood nearby listening, while another young man translated.
“In almost all mining sites, there are claims that Sukuma and Nyamwezi youths dominate the workforce—and it’s true. Even in our group of five, I’m the only Luguru; the rest are Sukuma. They really enjoy teasing this sister passing by.”
Dear reader, remember that this training was practical and conducted directly at the mining site. First, participants were shown the proper way to carry out a small-scale blast. The exercise was successfully completed, after which the youths asked questions and received answers.
Initially, the training began in a classroom setting with theoretical lessons before moving to practical sessions. Only two of the participants were women: Veronika Hamisi and Lilian Maiko.
Both expressed their appreciation for the training. Ms. Hamisi said she has been doing this work for four months. Previously, she sold vegetables. Now she earns between 100,000 and 150,000 Tanzanian shillings per day, charging 5,000 shillings per blast hole. Sometimes she can blast up to 50 holes in a day.While present, Mwanakwetu wondered why there were so many men in the training but so few women. Responding to this question, Engineer Salumu Kajo from the Dodoma Mining College said:
“This is also a challenge at our college in Dodoma. In this training, you can see only three women while men number about 100. I encourage more women to come forward, and I urge mining companies to sponsor and support their participation.”
Indeed, every participant expressed enthusiasm for the training. They stated that quality mining education greatly helps both blasters and miners—especially small-scale miners—to remain safe. Without proper training, one risks losing their life and failing to achieve intended goals. Education is essential for miners’ safety.After witnessing the training, Mwanakwetu returned home at sunset and later decided to write this article, as you now read it.
What does Mwanakwetu say today?
Certainly, mining education is vital—especially for protecting the lives and safety of small-scale miners and nearby communities. If delivered thoroughly, this education can significantly reduce hazards. It can also help many young people engage in mining as a means of increasing their income.
Dear reader, recall the story of Abdul from Yombo Dovya in Dar es Salaam, who traveled over 1,000 kilometers in search of income in the mines. Consider also the Sukuma youths and the two young women, Lilian Maiko and Veronika Hamisi—Veronika now earns a substantial income simply from blasting work.
Remember: five young men and two young women—seven youths in total—were only a small sample interviewed by Mwanakwetu. Over 100 young people received this training, which serves as a lifeline for Tanzania’s youth and small-scale miners.
Are you there, dear reader? Remember:
“Mining Education Reduces Hazards for Small-Scale Miners.”
Have a good day.
0717649257
Post a Comment