THE AZANIA- TAMBAZA CONFLICT XXV

 

 

Adeladius Makwega – Butiama

 

For many years, Tambaza Secondary School was known for having excellent science laboratories. This contributed to many students choosing to study science subjects, while also working hard in other disciplines. That is why, in previous articles, I have explained in detail about several scholars in Business and Accounting, including CAG Dr. Charles Kicheere and the former Chief Secretary, Ambassador Hussein Katanga.

 

When it comes to doctors and engineers who studied at this school, they are numerous, largely due to the strong laboratory environment that supported scientific learning.

The quality of these laboratories also attracted visiting teachers from other schools, who would bring their students for extra lessons. It was therefore common to see students from various schools in Dar es Salaam coming to Tambaza for additional instruction.

 

Among those who attended these extra classes was a girl from Zanaki Secondary School, who happened to be the sister of a Tambaza student known as Muchunguzi Kamugisha (Mulokozi Kamugisha). She did not face many challenges, as her younger brother was already at the school. Any students who attempted to disturb her were firmly dealt with by Kamugisha, who took it upon himself to protect her.

 

“Kamugisha, let us talk to your sister!”

He would respond,

 

“Leave my sister alone. She came here to study, and no one here is going to marry her. I don’t want any trouble—leave her!”

 

My reader, it is important to note that the girl made many acquaintances, but according to Mwanakwetu’s observations, no one managed to build a close relationship with her. The main obstacles were her brother, Muchunguzi Kamugisha, and the teacher who was tutoring her.

 

The teacher was particularly irritated by the way some students tried to harass the girl. It was later discovered that the teacher and the girl belonged to the same ethnic group and that their families were closely connected.

 

“Kamugisha, do you want to marry her yourself? Whoever has a sister will have a brother-in-law! Or has the teacher already paid the bride price?”

 

Such remarks were frequently repeated by Tambaza students, echoing in Kamugisha’s ears like a broken record.

 

This situation greatly annoyed the teacher, who ensured that any student attempting to approach the girl faced consequences. Some were required to write statements explaining their behavior, while others were punished by doing manual work on the school grounds near the International School of Tanganyika (IST).

 

In the end, the teacher ‘won’ this battle by ensuring the girl focused on her studies. She sat for her Form Four examinations in 1993 at Zanaki Secondary School and performed well.

 

Mwanakwetu’s investigation further revealed that the teacher had not yet married at the time—perhaps he was also waiting for her to finish school before proposing.

 

The teacher’s ‘bait’ had two elements: the education he provided and his financial stability.

 

Thus, his victory was unquestionable. The only remaining question is: did he eventually marry her? That remains unanswered for now.

 

The presence of female students at Tambaza was not always positively received. Whenever a girl appeared, there would be cheers, whistles, clapping, and shouting. Sometimes, even a girl simply passing by from nearby Jangwani Secondary School would attract such attention.

 

There was a student at Tambaza in 1993, a Form Three student named Peter Sisya. He had a sister who looked so much like him that they could easily be mistaken for twins. She studied at Jangwani Secondary School. Every day, she would pass near STAMICO, opposite Tambaza, either heading to school or returning home to Upanga.

 

Peter Sisya had many friends, including Mwanakwetu, largely because of the popularity of his sister, who was also very beautiful.

Girls from other schools would also visit Tambaza to see their relatives or parents working there, or their brothers studying at the school. The same pattern of excitement and commotion would occur, which eventually led Peter Sisya’s sister to change her route to avoid passing near the school.

 

I remember one day while we were in class 3R1, a girl from Jangwani Secondary School arrived. As usual, the students cheered loudly, and the entire school seemed to rush out of classrooms to see her. She came near our class looking for her brother.

This girl had studied in primary school with a young man known as Atanas Luis, who was a champion in sports such as boxing and karate.

The noise caused a major disturbance at the school. Atanas Luis stepped forward and called out, “Fausta, come here!” He then escorted her safely to the administrative office area.

 

At that time, her wristwatch went missing, and no one knew who had taken it. The teachers intervened and instructed her to write a statement explaining what had happened.

 

After she completed her statement, the Deputy Headmaster, Mr. Wajimila, told her:

“Return to your school, but we will need you again for further statements and testimony.”

 

Fausta left safely, accompanied by her brother and Atanas Luis.

 

 

Since the incident occurred near class 3R1, every student in that class was required to write a statement. Otherwise, the entire class would face expulsion.

 

“We are here to maintain discipline. We cannot tolerate those who tarnish Tambaza’s reputation. We will not hesitate to expel the entire class if necessary. We want to know who started the chaos when Fausta arrived—who were they?”

 

Said Mr. Wajimila, accompanied by the discipline teacher.

 

What happens next? Stay tuned for the next article.

Remember, this is part of “The Azania- Tambaza Conflict XXV.”

Wishing you a pleasant day.

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