THE AZANIA-TAMBAZA CONFLICT XXVII

 

 

Adeladius Makwega – DODOMA

 

The school board meeting was held and attended by all members except Agrey Mwambene, who worked at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Nevertheless, a quorum was met, and the meeting proceeded.

The reason for Mwambene’s absence was not known—perhaps only the board chairman and the secretary, Mr Mtera, had that answer.

 

Mwanakwetu confirmed that Mwambene was absent throughout the session. This raises the question: why did this important member miss such a critical meeting? That answer is promised later.

The board, under its chairman and Secretary Mtera, listened to all 15 students one by one. Each gave their account regarding their involvement—or lack of involvement—in the incident that had brought disgrace to Tambaza.

 

According to the board members, they had already visited Fausta at Jangwani, where she gave a clear account and identified all 15 students using their file photographs taken during Form One

.

However, Fausta herself later stated (in a conversation with Mwanakwetu on April 19, 2022—30 years after the incident) that she had never met the board, nor had they come to Jangwani as claimed.

 

Said Masoud, a student of Arab-Indian descent, testified that he was not involved in the incident. He claimed he had been at the back of the classroom studying. Now a medical doctor in the United States, he said he saw Fausta through the window, accompanied by Atanas Luis.

 

Edgar William Chibura gave a very detailed account. He was older than most students in 3R1 and later became an officer in the National Service (JKT). Known as a “wise elder brother” in class, he loved football, though he was not particularly skilled—often just kicking the ball hard (“fwogo”).

 

Atanas Luis, seeking to avoid expulsion, cooperated fully with the board. He mentioned many names of those who had dared to touch Fausta—but ironically, he himself was also implicated in the case. Now a prominent CCM cadre, he gave a highly cooperative statement.

Arone Sifuni (who passed away in 1994) stated clearly that he was not at school on the day of the incident. The board questioned where he had been, since he was supposed to be present. In trying to defend himself, he inadvertently complicated his situation. In truth, he was outside the classroom that day.

 

Mohamed Said, also known as Mzukizi (who died around 1994–1995), argued that he was in class 3M1, not 3R1, and including him was unfair. However, he had reportedly been seen in the corridor near where the incident occurred when Fausta arrived. He had hearing difficulties and a stutter but managed to complete his defense.

 

Mwanakwetu (Adeladius Makwega) explained that during the incident, he had been in class drawing light rays in a Physics lesson on optics. He heard noise, stepped outside, and saw a girl in a Jangwani uniform descending the stairs crying, accompanied by other students. He then returned to class and continued his work.

 

A board member questioned Mwanakwetu about his inconsistent academic performance—sometimes ranking 9th, then 15th, then 3rd. He did not respond.

 

The chairman then asked him about a Zanaki Secondary student, Kemikembe Mulokozi, who often came to Tambaza for tuition. Mwanakwetu confirmed he knew her through her brother, Muchunguzi Mulokozi Kamugusha, who studied with him.

 

Another board member jokingly asked why they seemed to “envy” the teacher teaching Kemikembe—did they want to teach her themselves? (Other members laughed.) Mwanakwetu replied that she was like a sister to them, and there was no such jealousy.

 

The chairman then teased that Mwanakwetu seemed fond of Kemikembe and asked whether he should be transferred to a mixed school to study with girls. Mwanakwetu remained silent.

 

The chairman then made a serious proposal: since Mwanakwetu seemed well-known at school, would he be willing to act as an informant—participating in misconduct but secretly reporting the names of those involved?

Mwanakwetu paused, then firmly refused, saying he had come to school to study, not to do such work.

 

The chairman pressed him again after briefly dismissing and recalling him—but Mwanakwetu gave the same answer: he could not do it.

 

Finally, the chairman asked if he knew Fausta. Mwanakwetu denied knowing her. The chairman countered that Fausta claimed to know him well and had accused him of harassing her. Mwanakwetu denied it.

 

 

He was then dismissed and told to return to class to await the board’s decision.

And so he did.

What decision will the board make?
Stay tuned for the next passage.

 

This is part XXVII of “The Conflict Between Azania and Tambaza.”

Have a good day.

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