AFRICA CONNECT
My neighbour from Tanzania ''The Other Side of Paradise'' Chido-vanessa Dandajena
A personal look inside the socio-economic factors effecting the youth, the lifestyle and culture of the much loved Tanzania from the perspective of a native. IMBO: Would you return to Tanzania and work/settle there? Why? Why not? Bernard: “Right now I would not because the currency that side is lower, so the salary I would get this side as opposed to that side would be greater, unless I start my own business.” IMBO: “I love Tanzania” in Swahili? Bernard: “Napenda Tanzania”
IMBO: Where in Tanzania are you from? And how long have you lived there? Bernard: “I am from Dar-Es-Salaam, Ukonga/Madafu. I’ve lived in Tanzania for 6 years.” IMBO: What was it like growing up in Tanzania? The general lifestyle? Bernard: “Very busy and hot. You always have to prioritize your time efficiently because of the public transport system which adds to the traffic on the roads.” IMBO: Why did you decide to move to South Africa? Did the socio-economic conditions have any influence on your decision to emigrate?
Bernard: “My father got a job offer to come to SA, so the whole family moved with him.” IMBO: What, in your opinion, makes Tanzania unique? Bernard: “The fact that it’s one of the only countries which still has indigenous people and animals living in the wild.” IMBO: What are the social ills facing the Tanzanian youth? Bernard: “A lot of children run away from home and end up on the streets as a result of abuse and intensive child labour.” IMBO: What, in your opinion, is Tanzania’s contribution to the world at large? Politically, culturally or socially? Bernard: “We are the only country in the world which has tanzanites and supplies these precious stones to other countries. The people there are also very welcoming and friendly, an example of unity to the rest of the world.”
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anzibar is one of the most lucrative tourism destinations on the continent and boasts an array of scenic views and beautiful beaches. Despite its astounding aesthetics, a brisk walk from the breezy beach is a community of ordinary people living, working and effected by the socio-economic factors of the country. IMBO interviewed Bernard Chizi, a Tanzanian student, dancer and model living and studying in Johannesburg to get a first-hand perspective on what it’s truly like to be brought up in Tanzania, on the other side of paradise.
“A lot of children run away from home and end up on the streets as a result of abuse and intensive child labour.”
IMBO: “Interesting/fun facts about Tanzania?” Bernard: 1. Time is very different. Work days start at 6am and is called the first hour. So When they say church starts at 10 (the tenth hour) it actually means 4pm. 2. The traditional food is Pilau rice which is cooked with a lot of spices for special occasions and celebrations. 3. The Masai are probably the most wellknown of Tanzania’s tribes and inhabit the northern regions of the country. 4. Traditional Tanzanian music stretches from traditional African music to the string-based taarab and more. 5. The traditional dance is called Ngoma which means drums and teaches social patterns and values. IMBO: “What are five important things to keep in mind when visiting Tanzania?” Bernard: 1. It’s really hot. 2. There are a lot of mosquitoes 3. Do not drink the tap water or you might get typhoid. 4. We have some of the best game reserves in the world. 5. If you are a woman, to not wear clothes which are too revealing.
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