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Published: August 24th 2009
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Monday, March 30, 2009 -
Two vehicles picked us up for our day's activities. Sheiba Bulu, the Ministry's Communications Officer, joined us for the duration of the fact-finding mission. She was a very valuable member of the team, at least in my eyes. Besides her other duties, she was the person who found the Ladies' Room for me in each of the places we visited. At my age, that was essential. We bonded immediately.
The first meeting of the day was with Dr. Ladislaus C. Komba (Chairman) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism. Others who were there included D. M. K. Kamamba, Director of the Antiquities Department, MNRT, who had been with us at Sunday's meeting, plus additional colleagues. We exchanged ideas, then discussed a press conference that would take place shortly. I brought a number of souvenir gifts from Texas and gave one to Dr. Komba—and to other leaders we met throughout the trip.
All of us went downstairs for the signing ceremony and press conference where reporters and videographers were waiting. We had an opportunity to give a brief report on what the project entailed, each from a different point of view. Dr. Komba
stressed that the Serengeti was among the Wonders of the World, and televising the event would prove it to the global community.
He signed a contract on behalf of Tanzania, while Lennard Tenende signed as a representative of the International Year of Planet Earth. Dan Molina, who said the broadcast also aims at showing the science involved in the migration process, signed as a witness. When the formal session ended, members of the press surrounded Lennard with questions about the project.
Later someone mentioned that many of the cameras were focused on me during the event, which I didn't realize. Perhaps it was my red hair and red suit.
At our next appointment, we were pleasantly surprised to find that both the Minister of State (Environment) in the Prime Minister's office, and the Permanent Secretary of MNRT were women! The Hon. Dr. Batilda Burian (MP) and Ruth Mollel have risen to important positions. Tanzania values leadership, regardless of gender. In fact, it actively addresses imbalances that may have existed in the past.
Lennare Tenende and Dr. Ladislaus Komba Sign Contract
While Caroline Joseph Mutahanamilwa, Senior Legal Officer looks on Women are intelligent, hard-working problem solvers like their male counterparts, but they bring an additional dimension to the job—intuition. They also build relationships. Tanzania is far ahead of most countries in recognizing the largely untapped asset. The government realizes in order to reach the nation's full potential in economic, political and other areas, it must actively promote the empowerment of women in all aspects of society. Dr. Burian and Ms. Mollel prove that when given the opportunity, women are a valuable resource. They certainly were helpful in our quest to understand the animals and migration.
Our last stop before lunch was a courtesy call on Chief Secretary Phillemon L. Luhanjo. We were in the country because of his vision, and all of us looked forward to meeting him. Security surrounding the State House was extremely tight. We even had to surrender our cameras when we signed the registration book. Once we passed the final checkpoint, we were in for a treat.
Tanganyika's past, before it became Tanzania, is fascinating. The Arab slave and ivory trade; explorer Vasco de Gama; Portuguese traders; the Sultan of Oman; German occupation; a British Protectorate; a UN Trust Territory; Independence; and finally a
merger with Zanzibar—all are part of its long history.
The State House, is a wide magnificent white building with picturesque scalloped Moorish-like arches. Once I heard of the Omani connection, I understood. But then Lennard told me it was built by the Germans in the late 1890's, not by the Arabs in an earlier time. The British almost destroyed the structure during World War I. Fortunately it was rebuilt and serves as the official residence of Tanzania's President, currently the Hon. Jakaya Kikwete Like our White House, it also has offices for the Vice President, Ministers who serve in the Cabinet, other officials and their staffs.
Colorful birds flew around, and animals roamed freely in the elegant gardens surrounding the building which is closed to the public.
Inside we were introduced to Mr. Luhanjo. His warmth, kindness and accessibility belied his high office. Ironically he was the first Tanzanian to be a student at the University of Southern California (USC) where Bill now teaches. He was enthusiastic about the project and hoped we would be able to bring it to fruition within the year. We talked about ways we might present the beautiful exciting country to the
world. The Chief Secretary was eager to make sure all of our needs were met.
The two vehicles took our team back to the hotel for lunch, then we left for our afternoon appointments. We were running behind, and due to a traffic jam in which vehicles moved at a snail's pace or were completely stopped, we were even later. Pedestrians were going faster than we were. Had our appointment not been so far away, we would have gotten there more quickly by walking.
Satellite dishes were on the grounds surrounding the Tanzania Broadcasting Company single story buildings. We met several managers and directors of TBC for technical discussions.
On our way back, we drove through horrible traffic again, then turned onto bumpy side roads and alleys until we reached Star TV to gain additional knowledge about technical matters. Our goal was to involve as many Tanzanians as possible in our project.
It was fairly late by the time we reached the Southern Sun. I changed into more comfortable clothes and went downstairs. Waiting patiently was Fredrick Mangasini who had come straight from the University where he is a lecturer.
I was with him during
the four day excursion before the IYPE conference began last year. When Dan asked that I go back with Bill to get stories for the video, Fredrick joined us. He was our interpreter, chief geologist, on-camera narrator and friend. I'm his “Jewish Mother,” and we have kept in close contact via the Internet.
Bill came to the lobby, and all three of us walked over to the New Africa Hotel & Casino for dinner. I treated Fredrick who ordered Cajun, or as they spelled it, “Cajon,” pork chops after I told him about the spices that are used; he loved it. Each of us ordered something different. Mine was Indian: mattar paneer—cheese and peas in a sweet spicy sauce—and naan, a bread similar to pita but more flavorful. We had a good time catching up on each others' lives.
It had been a long day, so when the meal ended Fredrick left for home while Bill and I walked back to our hotel.
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DIGNA MAPUNDA
non-member comment
How to contact Dr LADISLAUS KOMBA
Am Tanzanian graduate in Bsc education wishing to work in your Ministry,what can I do.