THE WORLD WITTNESS WILDBEAST CALVES BIRTH IN SERENGETI

Serengeti ,a maasai word  “Siringet “ means endless plains now a home to thousand wild animals and many natural fascinating events ,at this time round , more than 1.5 million wildebeest are delivering new calves at the rate of 8,000 newborns per day.
 They are eagerly photographed by thousands of tourists who have come to watch this incredible synchronized birthing event take place in southern Serengeti   Tanzania.
The next six weeks will deliver almost half a million baby wildebeest calves onto the soft grasses of the Ndutu plains.

According to researchers not all will survive of course.
 This is a flourishing moment in time for tourists taking photos of cute little calves, but also for the predators that enjoy a feast of plenty.
Hyenas, jackals, lion, birds of prey and many others are out in force as the birthing begins.
This is one reason why it is thought that wildebeest all have their babies within the same short time period.
 They hope to overwhelm the opposition with choice, and hopefully save their own babies in the muddle.

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TANZANIA POLICE FORCE ASKED TO FORM A SPECIAL SECURITY UNIT TO PROTECT TOURISTS VISTING ITS NATURAL ATTRACTION SITES

The government has been urged to form a special security unit to cater for special groups particularly, travellers, who are vulnerable in the new environment and ensure their safety.

 

Speaking  in Dar es Salaam  recently Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) executive secretary Mustapha Akunaay said that security and safety are the key motivational factors that drive the travel industry.

Section 126 of the Police Force Act provides for the establishment of the special unit to compliment the force, he said, adding that it states that ‘there shall be established a special unit which will be supplementary to the police force with the function of assisting it in maintaining order and protecting property in special areas.

“…we don’t have any special department of the police that is responsible for tourists…,” reports Akunaay, who also explained that Kenya, South Africa and Botswana do and the merits are remarkable.

“…if we want to attract more tourists into the country and develop the sector, then we need to work on tourists’ safety and security…,” he explained.

Akunaay urged the government to take deliberate measures in tackling the matter as well as review the laws relating to the tourism sector by reminding the responsible officials that the move is crucial for boosting economic growth and sustainability.

Tourism accounts for 17.5 percent of Tanzania’s GDP and supports an estimated five million direct jobs as well as 800,000 indirect employments. 

According to experts, due to the sector’s linkage to the rest of the economy, it is able to generate more jobs than any other sector.

At the moment, the country has various laws addressing security and safety issues but they are criminal laws, there are no specific provisions under the law that clearly addresses security and safety for tourists visiting the country. 

Commenting on the matter, the newly appointed Commander of the Tourism Unit Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Benedict Kitalika had this to say:

 “…yes there is a lot to be done…currently we have a desk in all police stations across the country designated specially for foreigner/tourism related issues….”

He conceded that the number of desks is not enough and that there are only 60 police officers assigned to them while the force needs at least 300. 

He explained that he has requested for 80m/- to be used for the training of 240 police officers at the Zanzibar Police College. Once graduated they will form the new unit dedicated to foreigner and tourism related cases, he added.

Akunaay admitted that the government must invest more in the force, grant them better equipment in emergency response vehicles and weapons, and increase its number and broaden its scope.

 “…we have been fighting for this for some time now...the government must invest in the force…,” he said.

Jan Gosink from the German Embassy speaking at a tourism stakeholders’ meeting that was held on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam, commented on the matter acknowledging:

“…safety and security are of paramount importance to any country…therefore, I think the government should work on the recommendations and form such a unit…I am sure more tourists will come if they are assured of safety...”

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CATHOLIC PRIEST SHORT DEAD IN ZANZIBAR

Gunmen shot dead a Catholic priest outside his church in the capital of Zanzibar on Sunday, the second such attack on the Muslim-majority island in recent months.

Zanzibar  police spokesperson  Mohamed Mhina  said in a brief interview that Father Evarist Mushi was blocked by two young men at the entrance of the

On Christmas Day, gunmen shot and seriously wounded a Catholic priest as he returned home from church.

It is not clear if the two attacks were linked, or religiously motivated.

In November, attackers threw acid in the face and chest of a Muslim cleric, and there have been tensions between the two communities in the semi-autonomous Tanzanian archipelago.

“For now, we cannot say what the motives are for the attack, but we have launched search operations for the attackers,” added Mhina.

Zanzibar’s Christian community is a minority there, an estimated three percent of the 1.2 million population, which is otherwise almost entirely Muslim.

Tourism is the main foreign currency earner for Zanzibar, famed for its white-sand beaches and historical buildings in Stone Town, listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO.

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MOUNT KILIMANJARO,SERENGETI AND NGORONGORO CRATER DECLARED SEVENTH AFRICA'S WONDERS

Tanzania natural attractions, Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro crater have been declared Africa’s seventh wonders.

SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK

MT.KILIMANJARO

NGORONGORO CRATER

SERENGETI National Park was declared the best of the seven New Natural Wonders of Africa as all the three entries from Tanzania made it to the coveted seven.

Announcing the new ‘Seven Wonders’ of nature here, the President and Founder of the Texas (US)-based ‘New Seven Wonders,’ Dr Philip Imler, revealed that though the seven wonders are not ranked in positions, Serengeti stood out due to its legendary, spellbinding largest migration of large mammals.

Ngorongoro Crater, found within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, and described as ‘The Bowl’ in which a variety of wildlife live,’ was also voted among the Seven Wonders of Nature while Mount Kilimanjaro, which is Africa’s highest mountain, became the third entry from the country.

Other winners were the ‘Red Sea Reef,’ on the coast of Egypt and Sudan; River Nile, which flows into more than 10 countries in Africa, the Sahara Desert encompassing nearly ten countries as well and the Okavango Delta of Botswana.

A total of 12 entries from around the continent had been competing for the coveted ‘Seven’ positions and Tanzania had fielded its own top three tourist attractions. “I was a bit skeptic upon learning that, the ‘New Seven Wonders’ of nature will have three winners from a single country but official statistics and experts’ opinions did not lie,” said Dr Imler.

He added that even the votes from Tanzanians did not help to sway final experts’ conclusions. He also named the Seven Wild Life Wonders of Africa as the leopard, crocodile, elephant, hippopotamus, rhino, mountain gorilla and the lion.

The colourful proclamation ceremony was graced by the Prime Minister, Mr Mizengo Pinda, who was the chief guest at the awards giving session, held at the New Mount Meru Hotel. “As Tanzanians, we must protect not only the three winners but all natural resources and wildlife that our country has been endowed with,” said the prime minister.

The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador, Mr Khamis Kagasheki, said Tanzania is proud to have three of its natural wonders among Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. Among those who attended the function include the Minister of State (Tourism) of Uganda, ambassadors, MPs and representatives of tourist boards from Zambia and Uganda.

The Director-General of Tanzania National Parks, Mr Allan Kijazi, was proud to have two destinations under his authority making it to the top seven and pointed out that Tanzania was always regarded as ‘Number One Natural Summit of Africa.’

Also vying for the title were Mount Kenya, Zuma Rock of Nigeria, the 'Peak of Furnace' in the Reunion Island, the 'Aldabra Atoll' of Seychelles, 'Tsingy Debemaraha,' of Madagascar and the 'Avenue of Baobabs' also found in Madagascar. Visitors wise, the Ngorongoro Crater, located in Ngorongoro District of Arusha, seems to be the most popular, attracting over 500,000 tourists every year.

Serengeti comes second with 350,000 annual visitors while Mount Kilimanjaro attracts nearly 55,000 tourists per annum. Overall, Tanzania as a country attracts around 1.2 million tourists per year with more than 80 per cent of these ending up in the Northern Circuit where the three features are located.

The Ngorongoro Crater is managed by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) while both the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro operate under the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).

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RAIS KIKWETE AOMBOLEZA KIFO CHA ASKOFU DR.THOMAS LAIZER

Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mheshimiwa Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete usiku wa leo, Alhamisi, Februari 7, 2013, ametuma salamu za rambirambi kwa Mkuu wa Kanisa la Kiinjili la Kilutheri Tanzania (KKKT) Askofu Mkuu Dkt. Alex Malasusa
kuombeleza kifo cha Askofu Thomas O. Laizer wa Jimbo la Kaskazini Kati Arusha la KKKT aliyeaga dunia jioni ya leo.

Katika salamu zake, Rais Kikwete amemwambia Askofu Mkuu Malasusa: “Nimepokea kwa mshtuko mkubwa na huzuni nyingi taarifa za kifo cha Askofu Thomas Laizer ambaye nimejulishwa kuwa ameaga dunia muda mfupi uliopita, jioni ya leo, katika Hospitali ya Rufaa ya Selian, Arusha.”

“Askofu Thomas Laizer ametutoka lakini tutaendelea kumkumbuka kama kiongozi aliyetoa mchango mkubwa katika uongozi wa kiroho wa Watanzania na ambaye wakati huo alitafuta namna bora zaidi ya kuwatumikia waumini wake. Daima takumbukwa kama kiongozi ambaye alitumia vipaji vyake vyote kuwatumikia waumini wake na wote waliokuwa chini yake.”

Ameongeza Rais kikwete: “Kufuatia msiba huu mkubwa, nakutumia wewe Baba Askofu Mkuu Alex Malasusa salamu za rambirambi za dhati ya moyo wangu kukupa pole ya msiba huu na kupitia kwako kuwapa pole nyingi maaskofu na viongozi wenzako katika KKKT pamoja na waumini wote wa Kanisa kwa kuondokewa na kiongozi mwenzao na muumini mwenzao.”

Aidha, Rais Kikwete ameongeza, “Pia kupitia kwako Baba Askofu Mkuu, natuma salamu nyingi za moyoni mwangu kwa familia na wana-ndugu wa Marehemu Thomas Laizer.  Naungana nao katika kuomboleza.
Naelewa machungu yao katika kipindi hiki kigumu cha kuondokewa na Baba, Babu na mhimili wa familia. Nawaombea subira ili waweze kuvuka kipindi hiki kwa sababu yote ni Mapenzi ya Mungu. Aidha, naungana nao katika kumwomba Mwenyezi Mungu,
Mwingi wa Rehema, aiweke pema peponi roho ya Marehemu Thomas Laizer. Amen.”

Imetolewa na:
Kurugenzi ya Mawasiliano ya Rais,
IKULU
DAR ES SALAAM

07 Februari, 2013

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FAHAMU WASIFU WA MAREHEMU BABA ASKOFU DR. THOMAS LAIZER NA RATIBA YA MAZISHI YAKE ARUSHA.

Hatimaye mwili wa askofu wa Kanisa la Kilutheri Tanzania (KKKT) Dayosisi yaKaskazini Kati,Marehemu Askofu Dk. Thomas Laizer unatarajiwa kuzikwa Ijumaa ya wiki ijayo Februari 15, 2013.

Taarifa iliyotolewa na Kamati ya Mazishi ya KKKT na Familia ya Marehemu, iimeeleza kuwa Marehemu atazikwa katika eneo la Kanisa Kuu mjini Kati Arusha.

Aidha taarifa hiyo inasema kuwa waumini na Washirika wa Kanisa Kuu na makanisa yote ya KKKT nchini, Wananchi, ndugu jamaa na marafiki watapata fursa ya kutoa heshima zao za  mwisho kwa Mwili wa marehemu kuanzia siku y Alhamisi mchana ya Februari 14, 2013.

Taarifa hiyo iliongeza kuwa Mwili wa Askofu Laizer utalala Kanisani hapo hadi Ijumaa ya Mazishi.

Marehemu Askofu Thomas Laizer aliyezaliwa Machi 10, 1945 katika Kijiji cha Kitumbeine Wilayani Longido  na baade kupata elimu yake ya msingi hadi darasa la nane Longido na kumaliza mwaka 1965.

Askofu Laizer, aliendelea na masomo yake ya juu ndani na baade kujiunga na masomo ya Theolojia katika chuo cha Makumira na baade kuongeza masomo nchini Marekani.

Marehemu wakati wa uhai wake alikuwa Mwinjilisti, Mchungaji katika makinisa mbalimbali nchini na baade kuwa Mkuu wa Jimbo na Mkuu wa Sinodi na baade kuwa Rais wa sinodi kabla ya kusimikwa rasmi kuwa Askofu wa Kwanza wa Dayosisi ya Arusha ambayo kwa sasa ni Dayosisi ya Kaskazini Kati.

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