As Tanzania celebrated Nyerere Day on 14 October, there are growing comparisons between Tanzania’s founding President and its current President, John Magufuli. One of the enduring characterisations of Nyerere is that he is beloved by ordinary Tanzanians, but regarded by many foreigners and scholars as responsible for their poverty through economic […]
I was fined for speeding on our way to Iringa for Go Conference. I wasn’t speeding. I knew I was in a 50 zone and I was watching the speedo carefully. I was so surprised to be pulled over that I even asked the guy holding the speed gun if […]
Christmas in Dar means police out in force on the roads, but traffic management seems to take a back seat to extorting money out of drivers as a little bit of extra cash for the holidays. We’ve been pulled over twice this last week at the same intersection, both times […]
On our trip to and from Dar es Salaam earlier this month, Arthur and I were charged with speeding once each. That’s a TSH 30,000 fine (about AU18) and some paperwork, then you’re on your way. (We always ask for paperwork. I have no idea if this decreases the chances […]
Mnyampala notes that life for the Wagogo changed significantly with the coming of colonialism. Even naming is significant. Prior to colonialism, the inhabitants of Ugogo still primarily identified by clan; to speak of the Wagogo as a tribe was an artefact of colonial organisation and labelling. Aside from being drawn into European conflict […]
Today over lunch we read the story of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8. Simon is generally remembered as the guy who wanted to be able to do the same magic tricks at Peter and was rebuked in no uncertain terms! What struck me today though, was that this guy […]
Andrew Errington has kindly reproduced the entirety of his talk on gender at Sydney Uni EU. It’s a great example of how to talk about this issue for a few reasons: He recognises his own privilege and doesn’t dismiss it. Instead, he redirects the conversation towards how Scripture has affected […]
Meet Jesus at uni 