The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
Saumu Mwalimu
30 April 2011
Dar Es Salaam — There were mixed reactions among Tanzanians who joined a global audience to celebrate yesterday’s royal wedding between Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
Members of the Britain-Tanzania Society also marked the eve at the British High Commission in Dar es Salaam on Thursday in an official get-together hosted by the High Commissioner, Ms Diane Corner.
Yesterday, a majority of Tanzanians and other foreigners crammed in front of their television sets to watch the unfolding events in London that were beamed to billions others around the world.
The Citizen on Saturday sought the views of a cross-section of interviewees on the meaning and significance of the wedding in their lives and in their relations with UK, a country that colonized Tanzania.
The honorary secretary of Britain-Tanzania Society (Tanzania Chapter), Mr Antony Shaw, said the occasion served to cement the rich cultural ties among the Commonwealth family. The society is chaired by former president Ali Hassan Mwinyi.
Mr Shaw said members collected donations at the official party that would be donated to charities nominated by the royal couple in addition to Neema Crafts Centre in Iringa and Forever Angels in Mwanza.
“I hope this event reminds people of the strong links that exist between our two great nations. Our Society is proud to be part of a thriving, modern partnership that exists between our peoples. The royal wedding is also an occasion to celebrate pageantry and perhaps it will also remind Tanzanians of their rich heritage and the importance of keeping the best of their traditions alive for future generations,” he noted.
A historian at the University of Dar es Salaam, Prof Frederick Kaijage, said the marriage between Prince William and Ms Middleton was of little significance to Tanzanians even though he admitted that as a former colony – some citizens would take keen interest. He said business and education were the greatest links among the two countries.
The historian said the interest generated around the couple was due to their background and the media that followed their lives, including that of the young man (William) since the death of his mother Diana.
For a country that is in love with weddings, it was interesting that no major such nuptials took place except for three early civil marriages among members of the Asian community at the Ilala municipal offices. The couples did not wish to relate their day with that of the royals but said they were happy it happened the same day.
Meanwhile, other people used social networks like facebook and twitter to exchange views and offer their own take on the day. “It’s a waste of time thinking about a wedding that has nothing to do with us while we have a lot of problems of our own to deal with,” Francis Mosha said on facebook.
Edward Mishambi wrote: “I’d love the princess-elect to live up to Diana’s legacies, which in any case I doubt if she ever will.” For women it was a whole different perspective with many wishing to be Kate Middleton of Tanzania.
“I would have fainted had I been Kate Middleton,” posted Tunu Yusuph, whereas Winnie Mogella said she would not sleep if she was the bride because of the excitement of being a duchess.
As he went about his job in Tabata area, Mr Jumanne Jaibu quipped: “I know we are a colony of Britain but I am at work because the wedding could not add to my income.”
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