Corporate Social Responsibility
MAJIMAJI SELEBUKA
Among prestigious projects that Mantra Tanzania has had the honor to participate this year, is the Majimaji Selebuka event. This is because it is a project that taps at the core of independence struggles in our country and lies at the heart of Ruvuma region, where our operations are expected to take place. Between the year 1905 and 1906, the most significant African challenge to German colonial rule occurred in the southern part of Tanzania, called the Majimaji war. It is a war that later became an inspiration for freedom fighters in the 20th century who called for similar inter-ethnic unity in their struggles against colonial rule, such as that seen among the southern tribes of Tanzania. Years after, the Majimaji uprise still remains as a significant occurrence in the history of our country, therefore making commemorations such as the Selebuka event, essential in acknowledging the foundation of our country and its culture. Majimaji Selebuka event has been held for seven consecutive years, involving trade fair, cultural and social activities, sports, tourism and other activities, with the main objective of exposing the virtuousness of the Southerners and opening doors and opportunities to many Tanzanians and other neighboring countries such as: Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia, hence providing the locals an opportunity to advance economically, socially and culturally, through interactions with outside world. This year’s event theme was ‘Forests are life’ (Misitu ni Uhai). Different departments and institutions under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, along with private companies, NGOs and CBOs participated and had pavilions at Majimaji stadium, the region’s main stadium. Secondary school students were engaged in debates and workshops on environment and the event’s theme. Invitees had the opportunity to visit different tourist’ sites offered by the region. To top it off, various sports competitions were held and the men and women cycling competition featured as the main event attraction. As one of Ruvuma region’s key stakeholder, Mantra was invited to sponsor this event, and being as this project touches on many of our key aspirations and focuses, we were delighted to be part and parcel of its success. This project provided Mantra an opportunity to work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism which is one of Mantra’s most important and influential stakeholders. More so, being as our Mkuju River Project is located in Ruvuma, it was an honor to work with Ruvuma’s Region Administration in a project that celebrates the region’s contribution towards liberation of the country. As one of the main sponsors, we had the opportunity to educate and inform the public on Mantra’s CSR initiatives, MRP, provide information on uranium and radioactivity, as well as answer questions about MRP, Uranium and Radioactivity Mantra Tanzania donated a total of 18 football jersey sets, 23 cycling jersey sets, and 20 footballs, amounting to a total worth of US$ 4,350. Our participation and sponsorship was acknowledged by The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Hon. Dr. Damas Ndumbaro, the Mayor of Songea Hon. Mbano, organisers of Majimaji Selebuka, sportmen and women who participated in the event. The eminent event was broadcasted national-wide and Mantra’s participation as sponsor of the event also appeared in the mainstream and social media. As famous Jamaican activist once said “People without knowledge of their past, origin and culture are like a tree without roots”, and we, Mantra Tanzania will continue to support initiatives that embrace the roots of Tanzania’s culture and existence as a liberal state, for it is only in doing so that we will be able to grow.