A conversation with January Makamba

What you need to know:

Young people in Tanzania don’t read, right? Wrong. At least that is what January Makamba thinks. With this thought in mind, he agreed to be interviewed by Fr Privatus Karugendo to discuss his ideas of a ‘New Tanzania.’ Their conversation led to a book that was released last week and published in Kiswahili, ‘40 Questions and 40 Answers: A conversation with January Makamba on the New Tanzania.’

On social media, Bijoux Amina Musa (@bijouxmami), a student in International Relations based in Norway says, “January Makamba is making a new generation pay attention. Even those who do not like to read are now reading.” Fr Karugendo says he can see why the youth have accepted January. “Social media is dominated by the youth. I wouldn’t be surprised that the book has been received positively through various platforms online. I have also received a lot of positive feedback from older people who have read the book. Many have encouraged me to feature other young leaders. I am ready. I cannot wait for my next project,” Fr Karugendo says. This is not Fr Karugendo’s first book to be published. It is his fifth and the second which features a politician. However, it is the first among the series of young leaders that he wants to profile. Fr Karugendo who is an active commentator in various platforms served as a priest for the Roman Catholic Church in Rulenge, now known as Rulenge-Ngara until 2000.

It gives Fr Karugendo pleasure to see that his book has been well received by young people. “I think he is a symbol of hope to many. If he could do it at his age, then they also can,” he adds. A symbol of hope, that sounds like what Barack Obama tried to portray when he ran for president. Many liken January to Obama. Does January liken himself to Obama? “Frankly, no,” he says. He continues to say: “Obama was a figure for a different country, different context and different political circumstances. But, there is truth that all elections in almost all countries are about the future, about hope for a better future and some candidates embody that hope more naturally, more seamlessly than others. So, if our candidacy carries the hopes of Tanzanians, then our challenge is not winning, our challenge is governing in a way that lives up those hopes.”

In the book, January answers questions on how different sectors would have to change in order to bring forth a ‘New Tanzania’. He says in the book that the education system must change from the one which requires students to cram to one which stimulates and accommodates creativity and innovation. “As a country and a society, we have our heritage to retain and protect and pass-on. Anyone who seeks political leadership must understand this. But we must also acknowledge that our progress has been held back by some systemic and structural settings that need to be overhauled. This is the reality. And if stating this reality makes one popular among young people, it is a bonus. And if I can add one thing: it is easier for a new generation political leader to talk about changing the system than a politician who has been part of its creation,” he explains.

A conversation with January Makamba

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