‘Wavujajasho’ equipped to challenge exploitative capitalist systems
Dar es Salaam. In the face of economic hardships exacerbated by capitalism, small-scale entrepreneurs—commonly referred to as wavujajasho—are being empowered to confront exploitative systems through cooperative models.
The entrepreneurs received training under the Winnie Mandela Cooperative School, an initiative spearheaded by the Manzese Women’s Cooperative Union (Uwawama).
The programme seeks to instil a deeper understanding of cooperative ownership and solidarity as tools for economic and social transformation.
Speaking at the training held recently in Dar es Salaam, Uwawama Chairperson, Ms Tina Mfanga, said the initiative is designed to cultivate the values of shared ownership and collective action among grassroots entrepreneurs.
“This school sows the seeds of cooperation and joint resource ownership. Beyond that, it strengthens solidarity among wavujajasho cooperatives so they can collectively push for policy and legal reforms that promote their welfare,” said Ms Mfanga.
She emphasised that the school builds a class-conscious understanding of capitalism and its impacts, equipping participants with strategies and tools for organising and advocacy.
Mr Sabatho Nyamsenda who led discussions on the ways capitalist structures commodify everyday essentials, highlighted how this system has altered communal life and social support.
“In the past, someone could ask a neighbour for water to drink and be given for free. Today, even water is commodified—you have to buy it. This is a reflection of the capitalist system, where everything is turned into a product,” said Mr Nyamsenda.
Participants said the training provided insights and practical tools to strengthen their cooperatives and advance their demands for economic justice.
Ilala Traders’ Cooperative Association Secretary, Ms Lucy Marwa, said she gained a renewed appreciation for unity and collective bargaining.
“Through this training, I’ve learnt the importance of cooperatives in giving us a united voice—especially when challenging exploitative systems that undermine our interests. We’ve heard from colleagues how the government pays low prices to farmers. These are the injustices we can fight together,” she said.
The Coast Region Pastoralists’ Association Chairman, Ngobele Msamau, said the training helped him understand the root causes of land disputes between farmers and pastoralists.
“I’ve come to realise that some village leaders are behind the land conflicts. Had we received this knowledge earlier, we might have prevented many of these disputes through unity and informed engagement,” he said.
The programme also welcomed participants from South Africa who came to share experiences and learn from Tanzanian farmers about how cooperatives can challenge economic injustices rooted in capitalist systems.
An educator from the Tshisimani Education Centre for Development in South Africa, Janine Lange, said despite historical differences, there are similarities between the environment of cooperatives.
“In South Africa, most land is still owned by a minority white population. After independence, land wasn’t returned to black South Africans, who remain largely as labourers in sectors such as mining,” she said.
Ms Lange noted that in South Africa, cooperatives often receive government subsidies and play a key role in food production.
“Approximately 75 percent of South Africa’s food is produced by cooperatives. This shows the potential impact of organised collective production when properly supported,” she added.
The Winnie Mandela Cooperative School continues to serve as a platform for cross-border learning and solidarity among grassroots movements seeking alternative economic models grounded in equity and cooperation.
