The Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, has called on the police and other legal authorities to take strong action against those who damage and steal the grave markers of South African freedom fighters in Dakawa and other parts of the country.
He said these acts bring shame to the nation and disrespect Tanzania’s important role in Africa’s freedom struggle.
During his visit to Morogoro, a place with historical heritage, Minister Kabudi expressed that such actions are unacceptable and erase the important history of Tanzania’s support in the African liberation movement.
Prof. Kabudi ordered the arrest and prosecution of all people involved in these crimes, as the law states that those who harm protected areas can face up to 30 years in prison.
“I believe that if two or three people are arrested for breaking stones, others will learn to respect the graves of our fallen heroes,” he said.
In addition to legal action, Minister Kabudi explained that the government plans to officially register 260 historical sites, including Dakawa, Mazimbu, Mgagao, Nahingwea, and Bagamoyo, to protect and promote them as World Heritage Sites. This will increase the value of Tanzania’s historical heritage.
The government has already started efforts to list some of these sites with UNESCO, the United Nations organization that handles cultural heritage, just as other African countries have added former slave trade sites to the list.
He also pointed out that Kilosa District will become a center for historical tourism, and places like Dakawa need to be properly protected.
Moreover, Prof. Kabudi said Tanzania has two main goals for its historical sites: to be added to the international heritage list and to preserve intangible cultural heritage.
He also ordered that photos be taken of all the graves for documentation, and that a map of the sites should be made and carefully maintained.
Some people in Morogoro shared their concerns about the damage to the grave markers. They said this has become a serious problem, with criminals not being punished enough.
Petry Robert, a resident of Mazimbu, suggested that better security measures should be put in place for all graves, including building fences around the graves of freedom fighters.
“I believe that with fences, we can stop the theft of crosses at these sites,” he said.