Tanzanite miners and traders in Manyara Region have contributed TZS 23.6 million towards the construction of a maternal and newborn healthcare facility at Hanang District Hospital, as fundraising efforts gather pace ahead of the Tanzanite Marathon scheduled for August 22, 2026.
The charity race, which will be held in Babati and is expected to be officiated by Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, aims to raise TZS 1.6 billion for the construction of a mother-and-child health building and the expansion of services for premature babies and other vulnerable newborns.
The donation was presented to Manyara Regional Commissioner Queen Cuthbert Sendiga, who commended the mining community for supporting a project she said would address a critical healthcare need in the region.
According to Ms Sendiga, about 3,000 premature babies are born in Manyara each year, underscoring the need for improved neonatal care infrastructure.
“This contribution will help us move closer to establishing a facility capable of providing better care for babies born before full term and improving maternal health services in the region,” she said.
Simanjiro District Commissioner Fakii Lulandala said residents and mining stakeholders from the district would participate in large numbers in the marathon to support the fundraising drive.
“I will personally take part in the five-kilometre race, and we expect strong participation from Simanjiro residents as we contribute towards better healthcare services for our children,” he said.
Among the contributors were mining companies operating in the Tanzanite-rich Mirerani area. William Magezi, director of JS Magezi, said his company and its partner, Tanzanite Africa, had jointly donated TZS 4 million.
“Tanzanite Africa co-director Will Mushi contributed TZS 2 million, while I contributed another TZS 2 million, making a total of TZS 4 million,” Mr Magezi said.
JN Mining director Justin Nyari, who donated TZS 2 million, called for wider community participation in the fundraising campaign.
“This initiative is important because it focuses on saving the lives of children. Community leaders should help ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute according to their means,” he said.
The chairman of the Manyara Regional Mineral Traders Association, Mokia Ole Mrefu, said Tanzanite traders would meet next week to discuss additional contributions towards the project.
He added that businessman Taiko Ole Kulunju had donated TZS 1 million, while he personally contributed TZS 500,000.
The fundraising event also provided an opportunity for miners to raise sector concerns. Tanzanite mine owner Joseph Manga, who donated TZS 1 million, appealed to authorities to review the fee structure for permits required to purchase blasting materials.
He argued that the current charge of TZS 100,000 per permit increases operating costs for miners and suggested that a single permit should be sufficient at the existing fee level.
The Tanzanite Marathon is part of a broader effort by regional authorities to mobilise public and private sector support for healthcare infrastructure, particularly services targeting mothers and newborns in Manyara Region.
