Ignorance Unleashed: Exposing the Dark and Dangerous Manipulation Tactics in Tanzanian Society

By Adonis Byemelwa

On July 6, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved in the fight against illiteracy in Tanzania. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Karagwe Diocese proudly celebrated the graduation of 125 adults from its second cohort of an adult literacy program.

According to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania Karagwe Diocese Bishop, Benson Bagonza, this initiative, which specifically targets adults unable to read, write, or perform basic arithmetic, is a beacon of hope in the Murongo district of the Murongo-Kyerwa Division.

He noted in his viral message that, the graduates who received certificates of completion, are part of a broader effort to boost Tanzania's literacy rate, which saw an impressive rise to 82.02% in 2022. This marks a pivotal moment in the journey toward a more educated and empowered society.

Dr. Bagonza said the project is funded through a partnership with Bread for the World, a German organization. The collaboration between Murongo (Tanzania) and Gutersloh (Germany) dioceses ensures the program's success. While there may be unique statistics to highlight, it is evident to many that illiteracy is growing in many rural areas.

Ignorance, once seen as a burden, has become a valuable asset for many. Religious leaders find it easier to sell salvation, false promises of wealth, and miraculous healings to the uneducated. Dr. Bagonza emphasizes, "Ignorance allows religious leaders to manipulate their followers with ease. They can sell the idea of salvation and false promises without scrutiny."

 Similarly, politicians exploit the ignorance of many to manipulate and deceive without accountability. "Politicians thrive on the ignorance of their constituents, using it to push agendas and policies that may not be in the best interest of the public," Dr. Bagonza notes.

Traditional healers prey on the uninformed, selling ineffective remedies while subjecting their clients to degrading treatments.

Dr. Bagonza states, "The lack of knowledge among the public allows traditional healers to offer treatments that have no scientific backing, often putting lives at risk." In an ironic twist, some educators benefit from a cycle of ignorance, using it as an opportunity to practice and, paradoxically, increase it. "When education systems fail to enlighten, they perpetuate ignorance, creating a cycle that is difficult to break," Dr. Bagonza observes.

Corrupt government officials rely on ignorance to extort bribes and sell basic rights. "Ignorance is a tool for corrupt officials. It makes it easier for them to demand bribes and deny basic rights without facing backlash," says Dr. Bagonza.

Donors and aid organizations also find fertile ground for distributing aid that perpetuates dependency, ensuring economic control over the uninformed. "Aid organizations sometimes maintain a level of dependency among the uneducated, which can be a subtle form of control," Dr. Bagonza explains.

Governments often fear knowledgeable citizens but find it easier to control an uneducated populace. Dr. Bagonza argues, "A knowledgeable citizenry is harder to manipulate, which is why some governments prefer an uneducated populace."

Online scammers thrive on the ignorance of many, amassing wealth with little effort. "The digital age has made it easier for scammers to exploit ignorance, leading to significant financial losses for the unsuspecting," Dr. Bagonza notes.

Businesspeople take advantage of those who believe in the myth of cheaper shops. "Consumers who are unaware are more likely to fall for deceptive business practices," Dr. Bagonza says. Poverty and disease flourish where ignorance prevails. "Ignorance exacerbates poverty and disease, creating environments where these issues can thrive unchecked," Dr. Bagonza concludes.

The battle against ignorance has yet to begin, but when it does, it's crucial to be part of the solution. Dr. Bagonza asserts, "Every group has its share of ignorance; if you don’t see it, you might be the ignorant one." The call to action is clear: awareness and education are key in combating the exploitation of ignorance across all sectors of society.

In alignment with the critical observations of Dr. Bagonza, recent events in Tanzania highlight the pervasive exploitation of ignorance. Last week, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed Dr. Selemani Jafo as Minister of Industry and Trade.

 This appointment coincided with revelations from a small commission investigating a traders' strike in Kariakoo, a major commercial hub in Dar es Salaam.

The commission uncovered that many shop owners were unaware of why their leaders had forced them to close shops, suggesting political motives behind the strike. President Hassan indicated that the strike might have been orchestrated for reasons beyond the traders' immediate grievances.

Interviews with Kariakoo traders revealed a disturbing level of ignorance, as many were oblivious to the reasons behind their actions.

A prominent issue highlighted was the Tanzania Revenue Authority's (TRA) mandate for the use of Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs). Traders expressed concerns over the high operational costs of these devices, which significantly impacted their businesses.

The President's Commission found that many traders did not understand that another reason for the strike was the government's failure to address issues raised during the first strike, such as excessive taxes, the disbandment of the tax collection task force, and the removal of a new warehouse registration law.

The interviewed traders were unaware that their goods had already been taxed at the port, only to face further taxation at their shops. This situation, traders claimed, created avenues for corruption, as they felt compelled to bribe TRA officials to ease their business operations.

Dr. Bagonza’s critique of ignorance extends to national matters. When President Magufuli inaugurated the Kijazi Bridge, he assured Tanzanians that it was funded domestically. Nevertheless, signs at the construction site, such as at the Mfugale Bridge, indicated that the Japanese government had contributed, demonstrating the widespread acceptance of misleading information.

Renowned Bongo Flavor artist Joseph Mbilinyi highlighted in his song "Ndio Mzee" how ignorance is a significant asset for politicians, illustrating how absurd promises, like milk flowing from taps or urgent police responses symbolized by colliding helicopters, are readily believed by some voters.

During the 2020 presidential campaign, Hashim Rungwe, a perennial candidate from the Chauma party, promised to relocate the Indian Ocean to Dodoma and convert its salty water to fresh for irrigation.

This ridiculous claim was met with applause from some voters who believed in his miraculous capabilities akin to those of Jesus of Nazareth.

Religious leaders have also capitalized on the ignorance Bagonza condemns, convincing followers that anointing cakes can move mountains and bestow blessings. Believers are told that waving their phones in the air can solve financial problems as the Holy Spirit supposedly sends money via mobile networks, promising a path to sudden wealth.

The mass hysteria surrounding the Loliondo healer, Babu, is another stark example. In 2011, an 86-year-old retired Lutheran pastor, Mwasapile, claimed a local herb, Mugariga, could cure all ailments.

Thousands, including the educated and politically powerful, flocked to his village, hoping for a miracle cure. Reports indicated that approximately 52 people died while waiting for his remedy, underscoring the desperation and widespread ignorance.

The media reported queues stretching 26 kilometers, with people waiting for weeks without proper shelter, clean water, or sanitation facilities. Mwasapile sold his herbal concoction for 500 Tanzanian shillings. When visited by a journalist in 2011, Mwasapile's home was surrounded by 6,000 people, waiting days for his treatment without adequate living conditions.

Some individuals even removed their loved ones from hospitals, believing in Mwasapile’s cure. Tragically, some died before receiving the supposed remedy. This widespread ignorance and blind faith in unproven treatments revealed a deep-seated issue within society.

President Kikwete, during his tenure, assured Tanzanians of better lives if elected, hiding the fact that economic stability depends on hard work rather than political promises. His era was marked by significant corruption scandals, from Meremeta and Kagoda to Escrow accounts, revealing the stark contrast between political rhetoric and reality.

Bagonza’s observation of ignorance also reflects on Tanzanians’ political engagement. Lawyer Fulgence Masawe from the Legal and Human Rights Centre noted that while Kenyans actively discuss their budget and finance bills, most Tanzanians are unaware of the implications of the recently passed budget.

He highlighted that the budget primarily focused on recurrent expenditures rather than development, failing to address the needs of the average citizen.

Masawe pointed out that Tanzanians only realized the impact of the increased property tax, deducted through electricity costs (LUKU), when it was too late. This ignorance allows political discussions to be perceived as irrelevant, fostering a sense of complacency that can threaten societal stability.

Kenyan President Ruto faced challenges in addressing public protests against the finance bill, which some believed were incited by civil society organizations. He wanted citizens to see the bill as harmless, underscoring how political leaders exploit ignorance to maintain control.

All and sundry, ignorance, as highlighted by Bishop Bagonza, remains a valuable asset for politicians. Addressing this ignorance requires a concerted effort to educate and empower citizens, enabling them to make informed decisions and challenge the status quo.