Joseph Isangura
The councillors of Tunduma, situated in Songwe Region’s Momba District, have taken a bold stance against the use of English in official council documents, citing it as a barrier to effective governance.
During a special council session, several councillors voiced their displeasure with the English-language reports on the implementation of development projects. They argued that the use of a foreign language in such critical documents excludes many councillors from fully understanding the content, thereby hindering their ability to contribute meaningfully to discussions.
This session, which focused on the review of revenue and expenditure for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, brought to the forefront the ongoing struggle between linguistic accessibility and the formalities of governance. The councillors emphasized that Swahili, widely spoken and understood across Tanzania, should be the language of choice in council documentation to ensure that all members, irrespective of their educational background, can engage fully.
One councillor commented, “The essence of our work lies in our ability to understand and discuss the matters at hand. By using English, we are putting up an unnecessary barrier that prevents some of us from participating fully. Switching to Swahili would not only benefit us as councillors but also the community at large, as it would make our work more transparent and understandable.”
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The push for Swahili in Tunduma’s council meetings is part of a larger trend across Tanzania, where local governments are increasingly recognizing the need to use the national language in official settings. This move is seen as crucial for enhancing participation and ensuring that all voices are heard, particularly in areas where English proficiency is limited.
The Tunduma Town Council now faces a critical decision: whether to maintain the use of English or shift to Swahili to promote inclusivity. The outcome of this debate could have significant implications not only for Tunduma but for other local councils across Tanzania that are dealing with similar issues.
