Zanzibar Halts ‘Makachu’ Over Ethics, Infrastructure Concerns

Zanzibar authorities have temporarily banned ‘Makachu,’ a popular activity involving boys performing acrobatic jumps from the seawall at Forodhani Gardens into the ocean.

The ban, issued by the Old Town Conservation and Development Authority, follows concerns about breaches of ethical standards and damage to the area’s infrastructure.

The sport, which has become a global sensation, often features daring stunts against the picturesque backdrop of Zanzibar’s beaches, drawing international acclaim.

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Celebrities like Lupita Nyong’o have highlighted the island’s charm, while performers’ social media presence has turned them into cultural ambassadors promoting Zanzibar as a premier tourist destination.

In a statement, the Authority cited violations of local laws and traditions, including performers wearing attire deemed inappropriate, damaging drainage systems, and using waste bins as props.

The ban also comes in response to a viral video showing foreign tourists participating in Makachu at Forodhani Gardens, dressed in ways considered culturally insensitive.