Mwenge Freedom Torch and Traditional Dancing

During Tanzania’s independence in 1961, President Nyrere introduced a torch as Tanzania’s symbol of freedom and unity. Since then every year the freedom torch, called Mwenge, circulates throughout all the districts of Tanzania along with an entourage of government officials. The circuit of the torch throughout Tanzania takes a couple of months. When the torch came through Songea it made a stop at Songea girls where it was welcomed by local officials, local traditional dancers and members of the community.

Below are some pictures of the traditional dances of the local Ngoni tribe that were performed in honor of Mwenge.

Traditional Dancers.

A widow's group that danced for us at Mwenge.

Me and my friend Faraja who was a teacher at Songea Girls, but recently moved.

The Poinsettias are in bloom in Songea.

Tanzanian clothes dryer

My very own banana trees.