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The recent revelation by The Citizen on Saturday that we are the most superstitious people in Africa has shocked the country and continues to be debated, with the story being referred to in many gatherings, especially religious ones. Below is what our readers had to say of the Pew-Templeton survey findings.
Julius Girengay - Newspaper vendor, Arusha
It is true superstition is rampant in Tanzania just like elsewhere in Africa. Many fortune-seekers continue to consult witchdoctors. But I don't agree with the report that Tanzania tops Africa in juju business. Can Tanzanians be ahead of West African countries such as Nigeria or Senegal in witchcraft? It can't be true!
Mwalimu Shahanga Geofrey, Kibaha Secondary School - 0718 495949
I have always supported research findings but the assertion that Tanzania ranks top in superstition in the world is invalid. There are people who believe in African traditional religions and witchcraft in Tanzania, but the extent of superstition in the country cannot match of that in western and southern parts of Africa.
Unnamed online reader
Even though I was born in a family and country colonized by alien spiritual beliefs, I will continue honouring the beliefs of my ancestors as the Jews, Indians and Arabs continue to do to date. The religious antagonism observed on earth is a result of the intrusion and imposition of alien religions on the spiritual minds of others that has led to confusing the psyches of latter-day groups. The harmony that exists between Christians and Muslims in Tanzania is mainly due to most people of this country continuing to trust their traditional values and honouring the spirits of their ancestors.
Pamela Bagataya Mtena – 0712 454963
It is hard to believe the outcome of the survey when we are not sure of how it was conducted. Foreign countries have beliefs as well like marking Friday as a day of misfortunes and 13 being considered a bad luck number. Many story books for children in the West also have narrations about spooky houses, ghost thrillers and many fairy tales of that kind. What we should assess is one's religious beliefs and how that person practices his or her daily life. Again, we must realise that such research is not conducted overnight and a person's culture should not be confused with religious ethics.
Unnamed online reader
When I was working at the ministry of Education, one day we found bones of human beings, animals and fish placed on the desk of our department leader. It was kind of shocking news to us, but when the head of the department showed up, she smiled and went into the office kitchen and came back with salt, sugar and water. She then went ahead and spilled the water salt and sugar on her chair. After the ritual, she smiled at us and said: "I am free and have won!!!!" When big teams like Yanga and Simba win matches, they are said to give credit to witchdoctors but blame the coach when they lose.
Yizukanji Simsongs – 0776 250842
Let the organization tell us how the research was done and where they conducted it, then we will tell them why they ended up with the results they published. I suspect they did their research in Bagamoyo, Sumbawanga, Pemba and other towns located in the lake zone where superstition is rife. We need to see the results for similar research carried out in Nigeria, DR Congo and Swaziland before we concur with the survey results that we are the most superstitious.
Christopher Martin, student - University of Dodoma
It is not true. I know Tanzanians are among the best Christians and Muslims in the world. It doesn't click in my mind that they engage in such evil acts.
Riziki Nassoro Maghembe - Muheza Muslim School, Tanga
Those who did the research need to be congratulated because their findings are valid. My only doubt is with the size of the sample they used which could not be enough to reflect and portray the real situation in the country.
Housemaid Mwajuma Said
I believe there is superstition in all communities all over the world except that many people don't want to acknowledge that reality. It is true some people can be more superstitious than others but I don't see how ranking countries can be possible.
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