Dar es Salaam. Makachu, a traditional diving stunt popular in Forodhani, Stone Town, Zanzibar, officially resumes today, January 1, after being suspended by the Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority.
The authority had halted the activity due to multiple violations, including damage to drainage systems, misuse of waste bins, and culturally inappropriate attire.
The Authority’s Director General, Mr Ali Abubakar, said in a December 22 announcement that only performers who agreed to adhere to new guidelines would be allowed to participate.
“We are formalising Makachu to protect our culture, infrastructure, and public safety. Those who comply will be given contracts, while violators will face permanent bans,” he explained.
Makachu’s roots lie in a coastal tradition where individuals would dive into the ocean.
Originally referred to as ‘Kachumbe,’ over time the name evolved to ‘Kachu,’ and eventually to ‘Makachu’ as the activity gained popularity.
According to one of the prominent Makachu divers, Ameir Rashid Rashid, also known as Devian Smart or ‘Mkaka wa Forodhani,’ the tradition was initially a recreational activity among Zanzibar youths but has since grown into a unique form of entertainment and a source of livelihood.
“Back in the day, we used to tell each other, ‘Let’s go dive into the sea and do Kachu,’ but now it’s bigger than that.
“It’s not just about entertainment anymore. It’s about culture, tourism, and income for many of us,” Rashid said.
However, the modern Makachu era began in 2022 when performers started incorporating banners bearing names of celebrities and clients into their stunts.
Forodhani’s Makachu Group discipline leader, Omary Bakari Khalfani, also known as Ommy Makachu, said this shift was driven by a desire to promote Zanzibar’s tourism.
“We wanted to turn Makachu into something more impactful. By diving with banners, we could attract attention and invite people to visit Zanzibar,” he said.
Makachu has since become a lucrative activity, with some performers earning over Sh20 million annually.
However, its rapid growth has not been without challenges. Concerns over safety and cultural sensitivity led to its temporary ban.
Khalfani clarified that, contrary to rumours, no deaths have occurred due to Makachu.
“Yes, we’ve had injuries, like one of our colleagues who was paralysed, but nobody has died. Safety is now our top priority. We’ve introduced life jackets and trained members to respond quickly in emergencies,” he said.
The new guidelines also include inclusivity measures, allowing women to participate for the first time.
“Initially, we restricted women due to cultural concerns, but now things are changing. We’re excited to welcome everyone who meets the requirements,” Khalfani added.
Social media has played a significant role in Makachu’s popularity, with pioneers like Yess Jamal sharing videos of their stunts online.
Jamal, now one of the most-followed individuals from Zanzibar after Zuchu, was instrumental in introducing the activity to a global audience.
Rashid also denied social media rumours suggesting that the performers had relocated to the Coco Beach in Dar es Salaam.
“Those videos were taken out of context,” he said.
He added: “Months back, we were hired for a temporary project in Dar, and the remarks about not returning to Zanzibar were just jokes. We’ve always been committed to Zanzibar.”
Makachu performances will now follow a strict schedule, running from 7am to 10pm during peak tourist seasons.
With its return, many hope it will once again boost Zanzibar’s tourism and provide economic opportunities for local youths.
“We’re excited to be back and to do what we love. Makachu is more than a stunt—it’s part of our identity,” Khalfani said.
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Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.
While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.
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Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).
“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.
Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.
The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.
“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.
She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.
“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.
Cross-border transmission
The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.
The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.
Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”
The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.
The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Transparency urged
Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.
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“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.
WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.
“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.
The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Source: allafrica.com
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