Aslina Abdulaziz, President of Tubaha Nadi Siha, led a group of passionate climbers from Malaysia to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. 

This expedition was more than just a physical challenge; it was a powerful statement about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially for those balancing demanding careers.

“We aim to promote a healthy lifestyle,” Aslina shared. “Our participants, aged 45 to 65, hold significant positions in their companies, and we want to show that a busy life shouldn’t hinder one’s health.”

Fahisha Mustafa, from the Healthy Heart Organization, echoed this sentiment: “Even after facing heart issues, I’ve proven that I can continue to cycle, run, and hike. Climbing Kilimanjaro was a tough challenge, but it reaffirmed my belief in overcoming obstacles.”

The group’s experience was enriched by the unparalleled hospitality of Tanzanian guides. “We felt like kings,” Aslina recalled.

“At 4,600 meters, we were served a complete lunch under a tent, which was incredibly surprising and appreciated.”

The climbers reached Uhuru Peak on October 14th, facing freezing temperatures that tested their endurance. 

“It was negative 10 to negative 15 degrees, and my water bottle froze,Fahisha described. 

 

“But with the support of our guides and porters, we all made it to the top, and it was an unforgettable experience.”

The clean trails and dedication of the guides were highlighted by Aslina, “We noticed the commitment to preserving the environment, and it made our journey even more enjoyable.”

As they return to Malaysia, the group is eager to inspire others. “Kilimanjaro is an incredible opportunity for Malaysians,” Aslina said. 

“We will spread the word to hiking communities to encourage more people to experience this adventure.”

This expedition not only promoted fitness and heart health but also fostered camaraderie among climbers. 

With a shared vision of leading a balanced lifestyle, they exemplified that age and past health challenges are no barriers to achieving one's dreams.

Together, they conquered Kilimanjaro, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible.

Others who climbed the mountain included Aslina Abdulaziz, President of Tubaha Nadi Siha, and Fahisha Mustafa from the Healthy Heart Organization (Pertubuhan Nadi Sihat) in Malaysia.

The group also featured climbers such as Adleen  Abdullah, Muhamad Faizal Kamarulzaman, Shahrul Nizam Abdullah, Roselfida Salmah Daud, Mazlan  Mosdaram, Mohd Fazli  Mat Usof, Siti Rahmah  Habib Binchar, Hasrina Wakiran and Mohd Hilmi  Abdullah. 

The Founder and CEO of Alkebulan Travels, Yesaya Jackson, expressed his gratitude to the climbers for choosing his company for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

"As the Founder and CEO of Alkebulan Travels, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Malaysian climbers from Nadi Sihat for choosing us to guide them on their unforgettable journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Their perseverance and camaraderie were truly inspiring, and we are honored to have been a part of their successful expedition,” said Jackson.

Alkebulan Travels, with over 10 years of experience, prides itself on promoting sustainable tourism while ensuring that every adventure highlights Tanzania’s natural beauty. 

“Our commitment to eco-friendly practices means that every journey with us not only supports local communities but also helps preserve the environment for future generations,” he added.

In recent years, the number of tourists visiting Tanzania has surged, largely due to the efforts of the country’s President, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, and her impactful Royal Tour campaign. 

The initiative has played a pivotal role in showcasing Tanzania’s diverse attractions, from wildlife and landscapes to historical sites and the warmth of its people.

“Thanks to President Samia’s Royal Tour campaign, Tanzania has become a must-visit destination for travelers across the globe. We have seen a marked increase in interest for both safari adventures and Kilimanjaro climbs,”Jackson commented.

 “At Alkebulan Travels, we are proud to be part of this exciting moment in Tanzania’s tourism growth.”

Jackson concluded by expressing his appreciation for the Nadi Sihat climbers. “We are incredibly grateful to the Nadi Sihat team for trusting us with their Kilimanjaro journey. It was a pleasure to guide them to the roof of Africa, and we look forward to welcoming more adventurers to explore the magic of Tanzania.”

Alkebulan Travels continues to expand its offerings, inviting tourists from all over the world to experience the wonders of Tanzania while making a positive impact on the environment and local communities.

Ibrahim Mashaka, a tour guide from Alkebulan Travels , stated, “I led a group of 11 visitors from Malaysia to climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Machame route, which took us six days.” 

The journey was rewarding, with favorable weather conditions that made it easier to manage the guests. 

Mashaka noted, “Ultimately, nine out of the 11 climbers successfully reached the summit.” 

However, he added that two guests did not make it to the top, including one who had previously undergone heart surgery. 

Fahisha Mustafa, the leader of the expedition, remarked, “he reached an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, while the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,895 meters (19,340 feet).”

These visitors were distinct from others they typically guide, as each participant faced health challenges. 

Their primary goal was to promote heart health, with Mashaka emphasizing, “It’s important to live an active lifestyle regardless of one’s professional position.” 

The group advocates for everyone to prioritize heart health through regular activity.

Erick Mulyango added, “As a company, we aim to provide excellent service. Successful marketing and participation in national tourism exhibitions are meaningless without quality hospitality.” 

He warned, “If tourists do not receive the level of service they deserve, the company will struggle to succeed.”

They encourage other companies in the country to ensure they offer satisfying services that match the payments made by tourists. 

Mulyango highlighted, “The growth of tourism directly benefits many Tanzanians, not only through taxes but also through accommodation and food services in hotels.” 

He concluded, “Local communities, from porters to tour guides to market vendors, all gain from this flourishing industry.”

Katika mkutano wa hivi karibuni, Bunge la Seneti nchini Kenya limepiga kura kuendelea na mchakato wa kuondolewa madarakani kwa Naibu Rais Rigathi Gachagua, licha ya kutokuwepo kwake.

Spika wa Bunge, Amason Kingi, alielekeza Bunge kabla ya kupiga kura, akisisitiza umuhimu wa kukamilisha mchakato huo kwa mujibu wa katiba.

Kingi alisema, "Kwa vile mchakato huu unaendana na muda kulingana na katiba, na ikizingatiwa kuwa muda unakamilika Jumamosi, fursa pekee iliyopo ni kutangaza Jumamosi kama siku ya mwisho ya kusikilizwa kwa hoja hii." 

Baada ya mchakato wa kupiga kura, maseneta walikataa pendekezo la kuahirisha kikao hicho hadi tarehe nyingine. 

Hii ilikuwa hatua muhimu katika mchakato wa kumuwajibisha Gachagua, ambaye sasa anatarajiwa kujibu mashtaka yanayomkabili.

 Mawakili wa Naibu Rais Wanaondoka Bungeni

Punde tu baada ya Bunge kuamua kuendelea na kikao cha kujadili hoja hiyo, mawakili wa Naibu Rais waliondoka Bungeni. 

Wakili Mkuu Paul Muite, anayemwakilisha Gachagua, alisema, "Kutokana na uamuzi wa Seneti, sisi kama timu ya wanasheria wanaomwakilisha naibu rais hatuwezi kuendelea kuwepo Bungeni bila maagizo. Kwa hivyo tunaondoka."

Muite aliongeza kuwa Naibu Rais Gachagua amepata maumivu makali ya kifua na amekimbizwa Hospitali ya Karen kwa matibabu, hivyo hawezi kufika mbele ya Bunge kuhojiwa. 

Spika Kingi aliagiza Karani wa Bunge kuweka katika gazeti rasmi la serikali hoja ya Bunge kufanya kikao maalum siku ya Jumamosi. 

Kiongozi wa Wengi Bungeni alitoa pendekezo la kikao maalum kifanyike Jumamosi kuanzia saa tatu asubuhi ili kusikiliza hoja hiyo.

Mchakato wa Kuondolewa Madarakani

Mchakato wa kumuondoa madarakani Naibu Rais wa Kenya unatarajiwa kukamilika ndani ya siku 10 baada ya Bunge la Kitaifa kupiga kura ya kutokuwa na imani naye. 

Hata hivyo, mawakili wanaowakilisha Bunge la Kitaifa wanaendelea kujadili kesi dhidi ya Gachagua katika Seneti, licha ya kutokuwepo kwake na mawakili wake.

Wakili Muite aliomba mchakato huo kuahirishwa hadi Jumanne ijayo ili kumruhusu Gachagua kupatiwa matibabu na kuweza kujitetea mbele ya mashahidi. 

Kwa sasa, macho ya wengi yanajielekeza katika kikao cha Jumamosi, ambapo hatima ya Naibu Rais itajulikana.

 

 

  

During the ongoing 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Prof. Hamisi Malebo, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for UNESCO in Tanzania, addressed concerns regarding indigenous land issues in Tanzania. 

Responding to statements made by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Mr. José Francisco Calí Tzay, Prof. Malebo emphasized that "Tanzania does not recognize ancestral land, tribal land, or customary land."

In a session of the Third Committee focused on indigenous peoples on October 15, 2024, Prof. Malebo articulated his concerns about the report presented by Mr. Calí Tzay, arguing that it failed to consider the country's domestic laws, leading to misinformation. 

He stated, “The government’s position is clear: all ethnic groups in Tanzania have equal rights before the law, and no tribe has more rights than another.”

Prof. Malebo further criticized Mr. Calí Tzay's comments regarding land ownership, questioning why the Special Rapporteur would report on land issues while ignoring the internal legal frameworks of the member states. 

“Why does the Special Rapporteur report on land ownership while overlooking and dismissing the domestic laws that govern these matters?” he asked.

He reiterated that under Tanzanian law, there is no recognition of ancestral, tribal, or customary land, urging the international community to understand that such concepts are not part of Tanzania's legal system. 

“The ongoing situation in Ngorongoro is about voluntary relocation, with residents being educated and given the opportunity to voluntarily register to move from that area to facilitate conservation,” he clarified.

Prof. Malebo also highlighted the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem as the last remaining migratory wildlife corridor in the world. 

He stated, “Tanzania has 31 administrative regions, including 26 on the mainland and five in Zanzibar, and according to our Constitution and laws, any tribe can live anywhere in the country.”

He cited the Maasai tribe as an example, noting that they currently inhabit 22 regions, accounting for 71% of the entire country, where they continue their pastoral and cultural lifestyles. 

“Our current land policy grants the right to access and own land anywhere in the country, with constitutional guarantees for citizens to travel and reside freely,” he explained, emphasizing the peace and coexistence among Tanzanians.

Prof. Malebo firmly stated that the concepts of ancestral land or indigenous land do not apply to Tanzania due to the country's legal realities. 

He concluded his remarks by encouraging Mr. Calí Tzay to visit Tanzania, asserting that “seeing is believing.” 

He invited the Special Rapporteur to explore areas like Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Zanzibar, assuring him that he would find over 123 ethnic groups living together in harmony and peace.

In response to the Special Rapporteur’s assertions, Prof. Malebo urged him to visit Tanzania to witness the actual conditions rather than relying on unfounded rumors and propaganda. 

The meeting also saw participation from Zuleikha Tambwe, Senior Foreign Affairs Officer, and Prisca Kasalama, Assistant Officer of the Third Committee, both from Tanzania’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. 

This exchange at the UN underscores Tanzania's commitment to its land policies while addressing international perceptions regarding the rights and treatment of indigenous peoples.