Samia: Kizimkazi Festival evolves into an international event

Unguja. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced that the Kizimkazi Festival has rapidly evolved from a local celebration into a national and international event.

She made this statement on August 24, 2024, during the launch of a turtle farming project in Kizimkazi Dimbani.

 The festival, which began on August 18 with an inauguration by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi, will conclude on August 25 with President Samia herself attending the final events.

During the project launch, President Samia acknowledged that the festival, which started as a community initiative, has now achieved national prominence and is set to gain international recognition.

“We are the founders of this festival, but it has grown beyond us. Disputes over participation should be put aside as the festival becomes a national event. However, the name will remain unchanged,” she stated.

President Samia stressed the importance of local residents actively promoting their activities on a global scale, preserving their cultural heritage, and enhancing economic development.

“What began as a small event has grown significantly each year. It is vital to use this opportunity to strengthen our economy, seize new opportunities, and safeguard our culture and communities,” she added.

Addressing the region’s rapid growth and economic development, President Samia urged for the resolution of land disputes to facilitate investment. She cautioned against selling all land and neglecting to allocate space for burials, to avoid future complications when compensation might be required for project sites.

Regarding turtle conservation, President Samia praised investor Salaam Carve for their efforts in protecting these endangered species. She noted that this conservation initiative will not only benefit the environment but also create jobs and boost the local economy. “I commend the investor for seizing this opportunity,” she said.

In response to power shortages, President Samia highlighted a significant project to build a power station in the region, which is expected to resolve the issue. She also noted that President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi is continuing with road construction plans, which will further address regional challenges.

Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, Minister of the Vice President’s Office for Un

South Unguja Regional Commissioner Ayoub Mohammed Mahmoud previously announced that the festival would introduce two new attractions, bringing the total to 19. These include the festival itself, a dolphin attraction, a historical mosque, and the turtle conservation efforts, all of which are expected to increase local income.

Salaam Carve’s primary goals include providing education, developing turtle farming, and establishing a museum to preserve cultural heritage while collaborating with various stakeholders. The turtles will be cared for in the reserve before being released, contributing to the recovery of this endangered species.

The festival originated in 2015 as a farewell celebration for President Samia Suluhu Hassan following her nomination as Vice President candidate for President John Magufuli.

After her nomination, Samia met with the Kizimkazi community and held a farewell celebration in 2016, known as Samia Day, which was renamed Kizimkazi Day in 2017. Samia had informed the community that this day would serve as a special occasion to discuss their development.