Lawmakers in Tanzania put their English proficiency to the test right inside the National Assembly this week, with several stumbling badly during live assessments needed to join international bodies like the Pan-African Parliament.
The sessions turned into real drama on the floor. MPs hoping for delegate spots had to stand and speak in English, proving they could handle discussions abroad. Swahili rules the day in local debates, but global forums demand stronger English skills. Not everyone rose to the occasion.
Bakari Mohamed Shingo, the Ukonga constituency representative from the opposition ACT-Wazalendo party, became the face of the struggle. He aimed for a seat in the Pan-African Parliament and other groups like the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
When his turn came, words tangled up. He mixed phrases, paused long, and couldn’t string clear sentences together. In the end, he pulled out of the race altogether, stepping aside rather than push further.
Clips from the chamber spread quick online. You see Shingo at the podium, trying hard but falling short. Colleagues watched quietly; some shifted in their red seats.
The speaker kept order, but the awkwardness hung heavy. Other MPs faced the same heat – a few sailed through with confident speeches, while others faltered and lost their shots.
This setup isn’t new, but holding it openly in Parliament felt different. Rules require proven language ability for these postings, since proceedings run in English, French, Arabic, or Portuguese mostly.
Tanzania leans heavy on Swahili, so not every elected leader masters foreign tongues. The test weeds out those who might struggle representing the country overseas.
Out in Dodoma’s streets and on social media, reactions poured in fast. Some praised the transparency – no backroom favours, just straight performance.
“Better to know now than embarrass us abroad,” one commenter wrote. Others felt for the MPs, saying years of service shouldn’t hinge on one language hurdle. A few laughed it off, sharing memes of the hesitant moments.
Shingo took it in stride, at least publicly. No big complaints from him yet. He’s built a name pushing local issues in Ukonga, a busy Dar es Salaam suburb. International stages demand more polish, though, and this test laid that bare.
The Pan-African Parliament brings lawmakers from across the continent to debate shared problems – trade, peace, development. Tanzania wants strong voices there, able to argue points sharp and clear. Same for other unions. Failing the language check blocks the path, simple as that.
Inside the grand Dodoma chamber, with its wooden desks and national flags, the day mixed routine business with these high-stakes trials.
Successful ones earned nods and moved forward. Those who didn’t got gentle reminders or quiet exits from contention.
Swahili unites Tanzanians beautifully, but global work pulls in English demands. Some call for more training programs for MPs. Others say pick delegates who already shine in multiple languages.
For now, the selected few prep for travel and talks abroad. Back home, the failed attempts remind everyone – even leaders face tests they don’t always pass.
Dodoma’s halls echoed with English practice today, some smooth, some rough. The process rolls on, fair or tough depending who you ask.
In a country proud of its linguistic identity, moments like these cut deep. Yet they push forward accountability too. Tanzania watches who steps up next on the world stage.
