Leaders decry moral risks from night dance events

TANGA: COMMUNITY leaders in Mwanzange Ward, Tanga City, have raised alarm over what they described as growing moral decay and increasing risks to children, blaming the trend on government permits that allow popular night dance events locally known as ‘vigodoro’ and vijamvi’.

Members of the ward’s MTAKUWA Committee expressed concern that the all-night traditional dance gatherings, which often run into the early morning, have increasingly become environments that expose children and youths to unsafe behaviours, alcohol abuse, and potential exploitation.

The concerns were raised recently during a strategic planning meeting organised by the Tanga Youth Talents Association (TAYOTA) at Toledo Secondary School.

Speaking during the session, committee members criticised authorities for continuing to issue licences for the night events without enforcing strict conditions to safeguard minors and the wider community.

“Dances are part of our culture and entertainment, but what we are seeing today is different,” said Hamlet Chairman Said Hariri.

“They now take place throughout the night with little supervision, and children end up mixing with adults in unhealthy environments,” he added.

A religious leader Sheikh Abubakar Mbeto also expressed concern over what he described as inappropriate behaviour during the events, saying the situation is undermining community values and negatively influencing young people.

A Pentecostal Church Pastor, Aorin Mboma said sometimes bad behaviour of the children originates from the family where parents and adults freely speak obscene words in front of children.

“The problem now is that we are not living communally whereby an adult can correct or take action to save other children from moral decay or child abuse. Other members accused law enforcement agencies of failing to consistently enforce the rules attached to the licences, allowing the events to continue unchecked in residential neighbourhoods.

The committee warned that unless tighter controls are introduced, the dances could continue fuelling social problems, including gender-based violence and child abuse.

Stakeholders at the meeting called on local authorities to review the licensing process, tighten regulations and introduce stricter curfews, increased monitoring and penalties for organisers who fail to comply with the law.

TAYOTA Community Engagement Officer Selemani Msey urged MTAKUWA members to take a proactive role in identifying and reporting incidents of child abuse and other hidden forms of violence within their communities.

“You should not wait for reports. Many of these incidents happen quietly, and victims fear speaking out. Leaders must go into the communities and uncover them,” he said.

He said the committee is a link between the lives and the future of the children and the committee responsibilities.

“They should not be committees based on waiting for people to report. They must act when such cases are reported and they should not force to solve these cases themselves. They must refer them to proper authorities to eliminate these shameful acts,” he said.

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TAYOTA Director George Bwire said the meeting formed part of broader efforts to protect young people and promote safer community spaces in Tanga.

“The organisation has been working closely with local leaders, schools and parents to address challenges affecting children and youth development,” he said.

He emphasised that safeguarding children requires collective responsibility from families, community leaders and government agencies. Mr Bwire added that committee members are expected to identify high-risk areas, monitor vulnerable children, report cases to authorities and educate the public on the dangers of genderbased violence and child abuse.

“As a society, we must ask ourselves what kind of environment we are creating for our children,” one participant said. “Entertainment should never come at the cost of their safety and future.” The event also included a live talk with Toledo Secondary School students which was led by TAYOTA Community Engagement Officer, Selemani Msey who urged students to report any suspicious abuse cases to relevant authorities including MTAKUWA committees and school authorities.