HOW THE “SALE” (DRACAENA FRAGRANS) LEAF IS SAID TO FUEL GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN KILIMANJARO

 

By Deogratius Temba

The use of the “Sale or masale” (Dracaena fragrans) leaf in the Chagga community in Kilimanjaro Region has increasingly been cited as one of the traditions that fuels and conceals acts of gender-based violence, with some residents claiming that the practice of seeking forgiveness has turned into a shield for suspects accused of rape and child abuse.

These allegations were raised by community members and stakeholders fighting gender-based violence during training sessions organized by the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) through a project aimed at strengthening community systems in combating gender-based violence and protecting the rights of women and children. The sessions were held in Mabogini (Moshi District Council), Kalenga (Iringa District Council), and Mgagao (Mwanga District Council).

Participants explained that the tradition of using the “Sale” (Dracaena fragrans) leaf together with “ngiambii”  a small creeping plant symbolizing reconciliation in Chagga culture  has been misused to settle gender-based violence cases outside the legal system.

Pastor Lidyia Materu of the TAG Church in Mabogini said the tradition was originally intended for family reconciliation in ordinary disputes, but it is now being applied even in criminal cases, including rape and violence against children.

“This tradition has become very dangerous because people believe they can simply ask for forgiveness and the matter will end there. You find that a suspect has already been arrested, but the next day both families are sitting together drinking mbege, (local Banana Brew) with the ‘Sale’ (Dracaena fragrans) leaf placed beside them, and they say, ‘We have reconciled,’” said Pastor Materu.

According to members of the Chagga community, the practice has contributed to many families failing to report cases to legal authorities out of fear of breaking family or social unity.

Traditions and community silence

During the discussions, residents admitted that society itself has become part of the problem by turning a blind eye to gender-based violence and legitimizing oppressive behavior through customs and traditions.

Elizabeth Chuwa, a member of the Mabogini Ward NPA-VAC Committee, said society has reached a point where the humiliation of women is seen as normal.

“You can see young men harassing a woman on the street and everyone remains silent. No one condemns it because society has become used to it,” she said.

She further emphasized that this culture of silence has extended even to serious crimes such as child rape.

“A child is raped, but society stays silent. People see it as a family matter instead of a criminal offense,” she added.

Stakeholders’ analysis shows that some traditions that were once intended to promote reconciliation within communities are now clashing with modern laws and human rights, especially when they are used to conceal crimes.

Under Tanzania’s Penal Code, the Law of the Child Act of 2009, and the Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act (SOSPA), acts of gender-based violence are criminal offenses that cannot be resolved through family or traditional reconciliation.

Furthermore, Tanzania is a signatory to international treaties including the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, both of which require societies to protect women and children from violence and denial of rights.

Reconciliation said to conceal crime

Lawyer Bora Mfinanga from the National Prosecutions Office in Kilimanjaro Region said some customary reconciliations are accompanied by acts of corruption.

“It is unacceptable for someone to be given alcohol, money, or livestock and then claim it is traditional forgiveness. That process obstructs justice,” she said.

She stressed that Tanzanian law does not allow rape or child abuse cases to be resolved through family agreements.

Meanwhile, SP Asia Matauka, Coordinator of the Police Gender Desk in Kilimanjaro Region, said the community has a responsibility to report incidents early instead of hiding them under the excuse of tradition.

“Gender-based violence cases should neither be silenced nor settled at home. Survivors must be protected and granted their rights,” she said.

Children and girls remain at greater risk

In discussions with the Mabogini ward community, residents stated that society’s silence has left many children in dangerous environments, while some parents fear shame and therefore fail to report incidents.

In Mabogini Ward and Kibosho Division in general, several cases of rape and child abuse were said to involve well-known members of the community, but proper action was allegedly not taken. Residents cited several rape cases in Mabogini and Kibosho that they claimed were poorly handled, with arrested suspects later released.

Community leaders also criticized the increase in informal alcohol clubs and unregulated bars, saying they contribute to environments that encourage violence against women and children.

One village leader from Chekereni, who requested anonymity, said many children are being affected by growing up near alcoholism and commercial sex activities.

“Children are witnessing everything openly. Some stay in bars until late at night, and society remains silent as if it is normal,” he said.

Kunti Hutta, the social welfare officer for Mabogini Ward, emphasized the importance of child protection, saying communities must establish strong protection systems for girls, especially secondary school students.

“Many girls remain on the streets until late after classes. Parents, schools, and the wider community must take responsibility to ensure they are safe,” she said.

Calls to reform harmful traditions

TGNP training facilitators emphasized the communities have a responsibility to examine their traditions and determine which should continue and which should change in the interest of justice and the safety of women and children.

“Traditions are part of our culture, but they should not be used to block justice. Communities must be willing to openly discuss traditions that fuel gender-based violence,” Seleman Bishagazi emphasized.

Statements from stakeholders involved in efforts to eliminate gender-based violence indicate that the fight against such violence cannot succeed unless communities themselves are willing to change. Stakeholders believe that continuing to use traditions such as the “Sale” (Dracaena fragrans) leaf to conceal criminal acts weakens the law, silences survivors, and perpetuates cycles of violence within society.