Tanzanian leader dares into virgin land with mini-skirt ban

TANZANIAN President John Pombe Magufuli swept into power three months ago and immediately established himself as a different kind of politician.

He was embraced all over the social media with Africans singing the praises of a man who understands that wastage of public money on foreign junkets is the height of impunity.

In November, he cancelled his country s Independence Day celebrations, declaring the historic day as one for clean-up instead.

He stunned the onlookers when he joined the volunteers and shovelled leaves and rubbish.

The Independence Day celebration had taken place uninterrupted for the last 54 years.

The unexpected cancellation came on the heels of his ban on government officials travelling to foreign locations unnecessarily.

He reviewed the costs of a Parliament inauguration party and approved a budget of just $7 000 — dramatically downsizing the original $100 000 price tag.

On another occasion, Magufuli made an unannounced visit at the main state hospital and immediately fired the head when he discovered patients sleeping on the floor.

We clapped, we cheered because Africa had long suffered from the extravagances of the WaBenzi class who prize conspicuous and gluttonous consumption above service to the people.

Our pampered politicians have acquired a taste for special treatment such as business class flights, five-star accommodation and luxury cars at the taxpayers ’ expense.

But this week President Magufuli suffered from a common and dangerous disease among politicians: foot-in-mouth.

Magufuli announced a ban of the mini-skirt. Shock! Horror! The international hero reportedly said he believed isgcebhezane, along with short dresses, encourage the spread of HIV/Aids.

You could have heard a penny drop.

It is hard to believe that in this day and age there are still leaders who believe they can tell women what and what not to wear, and the miniskirt is always the target.

In November, Zimbabwe ’ s first lady Grace Mugabe told a Zanu-PF rally that women who wear short skirts deserve rape. “If you walk around wearing mini skirts displaying your thighs and inviting men to drool over you, then you want to complain when you have been raped?” she reportedly said.

Her remarks led to a serious backlash from gender activists around the world.

Remember the disturbing scenes of a crowd of men chasing the girls near the Noord Street taxi rank in Johannesburg and then proceeding to grope them in 2012?

What is it with isgcebhezane that drives some men up the wall?

Personally, I’ m a great fan of the mini-skirt.

There are few things in the world as tantalising as a coquette sashaying down the street in summer wearing isgcebhezane.

By its very nature, a mini skirt does not reveal everything.

Magufuli should know that a mini skirt existed on this continent long before it got that name.

Magufuli should be invited to the Swazi and Zulu Reed Dances to educate him on what African women wore in days gone by.

At the very least, the experience might help his blood circulation and increase oxygen to the brain and help him think clearly before he ventures into virgin territory.