Meet 90-year-old Ndanga, a loyal Mwananchi newspaper reader for 26 years despite the digital age

Iringa. In a digital era where many young people turn to social media for news, 90-year-old Pascal Ndanga, a resident of Kijiweni Street in Iringa Municipality, continues to uphold the enduring value of print newspapers.

Despite his age, Mzee Ndanga has been a loyal reader of the Mwananchi newspaper for over 26 years, ever since its inception in 1999.

His dedication to staying informed is so strong that he walks two kilometres daily to collect his copy of the paper, making it an integral part of his daily routine.

"For me, reading the news is not just entertainment; it is an essential part of my life," shares Mzee Ndanga in an exclusive interview on Friday, March 14, 2024.

“I enjoy reading historical stories and those that touch people’s lives,” he adds.

Born on February 18, 1935, in Mgama Ward, Iringa District, Mzee Ndanga is now the father of six.

He has a particular interest in Mwananchi due to its in-depth reporting on societal and political issues, both locally and internationally.

A determined path to education

Mzee Ndanga’s education journey began late, as he started primary school at 18 due to his father’s reluctance to send him.

His father preferred that he continue herding cattle, but Mzee Ndanga was determined to get an education.

He enrolled in school, funding his education by working as a labourer on Greek-owned tobacco farms in Iringa District.

Despite his father’s objections, Mzee Ndanga worked hard to pay for his school fees during holidays.

His perseverance led to a successful career, and he continues to value education as an important tool for personal and societal growth.

"I love reading historical news, especially about past events and the histories of different ethnic groups. Mwananchi newspaper provides accurate and important information to the community," he added.

The value of newspapers in society

Mzee Ndanga believes that newspapers play a vital role in community development.

He even visits the Mwananchi Communications Limited offices to collect missed copies when he is away from Iringa.

He encourages young people to develop a habit of reading newspapers instead of spending excessive time on entertainment.

"Young people today prefer following entertainment videos on social media instead of reading newspapers. This trend must change to cultivate a reading culture and keep up with social, economic, and political affairs," he said.

Education, career journey

Mzee Ndanga completed his secondary education at Tosamaganga School in Iringa before studying business, accounting, and economics at the British Tutorial College in Nairobi, Kenya, between 1960 and 1965.

His studies equipped him with the skills needed to work as an accountant in the Tanzanian Parliament from 1966 to 1977.

He later joined various public organisations before retiring in 2015.

"After retirement, I continued working with non-governmental health organisations in Iringa. I now engage in private business and offer consultancy services to various entrepreneurs," he explained.

What the community says

A newspaper vendor in Iringa, Mr Priva Kassian, adescribes Mzee Ndanga as one of his most loyal customers, who never misses a day without purchasing a newspaper.

“Mzee Ndanga loves Mwananchi newspaper very much, and every time he comes here, he looks happy knowing he’ll get his daily news,” says Mr Kassian.

Mwananchi Communications Limited's regional representative, Mr Hamza Gwandi, says he has known Mzee Ndanga for years and describes him as an exceptional reader.

"A week never passes without him coming to pick up a newspaper from our office. He truly understands the value of news," says Mr Gwandi.

A Call to Mwananchi Communications Limited

Mzee Ndanga praises Mwananchi Communications Limited for its excellent work and urges the company to maintain good governance to ensure the continued effectiveness of its publications.

"I encourage the company to continue upholding good governance to improve their publications. Transparency and integrity in news reporting are extremely important," he said.

For this 90-year-old reader, newspapers are more than just a way of keeping up with current affairs.

They are a daily classroom, a window to the world, and a way of life.