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Frank Sipuka: Branded a communist but not bitter
2008-01-13 10:14:07
By Anthony Muchoki
Seedlings of oranges, mangoes, guavas and apples have turned Frank Sipuka into a horticulturist to be reckoned with.
But the trained, skilled and experienced economist-cum librarian recounts an experience that has been deeply etched in his mind.
In the Cold War era his travel to communist countries with people like Mzee Rashidi Kawawa, would be used to block his education pursuit in London, on suspicion that he was a communist. PETER MSUNGU profiles the retired civil servant who has survived through rough waters.
“There are certain things one does not forget in life. While pursuing post graduate studies in Librarianship at the London University, way back in 1968, a secret letter was sent to the University authorities, branding me a communist and hostile to Britain’s politics.
“It was the work of my detractors who believed by doing so they would be blocking my way towards a better future. University authorities called for my passport and truly discovered Visa endorsements showing that I had visited Russia, China and Northern Korea.
To them, this was enough evidence to prove that I was a communist,” narrated Frank Sipuka, 69, who affirms that he is suffering without bitterness, adding that all those who were responsible for his suffering will one day repent for their sins.
“It was in April 1964, after I had graduated from Makerere University with a BA General degree, when I happily joined the then Ministry of Economic Affairs and Development Planning, as Assistant Planning Officer.
In 1965, Sipuka, then a planning officer in the ministry was selected to accompany a strong delegation headed by the then Vice President Rashidi Mfaume Kawawa, to North Korea, China and Russia.
Hence the Visa endorsements of these communist countries in his passport, which the University of London mistook to imply that Sipuka was a communist and thus anti-British.
“It was most unfair but London authorities bundled me out of the University of London. I had no say but to oblige. I arrived in Tanzania without a post-graduate certificate which I had gone for.
“You should have seen me at that time. I had become very frail but I summoned courage and soldiered on,” says the horticulturalist.
After returning from London University he had only a brief stint at the University of Dar es Salaam as assistant Librarian. The atmosphere had become hostile for him. He resigned to join the Tanzania Library services (TLS) where he would work from 1972 to 1995.
“While working at the Tanzania Library services I had started as a hobby, a nursery of seedlings of oranges, mangoes, guavas and apples.
This nursery of seedlings has now grown big and is popular not only at Mbezi Mwisho but for other areas,” he said, adding that even Ministry of Agriculture officials acknowledge his work.
He is very often invited to take part in agricultural shows in Morogoro or Dar es Salaam. In 2001, he teamed up with Kinondoni district agricultural team to a show in Morogoro and they won second prize.
Currently, Mr.Sipuka has teamed up with a South African farmer to establish a commercial nursery at Ngerengere, Morogoro Region. He is also reviving the old Mbezi Mwisho nursery.
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