DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – May 28, 2025 – The East African literary community celebrates a significant achievement today as Tanzanian author Beda Msimbe was honoured among the Top 11 Winners in the highly competitive 2025 Short Story Competition on Insurance. The contest was organised by the Mfuko wa Fasihi Tanzania (TAFF), a leading literary fund in the region.
Msimbe’s poignant Kiswahili short story, “Joto na Jasho Baharini” (Heat and Sweat at Sea), distinguished itself among over 300 manuscripts submitted by writers from Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, and Burundi. His work captivated judges and readers, earning him an official certificate of excellence.
The award was presented during the grand celebration of the Tuzo ya Fasihi ya Kiswahili Tanzania (Tanzania Kiswahili Literature Prize), a prominent regional platform dedicated to spotlighting creativity, social relevance, and the richness of Kiswahili storytelling.
Hussein Wamaywa, Director of TAFF, lauded the collection in the anthology’s introduction, stating, “Hadithi fupi ya BIMA si simulizi ya kawaida. Ni safari inayochunguza misukosuko ya maisha… ikidhihirisha ubunifu wa hali ya juu katika lugha, fani na maudhui.” (A short story about INSURANCE is not an ordinary narrative. It is a journey that explores life’s upheavals… demonstrating high-level creativity in language, style, and themes.)
“Joto na Jasho Baharini” is described as a poetic and powerful narrative that transcends typical discourse on insurance. It transforms the concept into a human-centred journey across turbulent seas, both literal and metaphorical. The story follows characters navigating risk, uncertainty, and survival, anchored by profound themes of trust, choice, and resilience.
According to TAFF officials, the competition aimed to demystify the concept of insurance through compelling storytelling, encouraging writers to present complex financial and social themes in ways that resonate deeply with local communities.
The anthology’s introduction further emphasises the depth of the stories: “Kwa msomaji makini, hii si hadithi tu, bali ni tafakari juu ya maisha, maamuzi na mustakabali.” (For the keen reader, this is not just a story, but a reflection on life, decisions, and the future.)
Beda Msimbe’s award-winning story will be featured in a special anthology of the winning entries. This collection is slated for widespread distribution across East African schools, libraries, and cultural institutions, serving as a vital resource for both inspiration and education.
This literary achievement not only cements Beda Msimbe’s position as a significant emerging voice in regional literature but also powerfully demonstrates the transformative potential of Kiswahili literature in shaping crucial societal conversations.
From the shores of Tanzania, “Joto na Jasho Baharini” serves as a potent reminder that the most compelling stories often emerge from the intersection of struggle and hope.
