By Washira Helene
The Zanzibar Revolutionary Government has apologized and offered clarification about a law prohibiting men from braiding their hair.
The confusion arose as many from mainland Tanzania and other parts of the world questioned if they were affected by the law.
The government clarified that the restriction on males braiding their hair does not apply to anybody from beyond the isles.
The government’s words come just one day after the executive secretary of Zanzibar’s Council of Arts, Film, and Culture, Dr. Omar Adam, stated any man caught wearing braided hair faces a Sh1 million ($400) fine, six months in prison, or both.
The law, which has been in existence since 2015, was reportedly implemented in response to concerns that braiding hair is not part of the traditional culture of Zanzibar.
“This is not the culture of Zanzibar and we as law enforcers must prevent this,” said Ramadhani Shaibu, a senior official with the Zanzibar Police Force.
“We will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found breaking this law.”
The ban has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed it, saying that it is necessary to preserve Zanzibar’s cultural heritage.
Others have criticized it, saying that it is an infringement on personal freedom. “This is a ridiculous law,” said one man who asked to remain anonymous.
“Braiding hair is a form of self-expression, and it should not be banned.” The government said anyone who will want to insist on braiding, will have to pay for a plaiting permit which costs 1 million shillings.
Although a Zanzibar minister acknowledged that there is a unique rule prohibiting men from braiding their hair in the archipelago, she clarified that the ban mostly affects Zanzibari youngsters.
Ms. Tabia Maulid Mwita, Zanzibar’s Minister of Information, Youth, Culture, and Sports, spoke at a news conference on Wednesday to clarify the situation and apologize for the confusion that arose after the ban was made public.
The ban is the latest in a series of controversial laws that have been implemented in Zanzibar in recent years.
In 2018, the government banned the wearing of miniskirts, and in 2019, it banned the sale of alcohol.
It remains to be seen how the ban on men braiding hair will be enforced.
However, the government has made it clear that it is serious about enforcing the law, and violators could face significant penalties.
