Most of the third world countries, Tanzania inclusive have been a dumping ground for fake and substandard goods whose origin is something of a debate. Fake products are not only a Tanzanian problem, but are becoming a global plague that is on the verge to impede indigenous innovation, and stifle economic growth in many developing nations. This problem is likely to cause environmental predicament, as well as unprecedented health problems. In short, knock off goods are becoming silent lethal killers, and a simmering cauldron that will potentially explode in not too distant future.
Economic reasons will arguably be cited as the main factors why third world countries attract cheaper, fake, and dangerous goods that can be traced back to Asian continent most of the time. Many developing nations, can’t afford the more reliable products from other countries, which are relatively expensive. I also believe that, many people , due to lack of exposure or knowledge, have subjected themselves into this problem of buying dangerous counterfeited goods, which they would not otherwise buy if they had the knowledge. While no precise solution has been identified to tame this rapidly spreading problem, we as the citizens directly affected, must collectively reason on how to control the negative consequences of the pandemic
About a month ago, while in Tanzania, I was compelled to replace our family refrigerator, and went to Kariakoo to find a replacement. The used ones in good condition, ranged from half of a million to a million, depending on the size, condition and the brand name. Since these were used appliances, million price- tag was a surprise, prompting me to look into the new ones as well. I visited more than ten stores within the area and the city center, which sold new appliances. And surprisingly enough, the pricing structure was mixed; some of the newer LG, Toshiba, Samsung, Daewoo, and many other brand names had less prices tags than the used ones, such as Bosch. At the city center, some of these fake appliances fetched up to four million shillings
It triggered unease in my mind to find an excellent looking LG refrigerator for less than a million, whereas in normal circumstances they would fetch more than one thousand dollars. Not only that, these stores stocked state of the art Sony Bravia, Samsung LCD televisions which were all counterfeited, yet selling as genuine for more than three million shillings. Out of curiosity, I wanted to know more on these products. The user manual itself was enough for me to infer that these were counterfeited products; it was photocopied from the first page to the last. More so, there was no manufacturer’s contact information, neither was there a country of origin, with exception of LG electronics instead of LG Corporation as the manufacturer.
When I asked one of the salesmen on the origin of the Samsung Refrigerator, he was enthusiastic to tell me “Singapore” and taunted a two year warranty if I purchased the appliance. The sweet talking young man, a Tanzanian, became nervous when I asked additional questions, and referred me to the manager –Bosi- who was a young guy in mid thirties with Chinese Origin, but very fluent in Kiswahili. When I asked the bosi on the origin of the Samsung refrigerator, he told me it came from Malaysia.
I knew that Samsungs are manufactured in South Korea, and even if the plant was in Malaysia, the patent details would have remained the same, under the umbrella of Samsung Corporation. Unfortunately the store manager could not withstand my probing questions, and left through the back door. No sooner did the manager leave, than the salesman informed me that it was time to close, because of an emergency; a staff meeting.
A shocker of my life came, when a merchant in the city center, boldly told me that he knew he was selling some counterfeit appliances. However, due to the frustration and complexity with the tax system, bribing in order to circumnavigate the bureaucracy and the hefty levies was the only option to keeps his business going. The man went on to say, that fake goods were the only option to keep his business afloat, because he could sell them just like genuine ones and make a good profit. I winded my search for a refrigerator by going to Mlimani City and got into a store selling home appliances, which had rather genuine products, and felt comfortable to purchase whatever I wanted.
Many hard working ordinary citizens, who have toiled to provide shelter for their families, saving little money month to month or making big sacrifices, have been the main victims of these dangerous electrical appliances. These people in the name of economic consciousness have ended up placing lives of their loved ones in extreme danger, by willingly and knowingly purchasing cheaper and faulty electrical components, which have in turn set their houses on fire. Fake television sets have set many houses ablaze, and so are the radios and refrigerators. The fake spare parts have burnt cars, caused avoidable accidents, leaving many people dead or physically impaired
These components have caused more harm than good, and much more economic distress that could have been avoided by spending a little more on more reliable components. Counterfeit appliances have very short lifespan compared to genuine ones. Hardly do these Items get a quarter lifespan of a genuine product. In the long run, the consumers tend to spend more than they would in the ordinary circumstances. Negating the very essence of economic consciousness
Factories in our country have closed because of the stiff and unmatched competition from cheap foreign goods; this has led to many remaining jobless. The negative impact has not only affected factory workers, it has affected raw material producers (farmers) in the countryside, and various suppliers in the long supply chain. It has affected general managers who must sell their finished goods to distributors, to the street vendors who must earn their living by selling the finished products to the consumer. The chain of economic victims of these counterfeited goods is long, and the long list includes the government that suffers the revenue losses by the jobless pack and tax evaders. It includes insurance companies that have to compensate their insured customers suffering unnecessary losses.
In a country where proper healthcare is inaccessible to many poor, establishing the number of those who have been poisoned and perhaps died of these deadly counterfeit products such as pharmaceutical drugs, food items and so forth can only remain a mystery. Whereas developed nations such as Britain, United States, and Canada with stringent quality control on imported Items have suffered out of these fake products, I wonder how silently our country is paying the price. Chinese authorities in their inspection last year discovered that, cancer-causing industrial oils, acids, and even antifreeze were found in their domestic factories that exported baby milk powder, rice, flour, meat, biscuits, seafood, soy sauce, toothpaste and sweets.
We can either agree or remain in denial whether some of these deadly silent killer Items are being sold in our country, and their negative impacts on the health of the people may never be known in the short term, unless they cause mass poisoning or killing. Otherwise, in longer terms we will start to experience strange illnesses, and conceivably an escalation of the prevalent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and many others. Without being careful, the government is gearing for an unprecedented health crisis in the near future.
Environmental problems posed by these products known as Fong-Kong are real, because many of these fake goods have shorter life span, in which, after completing their life cycle or whenever they explode or no-longer needed, they get dumped in our backyards and elsewhere within our environment. Their deadly and toxic chemicals gets in the air we breathe, food we eat and water we drink. We cannot, and should not credit economic salvation from products made in peoples backyards, bedrooms, and unlicensed factories without any research carried out to ensure their safety to the environment and people’s health.
National problems can never be solved on individual basis; they can only be solved collectively. By that I mean for us to solve the dangerous counterfeit products problem in our country, we must, not let the government work it all, we the people must unite as a nation and discuss both short term gains and long term risks. We must wear patriotism in order to prevent the impending catastrophe that is waiting ahead due to the growing threat imposed by fake goods in our economic system. Mind you, a patriot who signs a binding contract to defend and serve his country, would not let into the country anything that is going to jeopardize the lives of his people.
It is not questionable on how these fake products enter into our country, whether smuggled or not, we all know that they pass through our land, air, and sea points of entry. They are being cleared by our established watchdogs such as Tanzania Bureau of Standards, and so forth that employees some of our finest and most educated people. Meaning if these people were keen enough, and had the best interest of the country ahead of their own, none of these dangerous goods would enter the country.
Even though a total ban would be the best option to curb the problem, such an abrupt move may end up backfiring considering how deep these products have penetrated into our economic system. Setting quarters, that will gradually decrease the volume by time, would be a viable alternative that will foster domestic innovation to counter the high priced authentic goods. The epic center of finding a cure to this disease lies in the hands of the people, who must be made aware on the discernible time bomb they are toying with.
Enforcing the existing laws that will involve imposition of heavy punitive measures to the businessmen and companies that imports, distributes and sell counterfeit goods will bear fruitful results in longer terms. Mere symbolic gesture of banning a few these products, yet the entire kariakoo is stocked with counterfeit is a laughable matter. The government must go after these people aggressively, and hit them where it hurts- heavy fines- for them to stop booby trapping our country with time bombs.
Our country can amicably eliminate the fake products nightmare, by encouraging or opening the domestic market for other countries with good track record of manufacturing reliable goods at lower prices. Nonetheless, there should be a requirement for all foreign manufactures or their exporting agents, to register with government all of the goods they export to Tanzania, to ensure that all products into the country can be traced back to their original source incase of any problem. This should include proper labeling and other patent related requirements being visible. Tax relief can also be another incentive to the merchants who imports genuine goods as opposed to the importers of fake products
Our food sources, water sources, hair we breathe, and even the immediate environment are likely to be polluted by these lethal products that are being disposed of everywhere. Our nation is on the verge of suffering a health crisis and environmental catastrophe, as a result. The nation is likely carry heavy economic and social burdens, which can be prevented now if we are keen enough to foresee, or factor the risks and burden ahead of us. It is time for us to keenly weigh on the ramification of short term gains against impending national crisis.
Mungu Ibariki Tanzania
John Mashaka
NOTE: To both ardent supporters and opponents alike, let’s refrain from excessive glorification and demonization; let’s debate the subject matter, instead of discussing individuals. This is a national matter, which needs national outlook as opposed to individual accusation, characterization and name calling. This matter is bigger than Mashaka’s personal perspective
mashaka kweli umekuwa mfano wa kuigwa, mimi nakupongeza kitu kimoja, UJASIRI na uwezo wa kuchambua mambo.
ReplyDeleteWaliokuwa wanapiga kelele sijui mashaka kavaa nini,hana habari za tanzania wamekuwa ni watu wasiyo na jipya, basi wao pia watuletee vyao. Hapa umemaliza kila kitu .
Kusema kweli tatizo la fongkong limekuwa kubwa mno. tunashukuru vijana wetu mmeanza kulizungumzia. Editors wetu wamekuwa ni watu wa kuhongwa na kufunikwa midomo. Kazi nzuri mashaka,
mashaka, wewe ni shujaa wangu. Bahati mbaya kiingereza is not richebo, ningechangia
ReplyDeleteA country’s success depends on her people’s ability to fight for their own. This new breed of leadership is the alternative we need to close the widening gap between the haves and have notes in our country. Mashaka’s maturity to lead is clear because he is stern and bold in his decions yet humble and modest on the other hand. Young man we love and treasure just come back and join Dr Slaa.CHADEMA is ready to welcome you and accord you a place amontg its many interlectualls. You are a fighter and abrilliant star Tanzania is going to place in the international arena. Fly our flag we are so proud of you mashaka, I simply love this article. It is a piece of its own kind. Perfect !!!!
ReplyDeletekaka michuzi mimi naomba nikuulize huyu john mashaka ndio nani, na hajui kuandika kiswahili au anayoandika sisi waswahili hakituhusu, kinawahusu wanaojua kiinglish tu
ReplyDeletemimi nilitoa ombi moja tu kwako , lakini naona unalipuuzia, mke wangu amenichosha kuzaa watoto matahira, wajinga na wezi ka yeye.
ReplyDeleteHela ninazo nyingi tu, lakini, huyo mke wangu na watoto wanaziiiba utafikiri hawana akili. Hela zenyewe ni dili za kifisadi na nikikamatwa nitakuwa sina dhamana
hela zangu mke wangu anaonga, watoto wanatanua nazo, ulevi kwa sana, mitoto hata na yangu wanavizia. yaani akili zao ni kama vile fyatu na ni watoto wadogo chini ya miaka 20
mashaka mimi nitakulipa kuzaa na mke wangu mtoto mmoja tu; ambaye atakuwa mstaarabu na akili kaa zako.mtoto atakayeweza kumaliza hata kidato cha sita
Mimi nitakulipa hata $100,000.00 ilimradi tu unipe mashine babukubwa kaa wee,, sio tu mimi nitafaidika, bali bara zima la afrika litanufaika kwani tutakuwa na mashaka mwingine kwenye familia yangu kuliko haya malevi na mazezeta
najua wewe ni mstaarabu na mcha mungu,Hii ni dili usiwe na wasiwasi hata na mungu atakusamehe kwa sababu nimekupa ruksa. kama sawa tuma contact zako kwa michuzi mimi nitakutafuta. Ukitaka nitamleta huko marekani ili umpachike mimba
nadhani hili tatizo limevuka mpaka, na dunia nzima ingeshirikiana kulitatua. mashaka haya tumeyasoma sana, na viongozi wetu walivyobutu, sidhani kuna lolote litakalofanyika kwani mafisadi ndio wenye biashara za hivi bidhaa feki. wadau someni hii makala hapa chini. hali inatisha
ReplyDeleteCounterfeiters Love Electronics
Travel the world, and it's safe to assume the Gucci bags and Rolex watches for sale along city streets are counterfeits. Now, increasingly, shoppers can add name-brand electronics to the list of goods to distrust.
As many as one in 10 high-tech products sold worldwide are actually knockoffs, according to a survey by an anti-counterfeiting group. The study, released Tuesday by the accounting firm KPMG and the Alliance for Gray Market and Counterfeit Abatement, or AGMA, based its estimates on data gleaned from interviews with executives at 15 large IT manufacturers.
"It catches a lot of people off guard because they think that we're building very complex technologies that are very difficult to counterfeit," said Nick Tidd, president of AGMA and a vice president for sales and business compliance at 3Com.
In contrast to watches, DVDs and CDs, far more counterfeit technology products are hawked over the internet than on street corners. AGMA identified China as a hotbed for the origination of knockoffs, which range in quality from obviously inferior imitations to fakes that are hard to differentiate from the real thing. The variety of counterfeits on the market today is vast.
"At first it started with Rolexes and Louis Vuitton bags, and now it's spreading to everything you can think of," said Joseph Loomis, vice president of marketing for Net Enforcers, which provides brand-protection services to companies.
Today, Loomis is seeing more counterfeits of established brand-name products like the Sony PlayStation. He expects the enduring popularity of Apple Computer's iPod will spur knockoffs of the digital music player.
But imitations aren't limited to well-known consumer devices. According to Tidd, 3Com recently detected a counterfeiter selling a fake version of a switch used to network office equipment. Printer toner cartridges are also a favorite target for knockoffs.
In many cases, counterfeiters don't reproduce a device themselves. Instead, they take a DVD player or MP3 player from a low-cost manufacturer, and slap on a label of a more reputable company -- a practice known as "rebranding."
AGMA's definition of counterfeit also includes items made by contract manufacturers that contain unauthorized parts. Contractors, often based in developing nations, are hired by original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, to make products carrying the OEM brand. But contract manufacturers don't always follow the OEM's specifications, Tidd said, and can produce shoddy products with high return rates.
Consumers generally can't tell if a product they buy contains unauthorized parts. According to Tidd, the responsibility lies with OEMs to determine whether a product is up to spec, following up on clues like a sudden spike in returns.
For shoppers, Loomis said, guidelines for avoiding counterfeits are pretty basic. If a price seems too low, there's probably a catch. This is particularly true of sellers on auction sites like eBay, where counterfeiters commonly hawk their wares.
EBay has a longstanding program in place for intellectual-property owners to identify unauthorized sales, but doesn't monitor each new listing added to the site to determine if it's a counterfeit, said Chris Donlay, an eBay spokesman. In addition to counterfeits, auction sites also attract sellers of gray-market goods, which are products sold through an unauthorized channel.
As for counterfeiters, the electronics sector is attractive because products have a high retail price compared to other watches or handbags, said Marie Myers, director of internal audits for Hewlett-Packard and a former AGMA president.
"If you counterfeit a handbag, the handbag may sell for $10 or $20," she said. "When you're counterfeiting electronics, the unit price is typically higher."
That's also why counterfeit technology will likely anger customers more than other types. After all, Myers noted, most people who buy a Gucci handbag from a street vendor for $10 know it is a fake. If it falls apart, they won't be especially surprised.
But an unwary online purchaser of a $2,500 computer, AGMA noted in its report, may not be as understanding when it breaks. They'll be even less understanding when they find out a warranty doesn't apply, since the product is a counterfeit.
Kaka yangu mashaka, toka uanze kuandika kama ni chuo ungeshakuwa umemaliza thesis na kupewa PHD!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very sensitive subject that I felt relieved at last its addressed when I was reading it. I am glad to know that there is another person 'a Tanzania' or An African who has the same concern. Well ...'Tanzanians are toying with a ticking bomb' ... Well, Mashaka, as much as it might sound easy for the government to strategize in cubbing this fake item(s)pandemic, we should not forget that it is the SAME GOVERNMENT AMBAYO INATUTOA KARAFA' by not having ETHICS and INTEGRITY that will protect and defend an ordinary Tanzanian. My concern is i) what are our government incentives given to government doctors so that they are commited in there jobs and not juggling with own private practice and using uncertified medicines that have polluted Tanzania today, to cure patients? Eg My father died from Chinese malaria tablets which were presribed by a prominent government doctor with a private practice,... and he is not the only one who fell to this fate' with the analysis done of the medicine 'of course not in Tanzania' seemed the tablets had a concotion mixer not suitable for human consumption. Watu wetu wa kupima madawa na vyakula fit for human consumption wako wapi wakati tons and tons or containers and containers of these fake goods are arriving in our ports and bouders? Wako wapi hawa TRA wanao certify na kucharge kodi hii mizigo? or have they also selfishly and stupidly succumb to 'everyone has his/her price tag' slogan?. We should not forget that hawa wawekezaji wakiingia katika Nchi wanawatarget hawa wakubwa i.e. directors, Commissioner generals of taxations bodies, police ets na kuwapatia what there price tag demand and once they do that, they are guaranteed protection and network with the top tier and that is it. Mashaka its a long route to take for our leaders that we have put in power to have a desire of protecting us MINUS a desire of adding six figures into there private account balances.As helpless as this fake goods/items may seem, if at all Tanzanias need to have changes, THE CHANGES HAVE TO COME FROM THE TOP, AND I MEAN FROM TOP OFFICES IF NOT, THEN we are focusing our energy in wrong places, tunahitaji kuchimba mzizi na sio kukata matawi otherwise we should just acknowledge that there will never be fruitful outcome.
ReplyDeleteBW.MASHAKA KURA TULISHAKUPIGIA KABLA HAUJACHAGULIWA WALA USIWE NA WASIWASI, UMMA UNAKUKUBALI, NA WANAKUJADILI KWELI UMEKUWA KIBOKO BWANA. WATU WANAKULA TUNGI NA KUONGEA SIASA, WANACHOKIONGELEA NI NONDOZZZZ ZA JONI MASHAKA, ENDELEZA LIBENEKE MKUU WEWE NI KIBOKO. HII MADA IMETULIA KISAWASAWA. UMEGUSA SEHEMU NYETI YA MAISHA YA WATANZANIA
ReplyDeleteregardless of what people say I can only say that this kid is a genius. He is so glossy in his thinking. His mastery of language can turn a little scrappy piece into one masterpiece. Mashaka is a Youngman worth paying attention to,I normally don’t contribute here, but reading his articles, I must comment on this brilliant mind ,john mashaka. This is superb in a simple and nutshell language. They are not calling you rais mtarajiwa just because, they are calling you because ur rais mtarajiwa kweli, count on my votel
ReplyDeleteMashaka You did put your economics 101 (microeconomics) knowledge into work by examining the social costs and benefits brought by import goods.You could have dig into services as well such as fake doctor practices,fake consultants and so forth.But anyway well detailed analysis of whats happening down there.Please keep us informed.
ReplyDeleteIllegal drugs can be counterfeited easily because the illegal drug market is an unregulated underground economy that rarely adheres to quality norms or safety standards. While there are some isolated examples of illegal drugs being sold under "brand names" that indicated that certain standards or dosage levels were being adhered to, as in the case of 1960s-era LSD which was sold with patterns or logos printed on blotter paper, this is the exception. Even with these rare examples of "branding", the illegal "brands" can also be counterfeited by drug dealers who want to be able to sell their product at a higher price.
ReplyDeleteFor illegal and recreational drugs, counterfeit drugs range from products which do not contain any active ingredients, as in cases where lactose powder is sold as heroin, or dried herbs such as oregano are sold as cannabis, to cases where the active ingredients are "cut" with a dilutant (as in cases where cocaine is mixed with lactose powder) or an "enhancer" (e.g., when poor-quality cannabis is "spiked" with PCP or methamphetamine), to cases where the actual active ingredients differ from the purported active ingredients (e.g., when methamphetamine is sold as LSD; when PCP is sold as "Ecstasy" or "pure THC"). A common strategy is to claim that a domestic or lower-grade drug is in fact a higher-priced import, as in the case where locally-grown hydroponic marijuana is marketed as expensive "Acapulco Gold", or when dealers claim that low-grade heroin is pure "China White".
All of these strategies are commonly used in the illegal drug market. Cutting drugs with dilutants increases the bulk of the drug, which increases the profit margin for the drug dealer. "Spiking" drugs allows dealers to sell a product that creates a stronger psychoactive effect, or which camouflages the low potency of the ostensible product. For example, a low grade of psilocybin mushrooms that has very little active ingredients can be sprinkled with PCP. Substitution is often done to replace a more expensive or hard-to-produce drug with a less expensive drug.
The use of dilutants in illegal drugs reduces the quality and potency of the drugs, and makes it hard for users to determine the appropriate dosage level. Dilutants include "foodstuffs (flour and baby milk formula), sugars (glucose, lactose, maltose, and mannitol), and inorganic materials such as powder." [12] The type of dilutants that are used often depend on the way that the drug purchasers will typically consume the drug in a given part of the illegal market. Drug dealers that are selling heroin to users who will inject the drug dilute the drug with different products than dealers that are selling to users who will smoke or insufflate the drug; the same dilutant which can easily form a solution with water for injecting heroin can be problematic for users who are sniffing the powder. When crack cocaine is mixed with dilutants for the purpose of injection, the "...dilutants can produce serious abscesses and pain if the user misses the vein and injects into muscle tissue." [13] "Dilutants and adulterants are often added to No. 3 heroin", including sugar, quinine, barbital and caffeine, some of which "can cause serious side effects."[14] Dr. Hirsch, the New York Medical Examiner, claimed that buying illegal drugs is "... like playing Russian roulette," because "there is no way of knowing just what a heroin dealer has slipped into the packets." In some cases, if a dealer does not take the time to dilute the drug with lactose or other fillers, a "very potent blend of heroin" is sold, which can lead to overdoses.[15]
The most dangerous types of counterfeiting for recreational drug users are the use of chemical "enhancers" and the mis-representing of drugs. When poor-quality cannabis is "spiked" with a dissassociative drug such as PCP, the user may experience extreme reactions. In cases where the actual active ingredients differ from the purported active ingredients, a user expecting one drug actually consumes a different drug. "The popularity of PCP and marijuana mixtures in some areas is highlighted by the report from Delaware that many teens who report they only use marijuana are surprised when they also test positive for PCP on urinalysis",[16] because without their knowledge, the drug dealer had sprinkled PCP on the cannabis that they were purchasing to enhance its psychoactive effects. Claims that illegal drugs are routinely cut with substances such as rat poison and crushed glass, often cited in anti-drug pamphlets, are largely unsubstantiated
Kaka Mashaka umetoa mchango mzuri sana ila I question your position na upeo wako wa kuyaona mambo "THE WAY YOU VIEW THE WORLD IS MISLEADING MOST PEOPLE HERE AMBAO NI ANDIKA NIKUFUATE NA KUKUSIFIA"
ReplyDeleteNasema hivi sababu umeanza article yako na huu mstari na ku quote "Most of the third world countries, Tanzania inclusive "
Statements kama hizi zinaonyesha jinsi mtu alivyokuwa na western thinking ya kikoloni There is no such thing as third world countries anymore this is misleading and I am not blamming you because you are not well informed!
Idea ya third world countries imepitwa na wakati even europeans wanaojua hili watakuambia hili suala OK ngoja nisiongee sana uthibitisho huu hapa chini kandamiza hiyo link, angalia hiyo video then utajua naongelea nini
www.gapminder.org/videos/yes-they-can/ kwa kifupi ni kwamba mimi sikupingi ila kama unataka kuongelea maendeleo ya tanzania na africa kwa ujumla ongelea low income,middle income or high income concept za third world ni kuturudisha nyuma.
mdau wa Kawe
Mr. mashaka, in a few words, you are incredible. You have extra ordinary talent, and can now agree with your supporters calling you a GENIUS. You deserve the name. and this is a timely, concise article our citizens needs to read. These are the talents Uncle Sam does not let pass by. These are some of the young brains they tap to further their causes in third world countries. Don’t be surprised one day mashaka emerging with unification of the African continent under one management. Boy u have a head. Kudos to the the mother and the father who raised you, they did an incredible job !
ReplyDeleteIf there is one cardinal rule that electronics buyers should follow to reduce the risk of buying counterfeit or substandard parts it is to know the source of the parts.While that seems simple, all too often buyers who have purchased bogus parts have done so without knowing anything about the supplier. In times of shortages, buyers often scramble for parts and may buy components from a source they would not normally consider if the parts were not in short supply. In other cases, buyers make opportunistic purchases for components priced at below market value. Sometimes those parts end up being substandard or counterfeit."In some cases, the parts are from rejected lots with genuine markings from component manufacturers. The parts got into the field through pilferage," says Harvinder Sembhi, vice president supply chain strategy and planning for electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider Celestica, based in Toronto. "So when you look at the marking, the parts appear genuine, but there is a quality issue on the inside. In other cases, the parts are from suppliers who are knowingly making counterfeit components and selling them in the market," he says.While there are no figures available about how many fake parts are sold each year, the problem is getting worse, according to suppliers, distributors and buyers. Some say the problem worsened when a lot of electronics manufacturing moved to low-cost countries such as China. Others say the Internet has played a big role because Internet search engines make it easier to sell both genuine and counterfeit parts."It is worse than it was 10 years ago only because of the ease of flow of information," says Doug Kelly, president and CEO of Smith and Associates, an independent distributor based in Houston. "It is easy for people to advertise products. The barriers to making contact with people are much lower with the Internet. There always has been bad product in the marketplace, but it is able to move more freely now as information has sped up," he says.But the blame for the circulation of bad parts in the electronics supply chain is often placed on the doorstep of independent distribution. Nonfranchised distributors buy parts from a variety of sources, including OEMs, franchised distributors, other independent distributors and even from component manufacturers. While the major independent distributors have inspection and warranty programs to protect buyers against fake parts, there are others that are less concerned if the parts they sell are genuine."Buyers need to realize that not all independent distributors are created equal," says Debra Eggeman, general manager of the Independent Distributors Electronics Association (IDEA), a Buena Park, Calif.-based trade group representing non-franchised distributors. Independent distributors who knowingly sell fake parts are not allowed to become IDEA members.
ReplyDeletecounterfeiting process also affects the lives of men, women, and children living in the more impoverished areas of the world. Half of all of the computers disposed of globally are illegally sent to countries like China, India and Nigeria to remove the valuable parts and materials. It is estimated that 50% of children 12 years or older in the so called “e-waste” cities have dangerous levels of lead in their blood. This will lead to devastating health problems and severely decreased IQs for these already disadvantaged children. Many of the affected children are actually used in the process of counterfeiting. Even those that are not part of the trade are surrounded by the environmental hazards such as the constant burning of the final scrap which leaves a haze of chemical smoke in the air.
Costs? What are the ramifications and costs associated with counterfeit components?
In the last six months there has been an exponential rise in the amount of counterfeit electronic components being distributed in markets all over the world. If the rise of counterfeit electronic parts continues to grow at the current pace the electronics industry is destined to suffer major financial losses and will be at risk for the potential loss of millions of lives due to failed parts and environmental abuses.
For example an order of 100,000 pieces of a $.01 counterfeit capacitor (total $1,000) can end up costing millions to rectify. When counterfeit parts mounted on to circuit boards that are used in consumer products fail it can lead to increased field service calls, warranty issues, a recall of all of the products or heaven forbid injuries that turn into lawsuits. That seemingly great deal can end up costing a manufacturer millions in losses and downtime.
Even if the products never make it to the consumer, it is much more expensive to remove the parts from the boards and replace them than the original $.01 purchase price. We all know that there are automated machines that assemble everything today, but there are not automated component removal systems. Rework has to be done by hand, which is much more expensive. And if you bought parts from multiple suppliers you will first need to test every circuit board to see which ones have the faulty product.
Most manufacturers are doing very little to keep counterfeits out of their supply chains. It is extremely difficult and expensive to keep track of every part and its origin. The component manufacturers are recommending that equipment manufacturers purchase products only from authorized distributors. That is great in a perfect world, but component manufacturers discontinue products regularly and they are also known to have long lead times on many items that equipment manufacturers cannot always plan ahead for. The independent distributor/broker is a necessary part of a purchasing program.
Counterfeits are not going away any time soon. It will not be long before all equipment manufacturers realize that they need to be more selective when choosing suppliers and learn better counterfeit detection methods. Just one counterfeit experience will open their eyes to this growing dilemma. It is not only about price and delivery anymore. The manufacturers need to know what processes are in place at their supplier’s warehouse to detect counterfeit components.
Almost every manufacturer American Electronic Resource works with is interested in information regarding the counterfeit dilemma and what we are doing about it. If they have not received counterfeits themselves they have associates that have experienced a counterfeit debacle within their organization. Ongoing vigilance by both independent distributor/brokers in procuring electronic components and manufacturers in purchasing only from reputable suppliers is required to reduce the risks caused by counterfeit parts.
Ndugu yangu Mashaka makala zako ni nzuri sana na zinaujumbe mzito ila kwa lugha unayotumia nadhani ni kikwazo kwa watanzania tulio wengi hasa mimi ambaye nimeishia darasa la saba napata taabu sana kusoma na kuchungulia kamusi japo niambulie kidogo au kuomba msaada kwa watoto wangu wanitafsilie,,,
ReplyDeleteNote: OMBI ndugu Mashaka ukiwa kama mtanzania mzalendo na unamapenzi na sisi tulio wengi ambao inglish haipandi tafadhari jitahidi kutuwekea na sisi makala za kiswahili ili tuweze kuzifaidi.
Naomba kutoa maoni yangu
You seems to have made a fair assessment of the issue and therefore you have made fair points but for more professional discussions on these issues please join the like minded people at
ReplyDeletewww.gpublicstrategies.blogspot.com
karibuni
Mawazo sahihi huja kwa lugha sahihi. Hivi huyo Mashaka wenu hajui kiswahili au ndio mambo ya kukopi na kupesti???
ReplyDeleteMashaka unaboa sasa, rudi shule kama unapenda sana kuandika.
ReplyDeleteSuala hili linageuka kuwa la kidunia sasa, zamani kabla sijaja Ulaya nidhani fake product ziko kwetu tu africa, Yamenitokea mimi mwenzenu, Nilikutana na jamaa akaniambia ana Video kamera nilipoiagalia pamoja na maelezo aliyonipa Kujumla na illusion ya kwamba Ulaya hakuna bidhaa fake Nilimwamini jamaa akaniuzia kamera ambayo bei yake halisi ni zaidi ya 1000€ kwa bei ya €150. Nitambua kwamba nimeibiwa baada tu ya jamaa kuondoka! Ninachotaka kusema ni kwamba wengi tunaamini Ulaya hakuna bidhaa fake, natoa tahadhari USINUNUE BIDHAA MTAANI NI FAKE.
ReplyDeleteblah blah blah... same crap! all that glitters is not gold
ReplyDeleteKizuri cha jiuza hiki kinachojitembeza sina ukakika nacho...
Bwana Asifiwe
ReplyDeleteMashaka ubarikiwe, umegusa sehemu nyeti sana. hili tatizo mimi kama mtu muhathirika, naona umefanya jambo la busara sana kulizungumzia. mama yangu mzazi sasa hivi amepooza baada ya kumeza dose ya madawa feki, leo nalia lakini hakuna wa kunisikiliza.mashaka hapa umegonga na kugusa mioyoya watu.
kusema kweli, Tanzania inahitaji mashaka 10 tu. Tanzania itakuwa America ya Afrika
ReplyDeletethis is a very timely article-well done Mashaka. We all know about this problem. you suggested a few things that may help curb this problem
ReplyDelete1) total ban-may not be feasible. because not everything from china is fake. We see good products from China all over other parts of developed nations.
2) patriotism. I think this is the key. let us start by asking questions as consumers, let us refuse to buy fake stuffs. as you pointed out using refrigerator as an example, sometime fake products are not necessarily cheaper than the real stuff. if everybody wears a patriotism hat consumers and those working for the authorities then these business will die a natural death. However, how is this possible if one thinks of food on the table, a posh house to be built, a second wife to be fed?? a wedding contribution waiting?? There are too much social pressures back home that I think contribute to some of these things. people only care about their pocket rather than their country.
3.enforcing existing laws-this cannot work if patriotism is weak.
4.tax incentives for buying good stuff-may be, but if one is interested in making 300% profit from fake stuff-forget this!!
5. collective solution-I agree, but consumers should be able to demand better products. We still need the governments to help us enforce or make new laws that will protect us.
Thanks for writing this excellent article.
nadhani kipindi cha nyuma, kuna mdau aliyemtaja mashaka kama moja wa vijana wachache ambao muda siyo mrefu atawekwa kwenye kundi la watu muhimu barani afrika kama siyo dunia nzima. Hata baba wa taifa mwl. Nyerere hakuwa na kasi aliyonayo mashaka. Kasi ya mashaka na uwezo wake wa kufikiri kuchambua mambo na kuleta mada inayowagusa wengi ni kipaji cha aina yake. Sijawahi kuona mada yoyote ya mashaka ambayo haizui mijadala mikali. Nadhani hii ni kiboko
ReplyDeletendugu wadau, nadhani wengi wenu mtakubalina kumfananisha huyu kijana na kwameh Nkrumah au mwl. Nyerere ambao ni watu ambao waliokuwa na upeo mkubwa lakini wakashindwa kuyatekeleza matakwa yao kutokana na watu waliowazunguka ambao walikuwa ni vichwa vilivyolala
Nothing new. We have read these things so often. Go debate with people of the ESRF or REPOA not just the few who visit this blog. It is a public forum but not all who contribute or argue do understand the subject matter.
ReplyDeleteMashaka Rais mtarajiwa??? kwani sifa za raisi zinasemaje, awe mtanzania si ndio?? kama sikosei Mashaka ni mmarekani sasa atawezaje kuwa Rais?? au nakosea nifungeni macho mwanawanI!!!!
ReplyDelete4me im sick and tired of mashaka!! DR PHIL WA TZ!
ReplyDeleteAHSANTE SANA MASHAKA KWA UCHAMBUZI WA KINA, LAKINI NAKUOMBA UELEWE KUWA ROOT CAUSE YA COUNTERFEITING NI KUTOKUWEPO NA POLITICAL WILL, WHY? KWA SABABU WANASIASA NA WENYEDHAMANA WALIO WENGI NI COUNTERFEIT! , counterfeit can not fight counterfeit!
ReplyDeleteNice discourse there Mashaka.
ReplyDeleteHowever I'd like to point out that it's a free market out there, and just like you were able to find genuine products at Mlimani City so are other buyers who truly need genuine products.
In a free market IT'S THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONSUMER TO BE INFORMED OF THE VARIOUS CHOICES AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET.
For instance if your Wall Street consumers were well informed they would have avoided investing so much in real estate that caused bank failures in the USA.
I know a few people who did not jump into the real estate clap trap, and they are the ones laughing now.
As for Tanzanian consumers, I urge you to do your homework please.
1. Use the internet to search for brand names such as SONY, TOSHIBA, YALE, etc... they do list their agents in Tanzania. If you ask them they'll tell you who are their agents in the country so that you can avoid buying from unauthorized agents.
2. Share your findings with your colleagues so that they know where to get top value for money.
3. Start a blog or a newspaper column to educate the public on how to identify quality from sub standard goods.
Apart from that, I mentioned on this article http://issamichuzi.blogspot.com/2009/03/counterfeit-products-from-china-learn.html it's a matter of demand and supply.
You often get what you pay for. If a genuine SONY sells for $1,000 and you buy a SONY for $300 then you'll get $300 value, NOT $1,000 value.
What I mean by this?
1. The CD/DVD player will stop working after 4 or 5 months
2. The sound system will produce scratch sounds and may not adjust as smoothly as per callibration on the dial
3. The whole system may overheat faster than the original one, so you'll have to put a cooling fan nearby. ... etc
BUT ... does anyone listen if I show them a $1,000 SONY vs a $300?
As an entrepreneur I know there are people who would like to get a $300 substandard SONY even if they know all its shortcomings.
These are the people who are being served by the so-called counterfeit goods.
If you force the government to ban such substandard goods you are forcing everyone to raise their standards - and you know that is not what everyone wants or is willing to pay for.
So the conclusion is, let people choose. Soon or later they'll know where quality goods are sold and those who want quality will go there.
Plus sellers of quality merchandise will have to advertise themselves, which is good for the media and marketing companies.
INAKERA SANA IZI BIDHAA FEKI KWAKWELI ADI UNATAMANI UHAME NCHI
ReplyDeleteIVI KUNA SEHEMU INA VITU GENUINE KWELI BONGO??
MASHAKA PLIZ ME NAOMBA NIELEKEZE NKANUNUE IVO VITU ATA KWA BEI IPI MANA NAJUA NDO USALAMA...
NTAKUA NAAGIZIA NJE VITU KABISA KIWANDANI
ILA TUNAOMBA UWE UNAANDIKA KISWAHILI PIA JAMAN
Post zako ni nzuri ila ili ziwe nzuri zaidi andika kiswahili ili walengwa wengi wazielewe. Utumwa wa lugha ndio unaotufanya masikini ndio uliotutawala. Zipo lugha nyingi sana duniani na kiswahili kinapanda chati na ni mategemeo makubwa matumizi yake yatamfanya mwananchi ashiriki kwa ukaribu kwenye mapinduzi ya kiuchumi. Bila kumfanya mlipa kodi aelewe nchi yake na viongozi wake.Wito kiswahili ndio lugha watanzania zaidi ya milioni 30.Je post hizi ni kwa ajili ya watanzania wengi au watwana wanaotumaliza.
ReplyDeleteTatizo linaanzia mbali.kama mnakumbuka Tanzania ilikuwa na njaa na uhaba wa hivi vitu kwa miaka mingi iliyopita.Hii inachangia sana kwa watanzania wengi kutoweza kuanisha bidhaa (fake) na bidhaa (genuine) kile akionacho basi ndio chenyewe kukidhi haja yake ya kuwa nacho bila kufikiria matokeo yake.Jambo jingine ni kuwa nchi yenyewe haswa viongozi nao ni miongoni mwa watu ambao hawajahamasika kuhusu bidhaa hizi.Pia ukiangalia waliomo kwenye biashara hizi ni vingunge wenyewe hivyo wanafunga macho. Kitu cha kushangaza labda ni zile bei wanazoziuza bidhaa hizi-ghali hata kupita bei ya kifaa (genuine). Kwa hiyo ile hisia kuwa wafanya biashara wanazingatia hali ya uwezo kiuchumi wa watanzania yaani kifaa bei nafuu hakuna nia yao ni ulafi wa utajiri kwa haraka kwa kutumia njia zozote. Ili kuepuka bidhaa hizi (fake) wachache wanachagua kununua bidhaa mitumba. Mbali ya kuwa mitumba ni (genuine) bei sio nafuu hata kidogo.Jibu kwa maoni yangu ni kwa serikali yenyewe iamue kufanya kweli kwa wafanya biashara wote na kushughulia swala la rushwa.Mimi naamini kuwa tanzania kuna sheria na viwango kabambe na endapo zitazingatiwa basi swala hili litatuliwa
ReplyDeleteKILI
BG
pamoja na ukweli huu ambao bwa.Mashaka amejaribu kuesha,lakini embu tuambiane ukweli,Tunaweza kununua hivyo vitu orijino??Manake aliposema kwamba alienda Mlimani City na kukuta goods za pale ni original,ni sawa lakini hio bei je mwananwane??kwa mtu wa kima cha chini(KCC)hakika hawezi kununua hata pasi tu,bei ya pasi ya kawaida tu pale ni alf 60 mzee,mshahara wenyewe 105,000 Tshs.Acheni wazee,fake zipo ni kwa sababu ya uwezo wetu hafifu pia wa kiuchumi,wenye NAZO acha waende Mlimani City,akina kajamba nani,tutabanana huko huko kwa LG Electronics,hatuna ujanja kaka Mashaka.
ReplyDeleteMIMI HIYO LUGHA ITS NOT RICHABO. LAKINI NILIPOSOMA NA KUCHAMBUA JINSI JAMAA ANAVYOZUNGUMZIA HIZO BIDHAA ZISIZO HALALI NADHANI ALIKUWA NA LAKE JAMBO LA KUJITAFUTIA UJIKO. NAUNGANA NA MDAU WA KAWE KWA ALIYOSEMA KWENYE MADA YAKE.
ReplyDeleteKWANZA KABISA NATAKA KUULIZA HII BLOG INASHEA KATI YA MICHUZI NA MASHAKA?
HIVI KWELI MAAFA YA WATU WANAOSADIKIWA ZAIDI YA 400 KUPOTEZA MAISHA YAO NA 4000 KUKOSA MAHALI PA KUKAA IWE HABARI YA KUZIMWA NA WANA JAMII WA BLOG HII WANYIMWE NAFASI YA KUJUA KINACHOENDELA?
MIMI NILIJUA MICHUZI UMEAMUA KUWA MPIGANIA HAKI ZA WACHACHE KWA KUUFAHAMISHA UMMA YATOKEAYO BONGO KWA NJIA YA PICHA AU HATA MAELEZO.
NAKUMBUKA UMEKUA UKIFUATILIA KILE KIP-LEFT CHA KARIBU NA TOWERS KILA SIKU NA UNAKUJA NA PICHA MPYA, LAKINI HABARI ZA WALIPOTOEZA NA KUATHIRIKA KWA MABOMU KULE MBAGALA, UNAZITOA KWA KUTUPACHIKIA KAULI ZA VIONGOZI WA SERIKALI!
KUNA PICHA ZA NYUMBA ZA WATU ZILZIZOHARIBIWA VIBAYA MNO, WATOTO WALIOPOTEA NA WENGINE KUCHUKULIWA NA MTO KIZINGA, ZOTE HIZO NDUGU HUNA BALI NI VIDEO ZA KINA JUMA MBIZO, ASHA BARAKA NA HABARI ZA KUKUJAZIA MFUKO WAKO-VODA, TIGO NA ZAIN.
TUNAJUA UNASTAHILI KUCHANGANYA VITU LAKINI SIDHANI KAMA ULIAMUA KUMUWEKA ASHA BARAKA AKITANGAZA BENDI YAKE NA UKAFUTILIA SIKU WALIYOPIGA, ULISHINDWAJE KUTUWEKEA ANGALAU PICHA ZA WALIOATHIRIKA NA MAMBOMU. KUNA MABOMU YALIYOANGUKIA NYUMBA ZA WATU KUTEKETEZA NYUMBA NA MALI ZAO...HUKUFUATILIA HIZO WHY?
OK. NIKIRUDI MKWENYE HII MADA YA MASHAKA WA UJIKO, SUALA LA BIDHAA FEKI, KWA NINI ASIJIUNGE NA TRA AU JESHI LA POLISI KUFUATILIA HIZO ANAZOZIITA BIDHAA FEKI?
KUNA KAULI ALIYOITOA AKIDAI ETI NYUMBA ZA WATU ZIMEUNGUZWA KWA AJILI YA HITILAFU ZILIZOSABABISHWA NA BIDHAA FEKI, MAGARI YAMEWAKA MOTO KWA AJILI YA BIDHAA KAMA HIZO.
SWALI KWAKO MASHAKA:
UNA USHAHIDI GANI WA KITAALUMA UTAKAOWEZA KUWATHIBITISHIA HAO WALIOPOTEZA AU KUUNGUZIWA NYUMBA ZAO KUTOKANA NA BIDHAA UNAZOZIITA FEKI?
KAMA ULIWAHI KUISHI NJE YA BONGO, JE ULIWAHI KUNUNUA BIDHAA HIZO ZA UMEME UKAONA LEBO LAZIMA ITOKE KWENYE NCHI INAYOTENGEZA BIDHAA HIZO?
NIKUTOE TONGOTONGO KIDOGO:
MIMI NI MKAZI WA EU. MAKAMPUNI YOTE YATENGENEZAYO BIDHAA HATA MAGARI, SIYO LAZIMA ZITOKE NCHI HALISI ie: SONY-JAPAN, LG-KOREA, SAMSUNG etc.
KUNA LG PLASMA TV, AMERICAN STYLE FRIDGE ZINAUZWA UK; ZINA LEBO ZINAZOONYESHA MADE IN SLOVAKIA, POLAND, etc, JE NAZO TUZIITE FAKE KWA VILE HAZIKUTOKA KOREA?
KUNA MAGARI PEUGEOT, TOYOTA, BMW, ETC SIYO ZOTE ZINATETENGEZWA FRANCE, JAPAN, AU GERMAN. NYINGINE ZINATENGEZWA BELGIUM, TOYOTA ZIPO ZA UK NA MAGARI MENGINE NA ZINAITWA; MANUFACTURED IN UK-NAZO PIA NI FAKE? TOYOTA YA UK SI TOYOTA YA JAPAN HILO LAZIMA UJUE.
KAMA KUNA LG-FRIDGE MADE IN SINGAPORE, HAINA MAANA KWAMBA NI FAKE PRODUCT! KUWA NA KITABU KISICHOONYESHA NAMBA ZA KUWASILIANA MTENGENEZAJI, HAINA MAANA KWAMBA HIYO BIDHAA NI FAKE.
KWA TAARIFA YAKO, SIYO KILA BIDHAA IPO WARRANTED DUNIA NZIMA KWA SABABU HAWANA MATAWI KAMA WALIYONAYO NCHI NYINGINE AMBAKO MTEJA ANAWEZA KWENDA NA KUPATIWA VIPURI VILIVYOHARIBIKA AU KUBADILISHIWA BIDHAA YAKE KAMA INA HITILAFU KUBWA.
UKIANGALIA KITABU CHA WARRANTY, KUNA NCHI CHACHE TU ZILIZORODHESHWA NA NYINGI NI ZA EU, ASIA NA AMERICA. NCHI ZA AFRIKA KAMA ZIPO NI ZA NORTH. HUKO KWETU BADO KABISA. KWA HIYO KAMA MWENYE DUKA ANAKUPA WARRANTY YA MIAKA MIWILI, HIYO NI SAWA KABISA KWA KAWAIDA NI MWAKA MMOJA TU.
NA NI LAZIMA UJUE KWAMBA MANUFACTURE WARRANTY( ONLY 12 MONTHS) HAIKINGI BIDHAA YAKO INAPOKUMBWA NA AJALI. NDIYO MAANA UNAPONUNUA BIDHAA LAZIMA UIKATIE BIMA ILI KUKINGA KWA HITILAFU NA AJALI (ACCIDENTAL AND DAMAGES) kama kuanguka na kuvunjika, kuingia maji kwa bahati mbaya, hiyo haikingwi na mtengenezaji bali BIMA!(EXTENDED WARRANTY)
KAMA UMEONA LG IMETENGENEZWA SINGAPORE, HAINA MAANA KWAMBA NI FAKE. KUNA MAKAMPUNI YANAPEWA LESENI NA LG AU SONY, TOSHIBA, SAMSUNG KUTENGENEZA BIDHAA HIZO HUKU VIPURI VYOTE VIKIWA NI MALI HALISI YA LG.
JE WAJUA KWAMBA LG NA SAMSUNG TV NI BIDHAA YA AINA MOJA ILA MUUNDO WA NJE NDIYO HUTOFAUTIANA?
JE WAJUA KWAMBA VIWANDA VINGI VYA VIFAA VYA UMEME VIMEHAMIA ULAYA YA MASHARIKI KWA AJILI YA KUKWEPA KODI KUBWA INAYOTOZWA NA NCHI ZA ULAYA MAGHARIBI?
JE WAJUA KWAMBA NGUO NYINGI ZINAZOUZWA UK ZINATENGENEZWA BANGLADESH, INDIA, MOROCCO, EGYPT KWA BEI NAFUU MNO NA KUUZWA UK NA MBONA HAZIITWI BIDHAA FAKE? TENA ZIPO KWENYE MADUKA MAKUBWA KAMA NEXT, HM, GAP, MARK AND SPENCERS NA ZINAUZWA KWA BEI YA JUU NA MBONA WANUNUAJI HAWAZIITI FAKE?
SISHANGAI WAZAZI WAKO KUPACHIKA JINA LA MASHAKA; WALIJUA TU UTAKUWA NI MTU WA AINA HIYO MAISHA YAKO YOTE.
KAMA ULIKUA UNAANDIKA KWA WATANZANIA, UNGETUMIA LUGHA SAHIHI NA SANIFU NA SIYO KUIBA LUGHA YA WATU. WANUNUAJI NI WATANZANIA NA HAPO UNAOWAZNGUMZIA NI WALALA-HOI. WANA MUDA WA KUSOMA KITU WASICHOKIJUA.
WASOMI HALISI HUANGALIA MADA ZAO NA KUZILENGA KWA WALENGWA. WEWE HAPA UMEJILENGA MWENYE KWENYE MGUU.(YOU HAVE JUST SHOT YOURSELF ON YOUROWN FEET) LENGA JUU PIGA NDEGE, NGEDERE, NYANI KASORO MKIA.
Ni kweli ndugu mashaka, jambo ninalo kuomba kila siku ninapo kuona kwenye huu mtandao wa jamii ni lugha unayo itumia haiwafikii watu wote, si kosa kutumia lugha ya kiingereza lakini pia hasa lengo na dhumuni watanzania wote waweze kuelewa nini kimeandikwa huwezi kuwaelewesha watu kitu kwa lugha wasio ijua, kama ujuavyo tanzania karibu wote tunaelewa kiswahili kingereza sio wote.Na heshimu mchango wako na kaza buti tuko na wewe pamoja kuleta mabadiliko ya taifa letu.
ReplyDeleteMUNGU SIYO MJINGA. ANAWAPA WATU NAFASI KWA MADHUMUNI YAKE. KAMPA MASHAKA NAFASI NYETI YA KUFANYA KAZI WALL-STREET, ELIMU NZURI NA MIELA KWA SABABU ANAIJALI NCHI YAKE NA BINADAMU WENZAKE. UNADHANI ANGEKUWA VIJANA WA KAWAIDA TUNGEKUNYWA MAJI?? ANGERUDI HAPA MUJINI NA KUANZA MBWEMBWE ZA KUKATA NA SHOKA KWENDA BAHARI BEACH NA HELICOPTER. MITOTO YA KUKATA NA SHOKA MATANUZI YA KUFA MTU. LAKINI MTOTO WA WATU MNYENYEKEVU, ANGALIENI ANAVYOANDIKA MAMBO MUHIMU KWA AJILI YA NCHI YETU. NADHANI TUNGEANZA KULIFIKIRIA HIKI KIZAZI KIPYA CHA VIONGOZI KINACHOZUNGUMZIWA SANA CHA MASHAKA, SHAYO NA JANUARY. HAWA NDIO WAKOMBOZI WETU, NI WATOTO WA WAKULIMA, WAMEPANDA DALADALA, WAMEENDA SHULE ZETU, WAMEVAA MITUMBA NA HATA KULA NA MAMA NTILIE. MIMI MASHAKA NAKUMBUKA MCHANGIAJI MOJA HAPA ALIMNUKUU KWAMBA WALIKUWA NAYE KWA MAMA LISHE KIPINDI CHA NYUMA ALIPOTOKA HUKO MEREKANI. WADAU LAZIMA TUKUBALI,HAWA WATOTO NI WATOTO WA KIPEKEE KWA TAIFA LETU LAZIMA TUWATIZAME VIZURI NA KWA MAKINI NADHANI WANA UFUMBUZI WA MATATIZO YETU. TUACHANE NA HAWA MAFISADI DAGAA, PAPA NA NYANGUMI AMBAO HAWANA JIPYA KWA TAIFA.
ReplyDeleteMashaka Juu, Juu, Juu Zaidi
ReplyDeleteMichuzi Juu, Juu, Juu Zaidi
mashaka, mimi nakuomba kitu kimoja tu, unioe. tena bure hakuna cha mahari wala nini...... nitakuwa wako milele bure tu. wanga nawaseme ila umenidatisha,,, nimekuzimia, mashaka, ntakupataje,,,, jamani wasio na bahati hatubahatiki LOL
ReplyDeletembremmbo
Ndio Mashaka anashusha vitu, WOTE TWAKUBALI. lakini nia yake sio kumsifia,nia yake ni wewe uchangie hoja aliyoitoa, Hoja ya msingi ni kuwa nchi zetu hasa za Afrika zimekuwa soko la vitu vibovu, ambavyo havikidhi viwango.
ReplyDeleteWafanyabiashara wananunua vitu vilivyotengenezwa kwa kuigiza makampuni mengine,na wanapotengeneza hawaviboreshi kama inavyotakiwa. Matokeo yake unanunua kitu ambacho hakidumu, au hakikidhi haja.
Je tufanyeje? Je tatizo hili linasababishwa na nani? na wafanyabiashara kwa upande mmoja na serikali zetu kwa upande mwingine?. Kwasababu kama kungekuwa na udhibiti wa viwango wa bidhaa zinazoingia hili lingepungua, lakini tukale wapi?
Kwahiyo ni vyema tuchangie nini la kufanya.
Kwa upande wangu asilimia kubwa ya matatizo ya kiuchumi,likiwemo hili la kuwa dampo la `vikuukuu' ni sisi wenyewe. Samahani kwa wanasiasa, ila kwa uoni wangu, `siasa mbovu' ndio tatizo.
Siasa,kwasababu hawa watu wanaweza kusema kitu kibaya ni kizuri kwa kutumia midomo yao mpaka watu wakashawishika. Na sisi raia ambao hatujui hiki wala kile tukarubuniwa kwa lugha tamu za wanasisa, propoganda potofu na kukubaliana na hilo, tukachagua siasa, chama au utawala fulani ukawa madarakani.
Hawa waliochaguliwa ndio wanaosababisha yote haya. Wanatumia madaraka yao kujinufaisha, wanatumia madaraka yao kuwahodhi wafanya biashara,na matokeo yake ndiyo hayo.
Ngoja niishie hapa,
M3
we mashaka na wabongo wengine kelele nyingi.
ReplyDeletemtu unauziwa vitu kulingana na thamani ya fedha yako.
huwezi kuuziwa brand new nokia 95/96 original toka UK kwa shs. milioni ukanunua wewe. Lazima utapiga yoweeeee..."eeeebwana weee, simu hii ulaya £350 huku milioni moja!"
Enhee, ndivyo mnabvyobwabwaja. Kwa hiyo kama umepewa fridge la China, Singapore, Thailand kwa bei nafuu, beba hilo acha UBAHILI.
Bei ya Fridge, Samsung, LG, DAEWOO, SONY, unazungumzia £799-2000 tegemea na model yake. Hapo baba sasa na kiasi gani cha madafu?
Bado hujalitia kwenye Contena, linapiliwa ushuru Uk, BONGO (ambayo inaingia mfukoni), BIMA ya usafirishaji, usafirishaji toka ghalani hadi bandarini ukijumlisha, gharama yake zaidi ya milioni tatu. Utaweza kununua kwa shs.4,000,000?
Kwa hiyo kila kitu kinakwenda kulingana na hali ya nchi itakavyoweza kununua hiyo bidhaa na utengenezaji wake lazima uwe nafuu.
Mfano: Bongo kuna simu zinauzwa shs 300,000. Lakini watu hawafahamu kwamba wanachonunua ni gamba la juu kwani simu imeshatumika mno huko DUBAI kabla ya kuvishwa jumba jipya. Hilo wewe mashaka huwezi kuliona.
Unapodai friji la mtumba ni ghali kuliko friji jipya fake la mchina, lazima ujue kwamba hilo la mtumba limetengenezwa kwa gharama za juu, usafirishaji wake ghali ingawa liliokotwa tu mitaani.
Kuhusu hilo la kudai eti bidhaa fake zipigwe marufuku, mh! sidhani kama kuna bidhaa feki kubwa kama hizo.
Najua Wa-China wanakopi sana lakini siyo madubwana kama hayo. Halafu jitahidi kuwa mwanamme na siyo kujitafutia UJIKS kupitia BLOG huku UKIJISIFIA mwenyewe.
Comments nyingi humu za UJIKS ndugu yetu umejiandikia mwenyewe kwa sababu miandiko inafanana fulani.
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Thank you John Mashaka for a wonderful article.
ReplyDeleteYour second paragraph “Economic reasons will arguably…. attract cheaper, fake, and dangerous goods that can be traced back to Asian continent most of the time. Many developing nations, can’t afford the more reliable products from other countries, which are relatively expensive” tells it all. But WHY does this happen? Probably because of the lack of or weak government control, lower income levels, corruption and lack of stance as country when trading and in trading blocks (WTO,COMESA etc). Again WHY ? And WHY and WHY?
You said people should fight. What is/are government(s) for? If all 3rd world governments were to fight such fake goods, would the problem persist?
People put governments in place that are accountable to people. Government then puts its own agencies to handle different functionalities including standards (TBS), health (TFDA) etcetera. So the idea of people uniting again is obsolete. Government has to be accountable. It is its job in the first place!! What would it be if people were to upraise and fight for poor health, poor education, fake goods…The answer is SIMPLE. We need accountable governments that measure up to their responsibilities.
I personally believe we can learn much from other countries like Brazil, Argentina and South Africa that have always used import substitution (use of domestic produced goods in favor of imports) and imposing of tariffs on imported goods, first to protect domestic industries but then to prevent unnecessary goods – fakes in this matter.
Business can always rethink on producing products at an efficient way and still make profits. All these fake goods require much less to produce due to lower costs of production but also producers pass marginal profits to themselves. However they use economy of scale. The bulk of profit then is generated between the intermediaries and the final price, perceived as price of the original is passed to the consumer. Once government put STRINGENT measures then importers will need to adhere to that and so are the producers in China and Asian countries.
Let us not forget that fake goods also penetrate into developed countries. Few years ago Western Europe refrain importation of Chinese toys due to toxic levels of lead in toy plastics. Last year, milk and milk produce from China was banned temporarily after discovery of milk and milk produce contamination.
Bottom-line, it sits on the government. If the government acts, the producers will act because they want the business.
My few cents.
Mdau.
Mashaka inaonekana ana ubia na hii blog kwani usipomsifu maoni yako hayatolewi.michuzi unatuangusha.wewe mtoto wa mjini unambabaikia mtu wa kuja kisa yuko marekani?
ReplyDeletekwangu mimi mashaka na shayo ni malimbukeni tu.
Mashaka umegusa tatizo muhimu sana. Wengi wameliogopa ili swali kwani mafisadi wengi ndio wanaoleta hivi bidhaa feki ambavyo vimekuwa kero humu nchini.
ReplyDeleteMashaka,kwa nini unaringa sana hivyo???? hacha kuringa, mimi nilikwambia kwamba nitakuzalia watoto weupe watakaokuwa ma movie stars huko marekani.
ReplyDeleteMimi ni Dada la nguvu anayejiheshimu, anayetafuta mume mwenye “class”. Michuzi naye siku zote nimemuomba contacts zako lakini yeye kabania anaringia utadhania anataka umuoe naye, ehh makubwa.
Sasa yeye ni mtu anamke au anataka akuuzie wale malimbwende anaoandamana nao kila kukicha?? Bwana hacheni kubania riziki za wenzenu.
Unadhani tutakula wapi??? Kama nafasi ipo kwa nini nisijaribu bahati yangu??
yale ma-miss yanayokuandama hayana lolote kazi zao ni kuchuna na kuwageuza wanaume kuwa ma ATM’s tu.
Nawe pia watakuweka kwenye kundi la ma victims wao kusambaziwa ngoma. Ma miss hizo ndo kazi zao hapa mujini kutafuta mabwana wa kuwatunza, haya wewe nichunie tuu utakiona…………….
secret admirer
Hata kama ni jiniasi, punguza makali mnene heshima tushakupa. wengine wanashikwa na hasira na kugeuka mbogo na kuanza kukufanyia usenene kwa sababu hatuelewi lugha unayoitumia. Tumia lugha ya mkulima kiingereza hichi kigumu kweli unadhania unasoma gazeti la uingereza???
ReplyDeleteWewe si unajua kazi za ubeba boxi, tukirudi, tunatakaga vitu muteremko tunavyoelewa na kujiburudishia au vipi wassup wangu? Vinginvyo peleka hayo madudu yako kwenye Taimu magazine
wengi wanaonunua vitu feki wanafahamu kwamba wanunuavyo ni feki na wanafanya hivyo kwa sababu za uwezo duni wa kiuchumi au kupuuzia madhara yanayoweza kuletwa na bidhaa hizo.
ReplyDeleterushwa kwa upande wa wale wanatakiwa kudhibiti uingiaji wa bidhaa na uroho wa utajiri wa haraka haraka kwa upande wa wafanyabiashara ndio sababu ya bidhaa feki kuingia nchini na madukani.
uimarishaji wa vyombo vya udhibiti kwa kupunguza ama kufuta (kama inawezekana)tatizo la rushwa katika vyombo hivi kutasaidia kupunguza hili tatizo
vyombo vya haki ya mteja (consumers rights) vianzishwe na vilivyopo viimarishwe. mteja anapodhurika kwa bidhaa feki inabidi alieingiza hiyo bidhaa aadhibiwe kisheria na alipe fidia.
elimu kwa wateja iimarishwe juu ya haki zao. vitu vinavyoonekana vidogo na hupuuzwa mara nyingi mfano risiti ya ununuzi vinaweza saidia sana katika kudai haki ya mteja na kumnasa mfanyabiashara aliyeuza hiyo bidhaa feki.
hili suala la bidhaa feki linazungumzwa sana tu na wala si geni.
kwako bwana mashaka ni vyema unapozungumzia hoja unazoamini zinamaslahi kwa jamii ya kitanzania ni vyema ukatumia kiswahili kwani kwa lugha unayotumia unawakwaza baadhi ya watu ambao wangependa kuchangia lakini kama baadhi ya wadau walivosema hapo juu kiingereza siyo richabo
watu wengine bwana wakiona jina mashaka tu,wana comment bila atakusoma..kwikwikwi
ReplyDeleteInasikitisha brother Michu Mashaka ameshakutia Kapuni. Maanake tukitoa comment za kutokubaliana naye maoni unayaminya.
ReplyDeleteJon Mashaka, umeshakuwa Mungu mtu kusema kweli rudi Tanzania uanzishe dini au chama cha kisiasa kwa maana wafuasi wako wamekuwa wengi kupita kiasi. pengine chama chako kitawadhibiti wakina Fisadi Rostam Aziz wanaoitafuna nchi yetu
ReplyDeleteWee anony hapo Juu. Nakuunga mkono asilimia 1000% nadhani muda umefika kulitupa hiki chama cha ccm, chadema na mengineyo.
ReplyDeletevijana wengi tu wenye uwezo wa kuliongoza nchi yetu, wapo nadhani vijana tukianzisha chama chetu cha kisiasa tutaliokoa taifa letu.
kuna vijana wengi, siyo mashaka na shayo tu, wapo wengi ambao tunaweza kushirikiana ili 2010 tulikomboe taifa kutoka katika hili janga la ufisadi.
JM umetoa changamoto nzuri kwa jambo ambalo sio jipya kwa Tanzania na hata ulimwengu mzima. What is novel in your article is, however, your personal encounter with these crone goods and the bosi who wouldn't cooperate in your inquisitiveness. No business man will be ready to give you an account of counterfeit goods. Neither would I, I am sorry. It is a big problem now and it is more so in Tanzania where the majority of our people haven't been to college. And even if they have attained some college education, it is still very theoretical. I suppose, we cannot tackle this problem through the law enforcement agents only, since they are the ones who collude with the law-breakers. I support you in all the major efforts you propose, but most of all, educating the mass of Tanzanians through ads and conferences, through various programmes in our schools and colleges, and honestly being upfront in protecting not only our pockets, but also our environment, our lives and our country.We should not take chances, this is a global problem, but it is fatal to a young and poor nation like Tanzania. Thank you Mashaka, I am happy when I read quality work, and very well thought input. You honestly put a lot of work in your research which is very good. Mlahabwa, UK
ReplyDeleteDu, ndugu mashaka usiogope na kelele za watu.
ReplyDeleteJuzi tu na mwenzio yule wa UK Dr. Shayo naye alikuwa Dar sijui alikuja kusimika network yake au la
Ila nawaombeni vijana msikate tamaa, taifa linawategemea watu kama nyie. Ila jueni kuwa vipingamizi vipo na hata mkipewa nafasi ya kutoa mchangowenu katika hali inayokubalika , bado kutakuwa na challenge nyingi sana. Siyo watanzania wote wanamtizamo kama wenu.
Keep it up mashaka, Keep it up Dr. Shayo
Ila swali langu moja, nyie ni wanachama wa chama gani huko ugaibuni?
Hamna la maana jisomeeni vitabu na kwenda shule. Kitu gani kipya? Mnaendenkeza ujinga na wajinga ni rahisi kuwapumbaza na maneno matupu yasiyovunja mfupa. Kama bado meno iko vunja mifupa itakuja poteza muda yako tizama pumba za waliopoteza ajira za kidanganyifu. Aaazishe kampuni yake kama mjanja blabla ndio matunda ya kusoma uchumi bora Engineers wametulia.Opportunits wengi wanatafuta kila angle kupata wajinga washangilie pumba zao.
ReplyDelete