Wedding dress dispute

I recently attended a wedding in Morogoro that turned chaotic. The bride had ordered a custom wedding dress from a local vendor. She paid half the agreed price upfront, promising to settle the balance before the wedding ceremony. On the wedding day, just as the bride was walking down the aisle, the vendor stormed into the venue, shouting that she had not been paid in full. He demanded the dress back or immediate payment. Guests were shocked, the ceremony was disrupted, and the bride was in tears. Eventually, relatives pooled money to calm the situation, but the embarrassment lingered. I want to know whether the vendor was legally justified in storming the wedding. What remedies does the vendor have, and how should such disputes be handled? Please guide me. The bride is a close friend, and I want to help her avoid further embarrassment.

VK, Morogoro

This situation serves as an unfortunate example that highlights the complex intersection between legal principles and social etiquette. It underscores the crucial importance of respecting established legal processes against personal frustrations. While the vendor may have a legitimate claim for unpaid money, his conduct in this matter clearly violated the bride’s dignity and could potentially expose him to legal liability. The purchase of the wedding dress falls under the jurisdiction of contract law, which in Tanzania is specifically governed by the Law of Contract Act, Cap. 345 [R.E. 2023]. It is assumed that the bride and the vendor entered into an agreement wherein it was understood that a partial payment would be made upfront, with the remaining balance to be settled at a later date. However, you have not provided details regarding how the bride obtained possession of the dress before the full payment was completed. There may have been other terms and conditions agreed upon between the vendor and the bride that have not been disclosed here. Nevertheless, failing to pay the remaining balance constitutes a breach of contract. Despite this, the manner in which the vendor chose to enforce his rights was socially unacceptable and inappropriate, and could have legal ramifications.

Legally, the vendor had the right to demand full payment or to initiate legal action for breach of contract. He could also have chosen to withhold delivery of the dress until the full payment was received. Once he voluntarily delivered the dress, he transferred possession of the contracted goods, which in this case is the dress itself. Therefore, storming into the wedding to repossess the dress does not seem justified unless there are other relevant facts that have not been disclosed here. To prevent such disputes in the future, it is advisable that contracts clearly specify payment terms, conditions for delivery, and remedies available in case of breach. Considering the circumstances, we also recommend that vendors seek legal remedies through proper channels rather than resorting to disruptive or inappropriate actions during important events. Consult your lawyer for further guidance.

Corrupt transactions in employment

 I work in a mid‑sized logistics company in Dar es Salaam. For months, I’ve noticed something troubling. My supervisor insists that before any promotion or training opportunity is approved, employees must ‘appreciate’ him with cash or gifts. At first, I thought it was just harmless office culture, but it has become systematic. Those who pay get promoted quickly, while those who refuse are sidelined. Recently, I was denied a training program that could have advanced my career, even though I met all the qualifications. Later, a colleague confided that he had paid TZS 500,000 to secure his slot. I feel humiliated and trapped. If I report this, I fear retaliation or losing my job. If I stay silent, I may never progress. What does the law say about this kind of corruption in employment, and how can I protect myself? Please guide me.

EM, Dar es Salaam

Your experience is unfortunately becoming common, but the law is firmly on your side. What you describe amounts to corruption, which is prohibited under the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act, Cap. 329 [R.E. 2023] (the PCCA). The situation you have described is a corrupt transaction in employment, which is prohibited under section 20 of the PCCA. The section provides that a person who offers an advantage to another person as an inducement to or reward for or otherwise on account of such another person’s giving assistance or using influence in or having given assistance or used influence to assist in obtaining employment, promotion or any other matter relating to employment, commits an offence of corruption.

Further, a person who solicits or accepts any advantage as an inducement to or reward for or otherwise on account of his giving assistance or using influence in, or having given assistance or used influence to assist in obtaining of employment, promotion or any other matter relating to employment, commits an offence of corruption.  A person convicted of an offence under this section shall be liable to a fine not exceeding TZS 5M or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both.

Remember, you have the right to work in an environment free from corruption and discrimination. Tanzania’s legal system encourages reporting corruption through the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB). Further, retaliation against whistle-blowers is itself unlawful, so do not be afraid to report (if this is really happening at the company).  To protect yourself, document these demands and lodge a formal complaint with HR or a compliance officer, if available. If no action is taken, you may proceed to report to the PCCB confidentially. Consult your lawyer for further guidance on the reporting processes.