Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania has stepped up efforts to attract Japanese capital, technology and expertise to support industrialisation, with the government seeking to deepen economic ties with one of Asia’s leading industrial powers.

The government wants to use its investment promotion campaign in Japan to attract companies capable of establishing industries, creating jobs, transferring technology and integrating Tanzanian producers into regional and global value chains.

The campaign, which began yesterday and runs until September 18, brings together Tanzanian and Japanese investors, business leaders and other stakeholders in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama and Okinawa.

Speaking at the Tanzania Investment and Business Seminar in Tokyo, Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Prof Kitila Mkumbo, said Tanzania was looking beyond capital inflows to investments that would strengthen domestic productive capacity.

‘Our objective is not simply to attract more projects. Our objective is to build industries,’ he said.

Tanzania currently has 24 registered investment projects involving Japanese interests, with capital of about $42.7 million and around 1,182 jobs created.

Prof Mkumbo said the government wanted to double the number of projects to at least 48 as the country begins implementing its Development Vision 2050. However, he said the quality and impact of the investments would be more important than the number of projects.

‘We want investments that create jobs, transfer technology, strengthen local industries and connect the country to regional and global value chains,’ he said.

The minister urged Japanese companies to consider Tanzania as a production, supply and distribution base for the wider African market, citing the country’s strategic location on the Indian Ocean and membership of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Together, he said, the regional blocs provide access to a market of about 300 million consumers.

The government is pitching opportunities in agro-processing, food manufacturing, automotive assembly, electronics, pharmaceuticals, machinery, logistics, energy, ICT, infrastructure, tourism and the blue economy.

Prof Mkumbo said Tanzania was particularly interested in investments that could help develop local suppliers and enhance the country’s ability to produce goods for domestic and export markets.

He also highlighted reforms at the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (Tiseza), saying they were intended to improve coordination among government institutions, speed up investment facilitation and strengthen investor aftercare.

‘Investors need more than opportunities. They need confidence. They need predictability. They need transparency. They need efficiency,’ he said.

Japan already has a significant commercial presence in Tanzania, with more than 40 Japanese companies operating in the country in sectors including agriculture, infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, digital technology and critical minerals.

The seminar also brought together representatives of the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro), including Executive Director Suzuki Takafumi, for discussions on strengthening investment and business cooperation.

The government’s latest push comes as Tanzania seeks to use foreign investment as a catalyst for industrialisation and economic transformation under Vision 2050.

Dar es Salaam. Police have arrested a 35-year-old man accused of assaulting a traffic police officer who was carrying out his duties along Bagamoyo Road in Lugalo, Kinondoni, on Tuesday morning.

The suspect, identified as Conrad Agonza Kayoza, a resident of Lugalo and Mloganzila, allegedly assaulted Sergeant Andrew, police force number F.8886, of the Traffic Police Unit.

According to a statement issued by the Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone Commander on Tuesday, the incident occurred at about 7:30am when the officer stopped vehicles using a service road alongside the main road in a manner police said was not permitted.

Among the vehicles stopped was a Toyota Runx, registration number T 455 EER, allegedly driven by Mr Kayoza.

Police said Mr Kayoza got out of the vehicle and allegedly assaulted the officer, including kicking him. the police allege that members of the public later intervened to save the police officer from an assault by a civilian.

The suspect was subsequently taken to hospital for medical treatment.

Police said investigations were continuing and that further action would be taken in accordance with the law.

The Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone warned members of the public against attacking or using force against police officers while they are performing their duties.

‘Police will not tolerate acts of violence or the use of force against police officers while carrying out their duties,’ the statement said.

Police urged motorists and other road users to exercise restraint and comply with lawful instructions from traffic officers, particularly during road safety operations.

Moshi. Tanzania’s private sector has a critical role to play in driving economic transformation, creating jobs and strengthening local value chains as the country works towards the ambitions of Dira (Vision) 2050, Members of Parliament’s were told.

The message was delivered during the Parliament’s Budget Committee visit to Serengeti Breweries Limited’s (SBL) Moshi Brewery in Kilimanjaro at the weekend, where the legislators were briefed on the company’s investments and contribution to manufacturing and the wider economy.

The visit provided MPs with an opportunity to assess first-hand the contribution of private investment to manufacturing, agriculture, employment, skills development, community initiatives and environmental sustainability.

SBL managing director Dr Obinna Anyalebechi said the private sector could help translate the aspirations of Dira 2050 into tangible economic outcomes through investment, job creation and stronger local supply chains.

‘As Tanzania looks towards 2050, the private sector has an important role to play in turning our country’s Dira 2050 aspirations into tangible outcomes,’ Dr Anyalebechi said.

He said SBL’s investment extended beyond its manufacturing operations to farmers, employees, communities and other businesses linked to its value chain.

‘We remain committed to working in partnership with the government to support Tanzania’s industrialisation agenda, create jobs, strengthen local value chains and contribute to sustainable economic growth,’ he said.

Dira 2050 identifies a strong and dynamic private sector as an important driver of economic transformation, productivity, innovation, investment and employment.

The brewer has invested in initiatives linking agriculture with manufacturing, including its Shamba ni Mali programme, which supports smallholder farmers producing sorghum, barley and maize.

The Budget Committee chairman Mashimba Ndaki said the engagement was important in helping Parliament understand the contribution of private investment to the economy and strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors.

‘The visit has provided us with an opportunity to understand first-hand the contribution of private-sector investment to manufacturing, employment, local value chains and communities,’ Mr Ndaki said.

He said continued engagement between the Government and the private sector was necessary to create an environment that supports investment, productivity and sustainable economic growth.

One thing about the digital generation is the art of trending. A habit, style or just a funny meme gets adopted by multiple individuals and reshared the world over.

Well, African governments appear to have embraced a trend of their own, and, as Generation ‘Z’ might put it, it’s rocking!

Throughout my brief spell on the blue planet, treason has always been associated with acts such as armed rebellion, espionage or attempts to overthrow governments by force.

Post-independence Africa experienced its fair share of coups, with governments rising and falling to the sound of gunfire.

Julius Nyerere, who himself survived a military mutiny in 1964, once described Tanzania’s greatest achievement rather modestly: ‘We have survived.’ Treason was that obvious.

Fast-forward to 2026, and treason is increasingly surfacing in political disputes involving opposition leaders across the continent.

Tanzania’s Tundu Lissu, Uganda’s Kizza Besigye, South Sudan’s Riek Machar, Rwanda’s Victoire Ingabire, and Zambia’s Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu have all faced detention or prosecution under serious national-security or treason-related charges. Zambia’s latest addition to the conversation makes me wonder: to what end? Is democracy on trial?

Look closely at these cases and one thing becomes difficult to ignore: none of those accused was openly involved in military-style attempt to seize power. Some were engaged in political campaigns, challenged elections or demanded reforms. Only Machar’s case is different, involving allegations linked to armed conflict.

One striking feature is that treason charges are non-bailable. Could that be the strategy? Lock them up, get rid of the political noise and ‘work’ for the people in peace! It could. Besigye has spent years in detention for almost as long as I have known him, allowing Mzee Museveni to thrive and secure landslide ‘victories’ in elections. Lissu, Machar and Ingabire have likewise spent extended periods under state custody or facing prosecution, with Mundubile and Makebi Zulu becoming the latest names in the conversation.

Zambia is perhaps the surprise package. It has long been regarded as one of Africa’s more competitive multiparty democracies. Its current president, Hakainde Hichilema, knows what it means to be an opposition politician: he spent years challenging the establishment before finally winning power in 2021. Yet, on his second bid, he chose the approach he has seen work in neighbouring countries.

Following Zambia’s disputed August 2026 election, opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were charged with treason after rejecting the election results and alleging irregularities. This sounds too familiar to ignore.

The question is not whether treason should remain a crime. Of course it should. States have a legitimate responsibility to defend constitutional order and national security. The real questions are more uncomfortable: When does protecting the state become protecting those who hold power? Why do serious national-security charges so often appear in moments of intense political competition and elections? It sometimes seems that dissent becomes treasonous when elections are near, and less so afterwards.

However, the cases are not identical, and that matters. Lissu, Besigye, Mundubile and Zulu are associated with political opposition and challenges concerning elections and governance. Ingabire’s case involves allegations including conspiracy and creating a criminal organisation. Machar’s case, meanwhile, involves allegations connected to armed violence.

This is not a defence plea for the accused. It is an analysis of what these cases could mean for democracy. Some governments may genuinely possess evidence of conspiracies, armed rebellion or attempts to destabilise the state. Opposition politicians are not automatically innocent simply because they are opposition politicians. Nonetheless, democracies must always understand one fundamental distinction: political dissent is not the same thing as treason.

A democracy is supposed to accommodate disagreement. Opposition parties exist to challenge governments. Citizens have the right to demand reforms. Politicians have the right to criticise elections and public institutions, including challenging election results through lawful means.

Kenya offers an instructive example. When Raila Odinga rejected the 2017 presidential election outcome and, in January 2018, was symbolically sworn in as the ‘People’s President’, the government regarded the act as a serious challenge to state authority. Yet he was not ultimately prosecuted for treason. The confrontation was eventually resolved politically through the famous handshake with President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Governments have the right and duty to prosecute genuine criminality. But that power must not become a tool for redefining political disagreement as criminality simply because it threatens the establishment.

When national-security laws become a preferred response to political competition, the courtroom can gradually replace the ballot box as the arena in which it is decided who is permitted to participate in politics. And the consequences extend far beyond those charged.

Journalists become more cautious. Civil society becomes defensive. Opposition parties become selective in their engagements. Ordinary citizens begin calculating the personal risks of political participation.

Eventually, a country may continue holding elections while democracy becomes increasingly hollow.

Under current trends, democracy is on trial. And if it loses, Africa may discover that democracy does not always disappear through armed coups.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s Union will need honest dialogue, constitutional clarity, and a willingness to protect its benefits if it is to remain strong for the next generation, speakers said on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, during a national meeting to discuss the country’s political situation following the 2025 General Election and the nation’s future.

Speaking at the event, the ruling CCM Vice Chairman for Tanzania Mainland, Mr Stephen Wasira, argued that the Union itself has delivered important benefits and that its stability cannot be separated from peace in either part of the country.

He said the movement of people between Zanzibar and the Mainland was among the practical benefits of the Union, while stressing that instability on one side would inevitably affect the other.

‘The peace and stability of Zanzibar and the stability of the United Republic depend on each other,’ he said.

Mr Wasira also questioned ACT-Wazalendo’s call for a ‘Zanzibar with full authority’, saying the phrase needed to be understood within the existing Union framework.

‘Zanzibar has its own Revolutionary Government which deals with almost all matters concerning Zanzibar, except for a few matters that fall under the Union. So, when we talk about Zanzibar having full authority, we have to ask: does it remain part of the Union, or does it become sovereign? There is one sovereignty of the United Republic of Tanzania, while responsibilities are divided between the Union and Zanzibar,’ he said.

‘Any challenges should be addressed in a way that does not undermine the future of our Union,’ added Mr Wasira.

For former Zanzibar First Vice President and ACT-Wazalendo National Chairman Othman Masoud Othman, the central issue is how the constitutional framework is interpreted and implemented.

He warned that if the current Constitution were followed strictly in some areas, it could create serious disputes over matters such as revenue, ports, immigration, oil, and gas, potentially placing the Union itself under severe pressure.

‘If there is a major threat to the Union, it is the Constitution itself as it stands now and the way we have implemented it. We really need to sit down and resolve these issues to protect the Union,’ he said.

Mr Othman said the answer was not simply to debate whether Zanzibar should have more or less authority, but to revisit the constitutional fundamentals and agree clearly on what belongs to the Union and what falls under each side’s exclusive authority.

For the next generation, Mr Othman said, the task was to use the peace and benefits already secured rather than take them for granted.

‘We have benefited from this country. I strongly ask Tanzanians not to lose that benefit,’ he said.

For his part, veteran Zanzibar politician, Mr Ali Mzee Ali said the Union should be understood through the country’s history, particularly Zanzibar’s experience of political conflict and reconciliation.

Recalling efforts that brought political rivals together, he said Zanzibar had shown that differences could be overcome when national interests were placed above political divisions.

He reminded the younger generation that political parties were not the foundation of their identity: ‘Political parties are things that came later. All of us here today are Tanzanians.’

Mr Ali acknowledged that the Union was not perfect, arguing that its human origins meant it would inevitably have shortcomings.

‘This Union is not from God; it is a Union made by human beings, and therefore it has some weaknesses, but we need it more than anything in our country,’ he said.

For him, strengthening the Union requires compromise, patriotism, and learning from the experiences of previous generations.

Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar’s political future could hinge on seven proposed reforms ranging from restructuring the electoral system and starting a new constitutional process to strengthening the Government of National Unity (GNU), as political actors seek a lasting solution to recurring election-related disputes.

Former Zanzibar First Vice President and ACT-Wazalendo chairman Othman Masoud Othman outlined the proposals on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, during a national meeting to discuss the country’s political situation following the 2025 General Election and the nation’s future.

Mr Othman said the proposals were developed after political parties assessed the experience of the 2025 election against previous elections, particularly the unresolved problems that have repeatedly undermined trust.

‘We got to a point where we identified seven things which, if properly implemented, we believe can take us out of where we are,’ he said.

Mr Othman said the first reform is rebuilding public trust, noting that the move was necessary because previous political agreements had failed to produce the promised changes.

He cited commitments reached after the 2020 election, saying the parties had agreed on reforms, but none of the three key issues was implemented.

‘This time we said let us go before the people and tell them that we have taken a commitment; we have problems, and our parties are taking a commitment to address and implement them,’ he said.

The second proposal is an independent commission of inquiry to examine what happened during the 2025 election and, potentially, previous elections.

‘The issue of investigating what happened in the election, and perhaps previous elections, by independent and competent people is important to know the problems and get recommendations on how to correct them,’ he said.

The third reform is restructuring the electoral commission, its secretariat, and the way elections are conducted.

Mr Othman described the electoral process as the ‘root of the problem’ in Zanzibar, arguing that weaknesses within the commission and election administration must be addressed if political competition is to become credible.

The fourth is beginning the process of writing a new Zanzibar Constitution.

He said the 1984 Constitution was progressive when introduced but argued that the political environment has since changed, creating a need to review executive powers, checks and balances, judicial authority, and the appointment of public officials.

‘Although at that time it may have been progressive, now it needs many things to be reviewed,’ he said.

The fifth proposal covers a wider package of governance reforms, including the justice system, public service, local government, electoral arrangements, and the status of Zanzibari identity.

Mr Othman said Zanzibar needed stronger accountability and democratic institutions, arguing that local governments had been weakened by dependence on the central government.

The sixth reform is redesigning the GNU so that it delivers genuine inclusion rather than simply bringing parties together in government.

‘Now we have a government of togetherness, not a government of unity,’ he said, arguing that the existing arrangement remains weighted towards one side.

He said the seventh reform is perhaps the most critical, establishing a clear implementation framework and timetable.

‘We have agreed that their work should essentially be completed before the end of 2029,’ he said.

He said the proposed reforms therefore shift the political debate from simply settling the aftermath of an election to addressing the institutions and systems that repeatedly produce political tension.

He said the objective is not merely to secure another political agreement, but to prevent Zanzibar from returning to the same cycle.

‘The problem is that we have moved backwards,’ he said, arguing that the focus should be on finding a permanent solution rather than concentrating solely on the outcome of one election.

Kahama. The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) in Shinyanga Region has conducted a special operation at the Mwime Mine in Zongomela Ward, Kahama Municipality, uncovering several small-scale miners illegally diverting electricity and connecting unauthorised users.

Speaking at the scene today, September 8, 2026, Tanesco infrastructure security officer, Mr Frank Njavike, said the crackdown would be extended to other mines in Kahama District to expose those bypassing established legal procedures.

‘Everyone who obtained services illegally will face legal consequences, with penalties varying according to the offence. I urge miners to follow established procedures when seeking power connections rather than bypassing meters and causing revenue losses to the utility,’ said Mr Njavike.

Tanesco district revenue in charge, Mr Mgeta Majula, confirmed that inspectors identified 11 miners who had illegally diverted power and reconnected third parties.

Tanesco district revenue in charge, Mr Mgeta Majula, confirmed that inspectors identified 11 miners who had illegally diverted power and reconnected third parties.

‘Eleven miners were caught bypassing meters to use unmetered power directly, distributing electricity to others, and constructing unauthorized power lines, a dangerous practice that risks triggering electrical fires,’ said Majula.

He urged miners to use power responsibly and refrain from electricity theft and illegal connections, warning that offenders face prosecution, heavy financial penalties, or imprisonment.

Mine board of directors chairman, Mr James Sita, expressed disappointment over the miners’ actions and backed Tanesco in pursuing legal remedies.

‘Those committing such acts deny the government and the utility rightful revenue while exposing their own machinery to damage in the event of electrical faults,’ he said.

‘I advise them to stop this habit immediately, as it tarnishes their reputation and undermines discipline,’ added Mr Sita.

Tanesco public relations and customer service officer, Ms Emma Nyaki, noted that several customers continue to bypass official channels by engaging unauthorized intermediaries.

‘To obtain electricity legally, customers should visit our offices or apply via the USSD code 15200# and follow the prompts, rather than resorting to unlawful procedures,’ Ms Nyaki said.

Dodoma. Thousands of students have another opportunity to secure university places after the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) opened the second round of undergraduate admissions for the 2026/27 academic year.

The admission window runs from September 8 to 21, 2026, TCU Executive Secretary Prof Charles Kihampa said in Dodoma on Tuesday.

Prof Kihampa said applicants admitted to more than one university must confirm their admission at only one institution during the same period.

Applicants should use the confirmation code sent to the mobile phone numbers or email addresses provided during the application process.

He urged applicants to follow admission procedures issued by TCU and individual universities to avoid losing their admission information.

Those facing difficulties during confirmation should contact the universities to which they have been admitted for assistance.

The latest TCU figures show that 227,555 undergraduate places are available for the 2026/27 academic year, up from 205,652 in 2025/26.

The increase of 21,903 places represents growth of 10.7 percent.

In the first admission round, 149,645 applicants applied to 93 approved universities offering undergraduate programmes.

Of these, 117,334 applicants, or 78.4 percent, secured admission to universities they applied to.

The number of successful applicants is expected to increase after the second round.

The second window is particularly important for applicants who missed the first round or did not secure admission.

TCU has urged such applicants to use the opportunity to apply to universities of their choice.

The commission’s confirmation requirement is intended to ensure that admission places are properly allocated and prevent applicants from holding places at multiple institutions.

Dar es Salaam. Junior golfers, Julius James and Teresia James emerged as the overall winners of the Tanzania Junior Open 2026 golf tournament held at Morogoro Gymkhana Club, underlining the growing depth of junior golf talent in the country.

Julius, representing TPDF Lugalo, produced a strong performance to top the boys’ gross category with a two-round score of 151.

He finished two strokes ahead of fellow TPDF Lugalo player Ibrahim Juma, who carded 153 to claim the first runner-up position. Elick Paschal of Morogoro Golf Club (MGC) completed the podium after recording 154.

The boys’ nett category was won by Zakaria Kyaulilo of Mufindi Golf Club, who posted 113.

His clubmate Thomasi Gonza finished runner-up with 123. The competition also featured individual skills contests, with Kingsley Li of Dar Gymkhana winning the boys’ longest-drive prize.

Ramadhani Omary of MGC claimed the boys’ nearest-to-pin award.

In the girls’ gross category, Teresia James of TPDF Lugalo delivered the standout performance, carding 141 to secure the overall title.

Christina Eliud, also representing TPDF Lugalo, finished second with 162, while Vicky Li of Dar Gymkhana took third place on 165.

The girls’ nett title went to Lissa Hawad of TPDF Lugalo, who returned a score of 142. Anjella E Nmko of Kilimanjaro finished runner-up with 144.

Teresia further underlined her dominance by winning both the girls’ longest-drive and nearest-to-pin competitions. The tournament also provided an opportunity for other young players to compete in a nine-hole subsidiary competition.

Adili Lumwesa of Mufindi Golf Club won the event after posting a gross score of 143. Nasri Abeid of TPDF Lugalo also recorded 143 to finish second, while Jackson Vicent of MGC was third on 144.

Vasco John of TPDF Lugalo finished fourth with 144, followed by clubmate Joel Christopher on 145. Kingsley Li was sixth on 146, while Carmela Claudio Kisanko of Dar Gymkhana finished seventh with 204.

Beyond the results, the tournament was praised for its contribution to the development of young golfers and for providing players with valuable competitive experience.

Tanzania Golf Union (TGU) chairman Gilman Kasiga congratulated the entire junior golf fraternity, particularly the National Juniors Golf Committee led by Kain Mbaya, Morogoro Gymkhana Golf Club, participating clubs, sponsors and the young golfers who took part. Kasiga also commended individuals who worked behind the scenes to plan, coordinate and successfully execute the tournament, saying their commitment was helping to establish a stronger foundation for the future of golf in Tanzania.

‘Junior golf is at the heart of our development strategy. Juniors are tomorrow’s national team players, professionals and ambassadors of Tanzanian golf,’ Kasiga said.

He stressed the importance of regular competitions, structured coaching and greater opportunities for young golfers to compete, saying such initiatives would help identify talent early and nurture players towards the highest levels of the sport.

Kasiga said TGU remained committed to strengthening junior golf, women’s golf and the development of high-performance players.

The union’s long-term ambition, he added, is to see more Tanzanian golfers successfully compete at regional, continental, international and Olympic level.

He also urged golf clubs across the country to continue investing in junior programmes and creating opportunities for young people to discover, learn and enjoy the sport.

The Morogoro tournament was held under the theme ‘Young Talent, Bright Futures,’ reflecting the organisers’ focus on developing the next generation of Tanzanian golfers.

For the young competitors, the event offered more than an opportunity to win trophies.

It provided a platform to test their skills against their peers, develop sportsmanship and build friendships while gaining experience in tournament conditions.

Kasiga described the future of Tanzanian golf as bright and encouraged all stakeholders to continue working together to ensure that the country’s emerging talent receives the support and opportunities needed to progress. ‘Congratulations once again to everyone involved. The future of Tanzanian golf is bright, and it starts with our juniors,’ he said.

Dodoma. City and municipal authorities have been given two weeks to improve environmental cleanliness as the government steps up efforts to address waste management and other urban challenges.

The Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office- Regional Administration and Local Government (PMO-RALG), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, issued the directive on Monday, September 7, 2026.

He said the special two-week campaign should focus on improving cleanliness and addressing environmental problems affecting residents.

The directive follows President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s call issued on September 2, 2026, for improved cleanliness in cities.

Prof Shemdoe issued the directive during a meeting with regional and local government leaders from Dodoma, Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Arusha, and Tanga.

He also directed all local authorities to prepare plans for collecting and processing solid and sludge waste, stressing that the plans must be submitted to his office.

The move puts waste management at the centre of the clean-up campaign.

It also requires councils to show how they will manage waste beyond the two-week exercise.

Noise pollution

Prof Shemdoe also ordered authorities to take action against noise pollution.

He directed councils to work with the National Environment Management Council (Nemc) and the Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (Brela) to address noise from entertainment venues.

He cited Kinondoni Municipality as an area facing a significant challenge.

Regional authorities were also directed to work with the Ministry of Home Affairs and regional police commanders to address excessive noise from vehicles and motorcycles.

The focus will include vehicles fitted with modified exhaust systems.

Public spaces

The minister also ordered a review of public open spaces that were allocated by the government but have since been occupied by permanent structures.

Regional authorities will conduct the review in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands.

Prof Shemdoe said his office would follow up on implementation.

Kinondoni Municipality was also directed to develop a strategy to stop street vending in informal areas.

‘The municipality must identify formal trading areas where petty traders can operate,’ he directed.

Prof Shemdoe said environmental cleanliness should become a permanent responsibility rather than an occasional campaign.

He directed authorities to make cleanliness a standing agenda item in meetings at village, ward, council, district, and regional levels.

He also directed the PMO-RALG Permanent Secretary to develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for environmental cleanliness.

The indicators will be used to measure and compare the performance of councils, municipalities, and cities.

The approach is intended to make local authorities more accountable for results.

Prof Shemdoe directed the leaders to submit implementation reports after two weeks.

The immediate test will be whether the campaign produces visible improvements and whether those improvements can be sustained after the deadline.