Category: The Citizen

Kahama. A S.

8 billion rainwater harvesting and filtration project jointly funded by Barrick Buzwagi and the government is set to significantly improve water availability in Kahama Municipality, marking a major step towards resolving the area’s long-standing water shortages. Currently under construction in Mwendakulima Ward, the project will collect, treat and distribute rainwater, providing a sustainable and alternative water source for the fast-growing municipality.

Once completed, it will supply up to 10 million litres of clean and safe water per day, reaching more than 66 per cent of Kahama’s residents. Authorities say the project is one of the most notable investments that will remain after the Buzwagi mine, now in its closure phase, completes its shutdown.

It is expected to reduce pressure on existing water infrastructure and stabilise supply for domestic and economic activities. During an inspection tour of the site, Mwendakulima Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Kahama Municipality, Shaban Mikongoti, said the initiative marks a transformative shift for the community.

“This investment will greatly reduce the persistent challenge of accessing reliable and safe water. It will improve the quality of life for our residents, support local businesses and enhance public health,” he said.

Mikongoti noted that the project is part of wider development efforts supported by government and partners, adding that the construction and operation phases will also create employment opportunities for young people. He urged the youth to take advantage of jobs emerging around the Buzwagi economic zone and called on investors to prioritise hiring young people from Kahama, particularly for non-skilled roles.

Barrick Buzwagi representative Tito Jonathan said the company, operating in partnership with the government through Twiga Minerals, remains committed to supporting efforts to ensure communities access clean and safe water. .

The Tanzanian music industry is facing an unprecedented moment of tension as fan boycotts of local artistes continue to grow. At the centre of the debate is Francis Antony Ciza, popularly known as Majjizo, CEO of EFM and TV E, who has publicly urged fans to reconsider their actions, warning that prolonged disengagement could threaten the industry’s stability.

Since the October 29 “Curfew” incident, several high-profile artistes, including Diamond Platnumz, have reportedly lost followers due to online movements criticising them for remaining silent during political or social disputes. Majjizo expresses deep concern, emphasising the potential long-term consequences for the sector.

“What worries me is that this platform may fail, and in the future, politicians might thrive because we agreed not to support Tanzanian music. This is a very serious statement,” Majjizo says during a discussion with music stakeholders and fans.

He highlights the broader economic stakes, noting that the music industry employs a significant number of young people. “When we say we don’t support Tanzanian music, we are indirectly saying we don’t support Tanzanian youth,” he explains.

Majjizo calls for dialogue to bridge the gap between artists and fans, citing independent musicians who have already felt the effects of the boycott. “The effects are already showing.

Artists have slowed down production because of threats, and fans may not even realise the damage caused. Not supporting a video can cost hundreds of jobs,” he says.

Fans Speak Out: Calls for Accountability and Responsibility Despite Majjizo’s appeal, some fans express pointed criticism, arguing that the industry’s failures must also be acknowledged. “Kaka Majizzo, Very well said, but one-sided.

From my perspective, you are speaking on a side most citizens don’t want to hear. The benefits and losses you mention mostly affect your industry directly, while the impact on ordinary people is much smaller, because most of our artists don’t know how to give back to the community,” one fan comments.

Fans highlight several concerns, emphasising accountability, fairness, and social responsibility: “Artists must admit when they have seriously erred and always stand on the side of justice. No one is opposing their political choices, but we question why some use their influence to mislead or harm society instead of educating and uplifting it.

Accepting payment to suppress issues that are clearly unjust is unacceptable.” “Artists should remember that their positions exist because fans supported them.

Using fame or power to undermine fairness earns no respect, even if it seems unnoticed. They should reflect on why even fans from neighbouring countries are turning away and consider the ethical implications of profiting from unfair practices.

Before speaking to the public, artists must remember their societal role, learn from global examples, and understand the responsibility that comes with their influence.” The Boycott’s Impact on the Industry The consequences of the boycott have already become tangible.

For nearly two weeks, no major concerts or music shows have been announced, creating an unusual silence in an otherwise vibrant calendar. New releases have struggled, with view counts and streaming numbers falling below typical levels.

Industry insiders report that some musicians have postponed or cancelled releases, citing “unpredictable fan behaviour” and market uncertainty. Even studio sessions scheduled for November and early December were halted.

This slowdown is affecting the entire creative ecosystem–from video directors and dancers to sound engineers, stylists, and digital marketers–highlighting the interconnected nature of Tanzania’s music industry. As the debate continues, Majjizo’s appeal serves as a reminder of the fragile balance between artists and fans.

While some argue for accountability and social responsibility, others stress the importance of support for a sector that sustains thousands of livelihoods. The question remains: can Tanzanian music navigate this crisis and rebuild trust with its audience? .

The story of Pilot Abeid Soka is a testament to determination, a real-life example of how sheer will can align with the universe to grant you what you want, but only through pure grit, hustle, and ambition. The Chinese have a saying: ‘The best time to plant a tree was a hundred years ago; the next best time is now.

‘ Soka’s professional life has always revolved around tourism as a tour guide, walking around the Serengeti plains, but deep in his heart, he knew he was meant to fly. While other pilots will cage you in an iron bird for the duration of your flight, Pilot Soka lets your eyes soar high and watch the sunrise while the herd of elephants roam through the Serengeti plains.

For the last 17 years, he has been a safari hot air balloon pilot, with numerous journeys under his belt and lots of adventures treasured in his heart. Evidently, he and his colleagues continue to cement their place in Tanzania’s ever-diversifying tourism sector.

Pilot Abeid Soka They are still in celebratory mode; they are just coming from the World Travel Awards in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where they won World’s Leading Balloon Ride Company 2025. Behind the scenes are hard-working hours that Tanzanians like Soka dedicate to their craft. Which will rarely be noticed or acknowledged.

But it is something that he wakes up to every morning, knowing he is living a dream he worked so hard for. What would make a Tanzanian local tour operator outshine the rest across the globe? Soka affirms that their experience accumulated over 35 years of flying hot air balloons in Tanzania.

It’s a norm to hear of Tanzanians flying aircraft; Air Tanzania has a substantial number of those, but local balloon pilots are somewhat of an anomaly. Soka, by then a notable safari guide, would normally take his clients to ride in the hot air balloons after they had completed their safaris in the national parks.

The balloon company would, occasionally, offer the safari guides a spot to fly alongside their clients. “When I took my first ride, I was hooked,” he remembers.

That was the start of his journey in pursuit of one day not only being a passenger but also steering the balloon to the skies. Being on the first balloon ride is mind-blowing, to say the least.

You watch yourself elevated above the trees, and suddenly the Serengeti is below your feet, so are its wild beasts and lush environment. While one is expected to be fixated on the scenery, on his first flight, Soka had his eyes on the operator and how he was navigating the balloon.

He kept his eyes on his hand movements every step of the way, and he kept absorbing what was happening, oblivious to the beautiful picturesque everyone was mesmerised by. Pilot Abeid Soka Subsequently, he would go on a search to find how he could study to become a balloon pilot, initially hitting a snag because no Tanzanian institution offered such studies.

When he hit the wall, he boldly sought after the Balloon Safari’s owner and asked him if he could help in finding a place to learn how to fly. Additionally, he asked if the owner could provide him with a scholarship.

A request that would take him 3 years of persistently knocking on his door before he would realise that Soka was not the one to give up, and he was determined to learn the trade. His first training took him to Tuscany in Italy, a hot air balloon enthusiast’s paradise due to its convenient weather.

There, he enrolled in a British-owned institution, and after three months of vigorous training, he acquired his British private hot-air balloon pilot licence in 2007. He came back home to Tanzania. Upon his return, he would ride along with experienced pilots and watch what they were doing, sharpening his skills.

After a few months, he felt confident enough to then go study for a commercial licence, which took him to the state of California in the United States. Training at the airport and Temecula Valley towards the end of 2007. The hot air balloon pilot training requires a strong science subject background; one has to have a good command of English, with a background in mathematics, geography and physics, of which Soka excelled.

Fear of heights is not within Soka; he actually finds his peace when he is up in the sky. “That’s my passion; I can go as high as the oxygen is available in the sky,” he said.

“Most people who say they have a fear of heights, it’s because they have never tried getting a ride in a hot air balloon, but when they do, all that fear goes away,” he attested. Pilot Soka describes a hot air balloon ride as the most peaceful mode of safari rides.

The aerial perspective of the wildlife and the Serengeti is nothing like anything you see when trekking on the ground. Unlike the ground safari, balloon rides are designed to offer a different kind of exploration, seeking wildlife, which is often found, but it’s a bonus.

The rides are more for a panoramic view, a scenic feast for the eyes. The whole journey experience as you leave the ground is what tourists go for; from the vegetation, the hills, mountains, woodlands and the sunrise in Serengeti, it guarantees one to have an exceptionally good day for the 40-60 minutes you spend in the air.

Although pilots would on occasion navigate the hot air balloon as low as 200 feet above ground, so that tourists could see the wildlife a little bit closer. Soka said they have the utmost respect for wildlife and to stay as far as possible so as not to disrupt their lives.

“We give the animals a good distance, from 200 to 500 feet, so that clients can take photos but not at the cost of the animals’ well-being,” he added. The balloon lowers so that they can recognise the animals and soak in the moment, but not put animals or the client in any danger.

For the millions of tourists who flock to Tanzania to visit its numerous national parks and beaches and even climb Kilimanjaro, Soka urges you to use this relatively environmentally friendly mode of transportation. That typically uses propane as fuel, which burns cleanly and produces minimal emissions.

“Try climbing into a hot air balloon because you have no idea what you are missing. Whoever goes on a balloon flight will never stop doing it, I guarantee that,” he affirmed.

Regardless of one’s height or weight, a hot air balloon is for everyone; there are balloons for 8, 12 and 16 seaters, with all calculations done to consider takeoff mass. The flights are conducted with the utmost care and adherence to strict flight regulations to ensure smooth operations and maximum enjoyment for all onboard.

For those planning to visit Tanzania, Soka said any time of the year Serengeti is amazing and a balloon ride will be equally enjoyable. “In Serengeti, we have animals throughout the year, 365 days a year; this is their home,” he said.

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Kilosa. Farmers in Kilosa District have received different items ranging from motorcycles and bicycles to smartphones and solar panels after embracing digital payments in the agriculture sector.

The awards were presented as part of the “Vuna na Mixx” campaign, which promotes the use of the digital payments. Kilosa District Commissioner Shaka Hamdu Shaka, who was joined by government officials, AMCOS leaders, agricultural stakeholders and representatives from Yas and Mixx, hailed the company for its continued innovation in digital financial services, saying the platform had strengthened efficiency and transparency in agriculture.

“Statistics clearly show that Kilosa plays a critical role in Tanzania’s food production. More than 75 percent of our population depends on agriculture, producing over 400,000 tonnes annually.

Mixx by Yas has added value to this chain by providing secure payment systems and services that empower farmers,” he said. He called on farmers to continue using digital payment solutions to minimise losses, avoid long trips to payment centres and enhance transparency in their transactions.

Mr Shaka added that the government would continue to collaborate with private-sector partners such as Mixx and Yas to lift productivity, address market and input challenges and strengthen the agricultural economy. Mixx North Coast zonal business manager, Anwar Kisesa, said the campaign was introduced to recognise farmers who have been leading in the use of the platform to receive their payments safely and on time.

“What we are doing today goes beyond giving out prizes. We are demonstrating that farmers are the engine of the economy of Kilosa and Tanzania at large.

Digital payments through Mixx have enhanced transparency, reduced congestion and enabled farmers to receive their money instantly,” he said. Mr Kisesa noted that more than 6,000 Mixx agents in Morogoro Region have earned income through transaction commissions, while the government continues to collect revenue through digital payment taxes.

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Kahama. A S.

8 billion rainwater harvesting and filtration project jointly funded by Barrick Buzwagi and the government is set to significantly improve water availability in Kahama Municipality, marking a major step towards resolving the area’s long-standing water shortages. Currently under construction in Mwendakulima Ward, the project will collect, treat and distribute rainwater, providing a sustainable and alternative water source for the fast-growing municipality.

Once completed, it will supply up to 10 million litres of clean and safe water per day, reaching more than 66 per cent of Kahama’s residents. Authorities say the project is one of the most notable investments that will remain after the Buzwagi mine, now in its closure phase, completes its shutdown.

It is expected to reduce pressure on existing water infrastructure and stabilise supply for domestic and economic activities. During an inspection tour of the site, Mwendakulima Ward Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Kahama Municipality, Shaban Mikongoti, said the initiative marks a transformative shift for the community.

“This investment will greatly reduce the persistent challenge of accessing reliable and safe water. It will improve the quality of life for our residents, support local businesses and enhance public health,” he said.

Mikongoti noted that the project is part of wider development efforts supported by government and partners, adding that the construction and operation phases will also create employment opportunities for young people. He urged the youth to take advantage of jobs emerging around the Buzwagi economic zone and called on investors to prioritise hiring young people from Kahama, particularly for non-skilled roles.

Barrick Buzwagi representative Tito Jonathan said the company, operating in partnership with the government through Twiga Minerals, remains committed to supporting efforts to ensure communities access clean and safe water. .

Arusha. The High Court has sentenced Hamis Shija to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his pregnant wife, Diana John, and their child, Yakobo Hamis, in a case described as horrific and cruel.

Court documents show that Hamis slit his wife’s throat with a machete, then cut open her stomach with a razor blade, and removed their twin foetuses. He told the court that a traditional healer had convinced him that his wife was bewitching him and blocking his chances of becoming wealthy.

The court also heard that he boiled parts of one foetus in a pot. He later killed his son, Yakobo, by slitting his throat.

The murders occurred on January 28 and 29, 2024, at Misangi Village in Uyogo Ward, Urambo District, Tabora Region. Delivering the judgment, High Court Judge Zaiban Mango said the evidence left no doubt that Hamis committed the offences.

He was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging. Hamis was charged before the High Court, Tabora Sub-Registry, with two counts of murder contrary to sections 196 and 197 of the Penal Code.

The prosecution told the court that Diana was the accused’s wife and Yakobo their child. It presented 12 witnesses and five exhibits, while the accused testified as the sole defence witness.

Although there were no eyewitnesses to the killings, the prosecution relied on circumstantial evidence and the accused’s confessions. Witnesses who saw the bodies confirmed that both victims had deep cuts.

A key witness, Elisha Paulo–the accused’s stepson–recounted the events of January 27 and 28. He testified that the accused, his mother and Yakobo slept in the bedroom, while he and another child, Sumbu, slept on the veranda. He said the accused returned home late that night but did not wake him to open the door as usual.

The next morning, Elisha heard groaning from the bedroom. The accused later emerged alone.

Diana did not come out, and the children were barred from entering the room. Elisha said the accused admitted to killing their mother, citing a misunderstanding.

Later that evening, Elisha found Yakobo dead on the bed with a neck wound, while Diana lay on the floor. He testified that he saw the accused boiling what appeared to be meat, and was asked to collect the fat in a bottle because it was “rare and valuable.

” The accused then instructed him to help bury Diana’s body outside the house. Relatives later arrived at the home, but the accused refused to let the children out.

Villagers eventually forced the door open and rescued them. Hamis denied killing his family, claiming he had travelled to Mnande in Kaliua and returned to find the bodies.

He alleged that armed villagers had frightened him and that he locked himself inside to protect the children. Judge Mango ruled that Elisha’s testimony, corroborated by other witnesses, provided strong circumstantial evidence linking the accused to the killings.

The court also accepted an additional police statement in which Hamis confessed to the murders, claiming he believed his family practised witchcraft. The judge ruled that the defence had failed to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case and sentenced Hamis to death by hanging.

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align–justifyDar es Salaam. The government has announced a far-reaching human resource audit across the public sector, marking one of the most comprehensive workforce evaluations in recent years as Tanzania accelerates its digital shift to improve efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.

align–justifySpeaking during a press briefing on December 12, 2025, the Minister of State in the President’s Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance), Mr Ridhiwani Kikwete, said the audit aims to identify skills gaps, rationalise staffing needs, and align the public workforce with national development goals. align–justify”The government is conducting a wide assessment of public servants with the aim of identifying the current human resource needs within the public service,” he said.

align–justifyHe added that the initiative responds directly to the ruling party’s directives to strengthen accountability, modernise work systems, and enhance productivity in the public sector. align–justifyMr Kikwete linked the audit to broader national aspirations under the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which calls for a public sector capable of catalysing economic growth, spurring innovation, and generating new opportunities for young people.

align–justify”Dira 2050 has directed that priority sectors should have the capacity to generate their own employment and stimulate job creation in other sectors,” he explained. align–justifyHe noted that the government has also been tasked with increasing employment opportunities for young people, raising incomes, reducing poverty, and ensuring that at least 8.

5 million jobs are created by 2030. align–justifyTo support this agenda, the government issued 41,500 new job permits in the 2025/26 financial year, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s pledge of 12,000 new positions–5,000 in the health sector and 7,000 in science and mathematics education, in her 100 days in office. align–justify”These positions are being filled through an open and competitive process as required by policy,” he said, noting that shortlisting had been completed and that interviews begin on December 13 across all regions and Zanzibar.

align–justifyA major milestone in the recruitment overhaul is the introduction of the Online Aptitude Test System (OATS), which will conduct screening examinations electronically in universities, VETA institutions, and secondary schools equipped with computer laboratories. align–justify”This is meant to ensure that the interviews are conducted for all qualified candidates on time and efficiently,” Mr Kikwete said.

align–justifyHe urged applicants to monitor their ‘Ajira Portal’ accounts to confirm their interview centres, adding that successful candidates will receive their appointment letters through the same platform from January 2026. align–justifyTo strengthen citizen engagement and improve feedback loops, the government has upgraded the ‘e-Mrejesho’ platform, which now includes a new “Speak to a Leader” feature that allows citizens to send comments, complaints, or compliments directly to ministers, regional commissioners, district commissioners, or heads of public institutions. align–justify”All citizens will be able to submit feedback directly to a leader and receive responses via SMS,” he said.

He further noted that the information collected “will be analysed for the purpose of improving services provided to the public,” with a more user-friendly mobile app on the way. align–justifyAnother key reform is the ‘Government Service Directory (GSD)’, a digital tool that consolidates information about public services such as requirements, costs, locations, and complaint procedures.

align–justifyThe system, Mr Kikwete said, is designed to align with the expectations of Tanzania’s increasingly digital-savvy youth. align–justifySo far, 84 percent of public servants and 93 percent of public institutions have adopted the accompanying performance management system, ‘e-Utendaji’, formerly PEPMIS/PIPMIS.

align–justify”This step has enabled the government to identify the level of performance among public servants and institutions on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, half-year, and annual basis,” he noted. align–justifyMr Kikwete also emphasised the government’s plan to intensify leadership and ethics training for ministers, deputy ministers, and senior officials.

align–justify”As this office has the responsibility to enhance excellence within the public service, we will continue offering training to ensure that we build a productive and high-quality public service,” he said. align–justifyAnti-corruption and governance reforms align–justifyHe reiterated that institutions such as the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) are scaling up the use of digital systems to curb corruption hotspots, seal revenue leakages, and reinforce ethical governance between 2025 and 2030. align–justifyMr Kikwete stressed that the ongoing reforms, in auditing, digital transformation, ethics, training, and citizen engagement, reflect a government intent on building a modern public service aligned with Tanzania’s 2050 ambitions.

align–justify”All these actions demonstrate the government’s strong commitment to creating a public service that is efficient, accountable, and grounded in the principles of good governance,” he said. align–justifyHe added that Vision 2050 aspires to have more than 80 percent of government services delivered digitally by 2050, ensuring greater convenience, transparency, and responsiveness for all citizens.

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Dar es Salaam. Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) has intensified efforts to secure local and international research grants to strengthen scientific work that underpins improved specialised healthcare delivery nationwide.

MNH Executive Director Dr Delilah Kimambo made the remarks on Friday, December 12, 2025, during the launch of a new journal featuring a broad range of studies generated at the country’s top referral facility. She said the hospital’s long-term goal is to ensure research outcomes directly shape national health policies, enhance clinical training, and guide the development of medical technologies adapted to Tanzania’s priorities.

She emphasised that investment in research capacity is essential for the country to respond to emerging health challenges. “We cannot establish or advance superspecialised services without research.

For example, we would not introduce kidney transplant services unless evidence showed high patient demand,” she said. To achieve this, Dr Kimambo said MNH is broadening its research proposals to attract funding for studies aimed at identifying key public health gaps, strengthening evidence-based care, and expanding highly specialised services.

She stressed that research does more than improve clinical practice; it also provides policymakers with dependable data to inform the evolution of treatment while advancing the skills of health professionals. According to her, internal MNH studies have led to major gains in intensive care, oncology, cardiology, maternal and child health, and specialised surgical interventions.

Institutions including the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), and the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) were established after research identified critical shortages in specialised services. She noted that modern innovations such as day-care chemotherapy, advanced diagnostics, and minimally invasive surgery were adopted based on evidence demonstrating their safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

She said these innovations reflect MNH’s commitment to delivering services that are patient-centred and aligned with global medical standards, ensuring equitable access to treatment. “No one wants to stay in hospital unnecessarily.

Our research has helped scale up interventional procedures that shorten admissions and improve recovery,” she said. Dr Kimambo also underscored MNH’s role in shaping national health strategies.

Research from the hospital revealed that many patients previously treated at MNH could have been managed at regional and district facilities. This evidence prompted increased government investment in lower-level hospitals, enabling MNH to focus mainly on specialised and superspecialised care.

She added that MNH will continue cultivating partnerships at home and abroad to build expertise, attract more funding, and support clinical trials aligned with African health priorities. MNH Public Health Specialist, Mr Anord Nyanana, who conducted a study on cooking-related burn injuries and safe liquefied petroleum gas use in Dar es Salaam, said research is vital for transforming the health sector.

“After observing growing numbers of patients admitted with burns linked to cooking gas, I undertook a study to help improve service quality, enhance professional skills, strengthen policies, and introduce modern services that reach more people,” he said. .

Kilolo. The Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Mr Reuben Kwagilwa, has suspended six officials of the Kilolo District Council over alleged financial mismanagement in the construction of Lugalo Girls’ Secondary School.

Speaking during a visit to Kilolo on December 12, 2025 Mr Kwagilwa said preliminary assessments had uncovered major irregularities in the management of funds and overall implementation of the project, prompting the government to take disciplinary action. “Reports show that Kilolo District is struggling to implement development projects, especially in education and health.

Today I have not inspected health projects, but I have inspected this secondary school,” he said. He directed the PMORALG Permanent Secretary to suspend the District Finance Officer and the District Internal Auditor pending investigation, and ordered the formation of a ministerial probe team to audit the project’s finances within 14 days.

Other officials affected by the directive include the District Education Officer (Secondary), the District Academic Officer (Secondary), the District Education Officer (Primary) and the District Academic Officer (Primary). They have been reassigned to new duties away from the project’s supervision.

Mr Kwagilwa stressed that the government would not tolerate misuse of public funds, particularly in education projects intended to improve learning environments for girls. He instructed the Kilolo District Council to ensure a comprehensive investigation is conducted and that a full report is submitted within 14 days for further action.

Providing context on funding, he noted that similar girls’ school projects in other regions had been completed using the same allocation of S.7 billion, yet Kilolo continued to face challenges despite receiving additional support.

Earlier, Lugalo Girls’ Secondary School Headmistress, Naja Msokwa, said the school–located in Lugalo Ward, Mbigili Village–has the capacity to accommodate 960 students from Form One to Form Six. It currently enrols 351 students: 125 in Form One and 226 in Forms Five and Six, specialising in PCM and PCB combinations.

“The primary objective of this project is to expand access to science education for girls,” she said. Construction of the school’s infrastructure has so far cost S.

7 billion, of which S.45 billion was provided by the Central Government, and Sh250 million sourced from the council’s own revenues.

Ms Msokwa added that the project had faced several challenges, including rising construction costs and unstable soil conditions that required deeper foundations than those outlined in the original PMORALG Bill of Quantities. The Lugalo Girls’ Secondary School project is among the flagship initiatives of the Sixth-Phase Government, aimed at expanding educational opportunities for girls and addressing long-standing barriers related to distance and access in the Iringa Region.

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Dar es Salaam. Leaders across political and institutional spheres are being urged to avoid surrounding themselves with bootlickers who offer only praise, even when leaders are clearly in the wrong.

Such flattery can mislead, weaken decision-making, and ultimately derail progress. This was said yesterday by Deputy Minister in the President’s Office Public Service Management and Good Governance, Ms Regina Qwaray, during the launch of the Emerging Leaders Programme in Dar es Salaam.

“True leadership requires the courage to listen to uncomfortable truths. While many political leaders prefer hearing only what gratifies them, real leaders welcome honest feedback, even when it challenges their assumptions.

Bootlickers may bring comfort, but they do not bring growth,” she said. She stressed that in the 21st century, leaders must embrace continuous learning.

“To meet our responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to national development, we must work diligently and patriotically, aligning our efforts with the nation’s priorities and safeguarding its interests. Building a sense of patriotism in our youth is essential for long-term progress” Further she said effective leadership also begins with self-awareness.

Recognize your strengths, understand your weaknesses, and use that understanding to navigate institutional environments wisely. She said leaders must regularly evaluate their actions, identify gaps in their performance, and develop a personal growth plan to address them.

“Change is constant. Leaders who cling to the mindset of the 1990s while leading followers in the 2000s will inevitably fall behind.

Growth, adaptability, and humility are not optional they are the standards of modern leadership.” In another development, she underscored that Tanzania’s ambition to become a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2050 will only be achieved through effective planning, strong strategies, and a capable, motivated workforce.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Minister emphasized that leadership transformation is at the heart of the nation’s development journey, especially as Tanzania continues to implement major frameworks including the SDGs 2030, Agenda 2063, and Tanzania Development Vision 2050. She noted that preparing the next generation of leaders is not only a national responsibility but a necessity in today’s rapidly changing world. She said the Emerging Leaders Training Programme developed in partnership with Finland, HAUS, and the Uongozi Institute was lauded as a crucial initiative for building leadership capacity in Tanzania and across Africa.

The Deputy Minister thanked the partners for contributing to a programme that will strengthen the nation’s ability to deliver quality services and meet citizens’ expectations. “I encourage participants to embrace three key practices to recognize your strengths and weaknesses for self-assessment is essential for effective leadership development, develop a personal development Plan because leaders must dedicate time to improving their areas of weakness, using tools such as coaching and peer-coaching.

” She called on them to commit to continuous learning citing futurist Alvin Toffler, and urged leaders to learn, unlearn, and relearn to stay relevant and avoid becoming barriers to progress. The Deputy Minister congratulated the selected participants, urging them to tackle challenges collaboratively and base their decisions on evidence and careful analysis.

She expressed confidence that the programme would inspire positive behavioural and leadership changes across the public service. Uongozi Institute, Chief Executive Officer, Kadari Singo said the training develops a growth mindset that fosters resilience and flexibility in uncertainties.

“The training helps participants become great communicators who can inspire change, elps participants understand how organization of culture can hinder or promote success, helps participants build confidence and realize their full potential” .