Category: The Citizen

Unguja. The NCCR-Mageuzi presidential candidate for Zanzibar, Ms Laila Rajab Khamis, has pledged to tackle unemployment, enhance healthcare provisions, and significantly boost trade across the islands if elected.

Ms Khamis made the declaration on Friday, October 3, 2025, during the official launch of the party’s campaign at the Nego Kibanda Maiti Grounds in the Mjini Magharibi Region. Acknowledging the incumbent government’s existing achievements, Ms Khamis stated that the NCCR ticket intended to deliver far greater progress.

“If we come to power, we shall ensure health services improve and that Zanzibari children are educated to become champions,” she affirmed. She emphasised that employment goes beyond mere job creation, extending to improved remuneration.

“We shall employ citizens within their own areas and increase salaries by 80 percent,” she promised. Ms Khamis addressed the persistent unemployment crisis, stating that the NCCR Mageuzi government would construct numerous factories to eliminate the problem.

“We urge you to vote for us so you may witness the great things we shall achieve once we assume office,” she stated. She pledged that, if elected, she would establish Unguja’s finest market and reinstate crucial loans for traders within her first 100 days in office.

“Mothers, this shall mark the end of your struggles. I will establish a large market here at Kibanda Maiti, unlike anything seen previously, where every trader can bring their goods in their own vehicles,” said Ms Khamis.

Earlier, the party’s running mate for the Union presidency, Ms Eveline Munisi, stated their central goal is to introduce reforms across all sectors in Tanzania. Ms Munisi argued that Zanzibar is economically wealthy, yet its populace does not reap the full benefits.

“Zanzibar has extensive fisheries, but no one benefits. We have come to bring change; we shall provide modern boats for all fishermen,” she declared.

Ms Munisi confirmed the party plans to build an inclusive economy to ensure unemployment is no longer a grievance among Zanzibari youth. “Tourism is performing well, but youth do not benefit.

We shall ensure inclusive growth so that young people gain. The education you possess is sufficient; you should not struggle further.

NCCR-Mageuzi is here to end your complaints,” she stressed. She added that no investment would proceed without significant youth participation, guaranteeing that no future grievances arise.

The party would also empower women by granting them the necessary loans, thereby ending the cycle of exploitative borrowing practices. “When we speak of economic growth, we must view it from the perspective of every Zanzibari, not just as a statistical figure in a report.

When the economy grows, even essential medicines will be provided free of charge,” she maintained. On healthcare, she insisted it is not merely about constructing large physical facilities, but about fundamentally improving service delivery.

“The one party capable of delivering this is only NCCR-Mageuzi. We shall ensure there are sufficient doctors and nurses, and that medicines are readily available in all hospitals,” she confirmed.

Regarding peace, Ms Munisi said they have endeavoured hard to maintain stability, which is why they seek a mandate to organise and improve life for Zanzibaris so that peace endures through the development of a ‘Blue Economy’. “We want to see Zanzibari prosperity for all,” she said.

NCCR’s Deputy Secretary-General in Zanzibar, Mr Ameir Mshindani, said that if elected, they would end the denial of crucial identity cards to rightful Zanzibaris and ensure that local youth are employed in the tourism sector, replacing foreign workers. Deputy Secretary-General for Mainland Tanzania, Mr Martini Mgogo, said their first official agenda is achieving national consensus because currently every group pursues its own distinct agenda.

He stressed that the Union’s existence cannot be merely a single party’s policy, but rather requires agreement through extensive dialogue and genuine consensus. .

Dar es Salaam. As global temperatures rise, new research has found that growing trees alongside crops could protect millions of Tanzanian farmers from the life-threatening health impacts of extreme heat.

The Kisiki Hai Sustainable Heat Adaptation Development (KISHADE) project has produced the first scientific evidence showing that trees within croplands can significantly reduce heat stress among agricultural workers. The study was conducted in four Dodoma Region districts: Chamwino, Bahi, Kongwa, and Mpwapwa, aimed to evaluate heat adaptation interventions to help manage heat’s health effects.

The research is a collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the University of Dar es Salaam, the University of Dodoma, Muhimbili National Hospital, and MetaMeta. The findings, presented on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the sideline meeting of the 12th Tanzania Health Summit, were made possible through the LEAD Foundation.

An internal medicine specialist and Director of Curative Services at Muhimbili National Hospital, Dr Faraja Chiwanga, who leads the project under LEAD, said the aim is to determine whether agroforestry can improve farmers’ health by transforming their immediate environment. “For years, farmers engaged in the Kisiki Hai (Live Stump) programme, which has restored more than 30 million trees across 260,000 households, have reported that trees offer natural cooling.

The KISHADE project is scientifically testing that claim,” she said. Dr Chiwanga noted that the project, the first of its kind in Tanzania, is funded by the Wellcome Trust and seeks to provide concrete data rather than anecdotal evidence on the health benefits of agroforestry.

With over 70 percent of Tanzania’s workforce engaged in agriculture and exposed to extreme outdoor conditions, the study aims to answer a pressing question: Can trees shield farmers from deadly heat? “The need for this research is dire. Farmers are increasingly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as dehydration, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular strain,” said Dr Chiwanga.

“The absence of shade or cooling infrastructure makes heat stress a major obstacle to both well-being and productivity,” she added. Researchers are using innovative tools to gather evidence as farmers are observed in their daily routines while wearing sensors that monitor body temperature and heart rate.

She said urine and blood samples are also analysed to assess long-term health impacts. By comparing data from farmers practising agroforestry with those who do not, and using advanced climate sensors, the team sought to determine precisely how trees help protect health.

Head of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Dar es Salaam and co-researcher, Dr Richard Sambaiga, said community participation was crucial. “Farmers have welcomed the wearable technology, showing strong engagement.

Ethical approvals were secured without difficulty, and the detailed weather data collected in the first phase has laid a solid foundation for the next stages,” he said. He emphasised that community sensitisation and involvement have been central to the project’s early success.

Beyond the immediate findings, KISHADE is also strengthening local capacity by training young Tanzanian researchers in advanced scientific and field methods, ensuring long-term benefits. The project’s outcomes are expected to influence not only farmers but also policymakers, health professionals, and government agencies.

Non-governmental organisations and international partners stand to benefit from new insights into nature-based climate adaptation. At the same time, donors will gain evidence on the value of investing in environmental and health resilience.

The data on microclimates and human health will contribute to global research on planetary health, with lessons applicable in other heat-stressed regions. Farmers are already noticing changes, as Mr Henry Mubi from Kongwa District in Dodoma says, “The heat is unbearable.

It shortens our working hours and makes farming harder.” “We suffer headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.

With fewer working hours, income falls too. But crops planted in shaded areas survive longer during heatwaves,” he added.

An occupational health expert from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Ivan Ivanov, described the research as a landmark effort. “This is a vital contribution to understanding how nature-based solutions can safeguard human health in a warming world,” he said.

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Dar es Salaam. Activists have renewed calls for the government to amend outdated laws, especially aspects of customary law they say underpin much genderbased violence, as cases continue to rise, particularly those facilitated through digital platforms.

The appeal came on Friday, 3 October 2025, from Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF). This occurred during the National Dialogue on Technology-Facilitated Violence and Violence Against Women in Elections.

The dialogue is part of ongoing efforts leading to the global 16 Days of Activism Against GenderBased Violence campaign. The WiLDAF National Coordinator, Ms Anna Kulaya, reiterated the urgent need for legal reforms, noting that activists have long urged the government to review laws that deny women equal rights to property and inheritance.

“For many years, we have been advocating for changes to customary laws that deny women the right to inherit land and other property. This denial has caused psychological violence and, in some cases, discouraged women from seeking political positions due to online harassment,” she said.

She noted that while technology is a powerful tool, it has also become a channel for abuse. Women engaging in public or political life increasingly face offensive messages on social media, which can discourage their participation and harm their mental health.

According to her, the gathering brought together stakeholders to develop concrete recommendations for government consideration. She emphasised the importance of digital literacy and community awareness to ensure technological spaces uphold women’s dignity and rights.

Citing UN Women research, Ms Kulaya revealed that over 80 per cent of women have experienced various forms of violence, including psychological abuse and technologyfacilitated harassment. She urged the government to address stakeholder demands to update laws in line with present challenges.

“There are several laws requiring urgent amendment, such as the Marriage Act. Other countries have enacted specific legislation to tackle genderbased violence.

As technology, including AI, becomes part of daily life, we must act now,” she added. Tanzania Women CrossParty (TWCP) Country Coordinator, Dr AveMaria Semakafu, said online abuse is a serious threat, instilling fear among women and discouraging political and leadership participation.

“For example, a woman may receive abusive messages directly to her phone and, even with clear evidence, fails to obtain justice,” she said. She added that courts sometimes refuse to accept mobile messages as evidence because laws still discriminate against women.

Dr Semakafu said online abuse also occurs within close relationships, where women receive threatening messages from partners or relatives urging them to withdraw from public engagement or leadership. “As a result, many women fear claiming their democratic rights.

Through this platform, we aim to develop a joint resolution that will awaken and engage key stakeholders,” she said. .

Mwanza. The Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC) has pledged that, if granted the mandate to govern, its immediate priority will be to hold accountable all individuals responsible for the massive misappropriation of public funds.

The declaration was made on Friday, October 3, 2024, in Ilemela District, Mwanza Region, during a door-to-door campaign led by ADC National Chairman, Mr Shabani Itutu, who is also the party’s parliamentary candidate for the Ilemela Constituency. Mr Itutu argued that corruption remains the root cause of many challenges facing citizens, including persistent medicine shortages in public hospitals.

He noted that over Sh30 trillion has been lost to misuse and wastage, according to damning reports by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) since 2021. Yet, despite names being disclosed, no legal action has been instituted. “We shall end all theft so that government funds can be used to provide free medical services to citizens.

The CAG has named people implicated, but not one corrupt person has been arrested, while a significant amount remains in the hands of a few,” he said. “That is why ADC insists that if we win the presidency and parliamentary seats, we will arrest all corrupt individuals, imprison them, and recover the stolen money for the direct benefit of Tanzanians,” he added.

The party vowed to ensure that everyone involved in looting public resources would face prompt court action. Mr Itutu stressed that all stolen property would be recovered, even if it had been transferred abroad.

He warned corrupt individuals to prepare to return the stolen money for national development. He further noted that Ilemela suffers serious water shortages, promising that ADC, if elected, would build permanent infrastructure, including storage tanks and robust distribution systems for all wards in the district.

He also pledged to resolve the longstanding land disputes troubling the area. Resident, including Mr Adolph Lwaima, welcomed the door-to-door campaign, stating it allowed voters who cannot attend mass rallies to meet candidates and hear their policies directly.

“For now, I run a shop here. I cannot just leave for a rally unless I hear the news.

But I like this approach; it gives us the chance to listen and see them,” he observed. .

Dar es Salaam. For many families, home is a place of comfort, rest, and unity.

Yet for a growing number of married men, spending long hours indoors has become something they actively avoid. The reason, they say, is simple: when men stay home, the bills rise.

Some men say it feels almost unbelievable that one extra person at home could make such a difference. For them, even small daily routines seem to push expenses higher.

“It’s like one man can turn a small bill into a huge one. When I’m out, life goes on normally.

When I stay home, suddenly the bills go up,” said a ride-hailing driver, Mr Hamisi Ally. For many, it is not only the financial pressure but also the household atmosphere that becomes challenging.

A bank teller, Mr Jackson Mwita, said, “If I stay all day, I argue with my wife over small things, how I sit, how I use the remote, how I talk to the children. It becomes stressful.

” Entrepreneur Hassan Juma said the problem is also about control, “The house is too small for two bosses. I interfere with how my wife runs things or try to discipline the children differently.

That creates clashes. It’s better to give each other space.

” Women, however, insist that men’s complaints are often exaggerated. A secretary and mother of one, Ms Neema John, said, “My husband says bills rise when he stays home, but sometimes it’s because I suggest we go out together.

Sunday trips or lunch outings increase expenses, but isn’t that part of family life?” A mother of three, Ms Fatuma Kweka, added, “When their father is home, the children want outings, treats, and attention. That should not be seen as a problem, just part of parenting.

” Nurse Esther Rudolf argued that men often use bills as an excuse to avoid responsibilities. “We also stretch the budget when he is home, but it’s because we want to do things as a family,” she said, adding that if women avoided home for the same reason, marriages would suffer.

Electrician Neema Mohamed pointed out a communication gap. “He says arguments increase, yet refuses to talk calmly.

Avoiding home doesn’t solve anything,” she explained. Psychologist, Dr Grace Gidion, said financial concerns are only part of the story.

“Men feel pressure from bills, but what they express is also stress about family expectations,” she said, adding that unresolved conflicts amplify anxiety. “When men avoid home, it can create emotional distance.

Even if they are physically elsewhere, women feel abandoned emotionally, which can lead to resentment. They want support and companionship, but the focus on bills overshadows these needs,” she said.

She emphasised that couples must openly discuss financial and emotional responsibilities. “A balanced home is one where both men and women share duties and recognise that emotional presence matters as much as financial contribution,” she said.

While bills may increase when fathers are present, experts say the real cost of staying away is emotional. Couples who learn to navigate both finances and family time find that shared presence strengthens bonds, builds memories, and teaches children the value of togetherness.

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Dodoma. “In my first 100 days as a Member of Parliament, there will be major changes in land matters in Mtumba Constituency.

People will appreciate this because land must be owned legally, not just claimed visually.” This is the promise from the CCM parliamentary candidate for Mtumba Constituency, Mr Anthony Mavunde, made on Saturday, October 4, 2025. He said these changes will happen if voters elect Samia Suluhu Hassan as President, he wins the parliamentary seat, and all 20 wards in the constituency have CCM councillors.

Mtumba Constituency, comprising 20 wards and 101 streets, was created from Dodoma Constituency, which previously had 41 wards and 222 neighbourhoods. Mtumba was named in honour of the Government City, home to ministries and institutions.

The wards forming Mtumba are Msalato, Makutupora, Chihanga, Hombolo Bwawani, Hombolo Makulu, Ipala, Chahwa, Mtumba, Ihumwa, and Nzuguni. Others are Ipagala, K/Ndege, Miyuji, Makole, Viwandani, Tambukareli, Dodoma Makulu, Iyumbu, and Nghong’ona.

The constituency lies in the eastern part of Dodoma City and hosts several key government institutions, including Parliament, the University of Dodoma (UDOM), Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, the Defence Forces Headquarters, and the Msalato International Airport. In an interview on Saturday, October 4, 2025, Mr Mavunde says his vision is driven by concern for the lives of residents and a strong desire to make Mtumba a model constituency for the nation, with improved living conditions.

Regarding representation, he says he served well when the constituency was larger and sees no reason he should lose now that it is smaller, promising committed service to the people and effectively addressing their problems. He calls on voters to start on October 29, 2025, by supporting President Hassan for the presidency, saying she has led positive developments in Dodoma and will drive further progress in Mtumba.

Land sector Mr Mavunde describes the land sector as a major challenge for residents but says he has never been silent on it and will not remain so. He says he has worked to reduce past disputes, noting that land allocation was a major problem.

His solution includes relocating land officers closer to residents, a project already underway in some areas with disputes. Education sector He pledges to continue what has been started by building more primary and secondary schools, ensuring children have closer access to education.

He promises to purchase photocopy machines to relieve parents and guardians of weekly contributions on Saturdays, which have become a burden. He also promises to install model student seating in schools, facilities not yet found anywhere else in Tanzania.

Health sector Mtumba has four health centres, but Mr Mavunde says more are needed to bring services closer to residents. At the long-standing Makole Health Centre, he says multi-storey buildings will be constructed to expand and upgrade the facility.

He promises to accelerate the building of dispensaries where needed and to improve existing ones to meet modern standards. He stresses his contribution to health services, noting that during his five years in Parliament, he deployed doctors to the constituency, offered free eye care, and distributed more than 5,000 spectacles.

Water services Due to Dodoma’s water shortage, Mr Mavunde says he has petitioned the President for a programme to drill wells in the outskirts of the city, a move he says will bring “good changes.” He cites the drilling of wells in Nzuguni A as an example and says water infrastructure is being completed in many areas of Mtumba so residents can soon stop complaining.

He calls on voters to turn out in large numbers for CCM, promising “good things are coming.” He says water distribution will not wait until November, with experts already working to ensure continued benefits under CCM leadership.

Mr Mavunde promises that within five years of his tenure, a vegetable market will be built in Ihumwa Ward to reduce congestion and costs for residents who now travel to the city centre for trade. The market will serve young farmers from Ihumwa, Nzuguni, Mahomanyika, Mahoma Makulu, Hombolo, and Iyumbu, who currently depend on customers in Dar es Salaam.

He also pledges to revitalise Sabasaba Market by demolishing and rebuilding it so traders can operate freely in a modern environment. He says: “When I spoke about demolition, some politicised it.

I say they may dislike me now, but future generations will remember me, Sabasaba Market will be redeveloped, and no one will lose their place during construction.” He cites improvements at Majengo Market, which initially faced criticism but is now appreciated, and highlights successes at Mavunde Market in Chang’ombe, which he initiated and built.

He says Dodoma City Council has set aside Sh7.6 billion for 10 percent loans for youth, women, and persons with disabilities, but warns voters not to take loans carelessly. “Do not rush in and regret it later.

” Mr Mavunde believes in financial literacy, promising to deploy experts to educate residents before loans are given so people can see the benefits without unnecessary hardship. Mr Mavunde emphasises youth sports, promising to develop the “Mavunde Cup” competition, which has unearthed talent, some of whom now play in the Premier League and First Division.

He says the reduced size of the constituency will allow better competitions, giving more opportunities to young people. Why Samia? He lists five key achievements under the leadership of CCM’s presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is completing her term: the construction of Msalato International Airport, the ring road, health centres and Nala District Hospital, water projects, and infrastructure improvements in the city centre.

He says her speed of work gives him confidence that within five years, Mtumba and Tanzania will make great progress. Tears in public When asked how he felt on May 15, 2025, when the constituency was divided, he recalled the emotional farewell of residents, saying it was difficult to speak openly while seeing people cry, a moment that moved him to tears.

Nonetheless, Mr Mavunde promises to be a good representative and to cooperate with whoever wins the Dodoma Constituency. He also asks voters to choose the CCM parliamentary candidate and councillors.

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On September 20, 2025 the world observed International Clean-Up Day, during which millions of participants removed waste from homes, streets, rivers and forests. For Africa, this occasion represents more than a single celebration; it is a deliberate public-health intervention of particular significance to mothers, children and remote villages where formal refuse-collection services are absent.

Many health ministries concentrate predominantly on clinics, vaccinations and pharmaceuticals. Yet research consistently affirms that health begins in the environments where people live, work and play.

In rural areas, environmental hygiene can determine whether a child survives diarrhoeal disease, whether a pregnant woman reaches a clinic safely and whether a household breathes air free of smoke and dust. Improper waste management, stagnant water and indiscriminate burning of rubbish attract disease-bearing organisms, thereby increasing infections that overstretched rural clinics struggle to treat.

Regular sanitation and careful environmental stewardship remain among the most cost-effective and reliable means of disease prevention. Links between child health and environmental cleanliness Contaminated water and the absence of safe sanitation facilities are principal drivers of diarrhoeal illness, which continues to claim thousands of young lives across Africa each year.

Villages that protect springs, maintain latrines and remove refuse reduce drinking-water contamination and interrupt the cycle of infection that leads to malnutrition and stunting. Vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue proliferate in discarded containers, clogged drains and standing water.

Clean-up campaigns that remove tyres, plastics and stagnant pools diminish mosquito breeding grounds and reduce reliance on costly insecticide spraying. The cessation of open burning limits smoke and harmful airborne particles, thereby lowering respiratory infections among children–one of the leading causes of death after malaria.

Clean air translates to improved school attendance, enhanced cognitive development and reduced medical expenditure. Likewise, the removal of broken glass, rusted metal and hazardous debris from play areas prevents injuries and the risk of tetanus.

Protecting maternal health Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to unhygienic conditions that may cause infections during pregnancy and childbirth. Unsafe water, filth and accumulated waste contribute to sepsis a major cause of maternal mortality in resource-limited settings.

Chronic diseases arising from contaminated water or soil impair nutrient absorption, exacerbate anaemia and endanger both mother and child. Sound sanitation and responsible waste management improve maternal nutrition and foster safer pregnancies.

Even the journey to a clinic can be affected: roads obstructed by refuse or floodwater may delay or prevent timely arrival during labour. Communities that clear drains and maintain water channels enhance maternal safety in transit.

Regular community sanitation reduces disease burdens, lowers the demand for medicines and strengthens mental wellbeing and social cohesion. Residents take pride in a clean environment, which in turn increases community participation and family productivity, as mothers and children avoid illness-related absences from work or school.

Prioritising rural communities Villages, situated near rivers, forests and fertile soils, are particularly susceptible to environmental degradation. In the absence of formal refuse-collection services, households are often compelled to dump or burn waste.

Yet these same villages possess strong social networks that can mobilise collective clean-up efforts. Although such communities contribute minimally to global pollution, they suffer disproportionately from its effects; supporting rural sanitation is therefore a matter of environmental justice.

International and national clean-up days as a catalyst Now formally recognised by the United Nations, national clean-up days provide an opportunity to embed lasting measures: 1. Targeting high-risk areas drains, springs, latrines and domestic dumps.

2. Institutionalising regularity establishing weekly or monthly cleaning schedules to deter pests.

3. Integrating public services coupling clean-up events with immunisation, antenatal care and hygiene education.

4. Empowering women and youth ensuring maternal and child health remains a central priority.

5. Monitoring outcomes tracking cleared breeding sites and reductions in diarrhoeal cases.

Environmental sanitation is not a luxury but a fundamental public-health service. Every village and remote community can use International Clean-Up Day as a springboard for enduring environmental protection, yielding clean water, unblocked drainage, smoke-free air and safe passage for expectant mothers.

When the world bent to sweep away waste on September 20, Africa recognised an opportunity to reduce maternal and child mortality. The most powerful remedy may not be an injection or a tablet, but a broom, a hoe and a shared commitment to maintain environmental cleanliness–every week, not solely on the designated day.

Bryan Toshi Bwana is a Founding Trustee, Umoja Conservation Trust. www.

umojaconservation.org .

You know that song, the one where the songstress is practically screaming over the beat, “Baby, I got one question for you One question, who the $#@and^% is Amanda?” Well, today I’ve got a question too. Not for my man (that one is a blessing, thank you, Lord), but for a special breed of humans we meet every day.

They could be teammates, colleagues, supervisors, or even bosses. Here’s my question: how do you sleep at night knowing you’re the villain in so many people’s life stories? Like seriously do you set an alarm to remind yourself to ruin someone’s day, or does the evil just flow naturally like morning coffee? Let’s call a spade a spade.

You’re the very enemy God told us to love and pray for. You are the reason some poor man wakes up feeling like the office is a mini hell, complete with demons who micromanage.

You’re the reason that brilliant woman has stopped sharing her ideas because you’ve snatched her confidence faster than a boda boda thief in traffic. Whole teams no longer think outside the box because the last four projects they presented died tragically in your hands.

You’ve got blood on your keyboard. And don’t even get me started on travel approvals one poor girl would rather spend her own money than beg you for a signature.

Imagine that being so toxic you turn “official travel” into “soul-destroying odyssey”. Then at 5 PM, you clock out, go home, and eat dinner.

I just want to know, do you chew your food with satisfaction, thinking, “Ah yes, today I crushed three spirits, denied two promotions, and shut down at least one dream. Delicious.

” Or do you sigh, disappointed you didn’t get to ruin enough lives, and whisper, “Tomorrow I’ll try harder”? The funniest part? Toxic people rarely know they’re toxic. They think they’re being “firm” or “maintaining standards”.

Sweetheart, no. You’re not a standard.

You’re a nightmare in office shoes. And trust me, nobody is printing a T-shirt that says “I survived Susan from HR.

” Here’s the truth villains don’t always wear horns and carry pitchforks. Sometimes they wear designer suits, sometimes they run meetings, and sometimes they even smile at you in the hallway while stabbing you in the back by email.

But we see you. And your villainy is not as subtle as you think.

So yes, I’m asking again: how do you sleep at night? Because while the rest of us are tossing, turning, and replaying your snide remarks in our heads, you, dear villain, seem to snore like a baby. Just remember, though, stories change.

Heroes rise. And one day, when the credits roll on your little movie, you might realise that all those people you silenced, mocked, and dismissed? They were the heroes you should have rooted for.

And Amanda? Even she would’ve quit working for you. .

Dar es Salaam. CRDB Bank Plc has defended its recent core banking system upgrade, insisting that the move was not just a technical necessity but a strategic leap forward.

According to the bank’s management, the overhaul was part of a long-term strategy to strengthen its digital backbone, enhance transaction speed and security, and position CRDB to compete not only in Tanzania but also across the region. Speaking at a press conference held at the Bank’s headquarters here in the city yesterday, CRDB Bank’s director of communications, Ms Tully Esther Mwambapa, acknowledged that during the transition, some customers experienced short-term challenges, which is normal in major system upgrades.

“Today, I am pleased to inform you that our services are back to normal and these changes have laid a strong foundation for delivering services in Tanzania, Burundi, the DRC, Dubai, where we are expanding and in other new markets we are entering,” she said. She explained that this transformation is part of CRDB Bank’s Medium-Term Strategy (20232027), which places technological innovation at the core of the bank’s growth and the broader economy.

According to her, CRDB group chief executive, Mr Abdulmajid Nsekela, was recently invited to participate in the USAfrica Business Forum held alongside the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where the bank’s transformation was recognized as a model for Africa and the world. Ms Mwambapa said the transformation has opened doors for international collaborations, including agreements signed on the sidelines of UNGA with the Crop Trust organization to strengthen food security through climate-smart agriculture, and with the DIFC financial institution to support small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.

In addition, the bank signed a technological cooperation agreement with global technology firm Huawei to enhance digital transformation, system security, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). “This cooperation is strategic and will create major opportunities for smallholder farmers through climate-smart agricultural technologies, for businesses through more secure financial services, and for development sectors through digital and AI innovations,” she said.

She added that the new system has also strengthened the bank’s ability to provide world-class services to individual customers, businesses, and corporations in Tanzania, Burundi, and the DRC, while also creating a stable foundation for expansion into new markets worldwide. “As you know, we recently obtained approval to open our office in Dubai, a step that reaffirms CRDB Bank’s position as a bridge between Africa and international markets.

This is a strategic move to connect our customers with capital, technology, and new opportunities available in global markets,” Ms Mwambapa added. She said despite the international recognition, CRDB Bank acknowledges its responsibility to continue improving services, investing in innovation, and ensuring that every step taken brings positive transformation in the lives of its customers and drives economic growth.

She emphasized that the system transformation is not only a demonstration of the bank’s boldness, but also a sign of its strength and resilience in overcoming challenges and moving forward with confidence. Moreover, the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania (BOT) Emmanuel Tutuba, commended the bank’s transformation during a special meeting with the CRDB’s CEO, Mr Nsekela.

According to the bank’s statement the governor noted that the transformation of the bank’s core banking system is a strategic step that demonstrates the maturity of the banking sector in Tanzania. .

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) has extended the admission period for first-degree programmes, granting an extra four days to applicants who missed the initial two phases to secure places for the 2025/26 academic year.

According to TCU, the third and final round of applications will run from October 6 to October 10, 2025, focusing on programmes with available spaces. The extension follows requests from the Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions Students Organisation (TAHLISO) and several universities, citing the need to accommodate qualified applicants unable to secure admission in earlier rounds.

In a press statement issued on Friday, October 3, 2025, TCU Executive Secretary, Prof Charles Kihampa, said the extension was a final chance for those yet to apply to act quickly or risk missing this year’s intake. “We advise applicants who did not apply or were not admitted in the previous rounds to use this opportunity effectively and submit applications to institutions of their choice,” said Prof Kihampa.

The first and second admission windows opened two months ago. Universities are expected to release the list of successful applicants from the second round on October 6, 2025. Double admissions must confirm TCU has instructed applicants admitted to more than one institution in the second round, and those who did not confirm in the first round, to confirm admission with only one university between October 6 and 19, 2025. Confirmation will be completed using a special code sent via SMS or email.

For those who do not receive the code on time, Prof Kihampa urged them to contact their respective universities. “The list of applicants admitted into more than one institution will be published on the TCU website.

Confirmation must be completed through the account used when applying,” he added. The process is designed to free up unconfirmed slots, enabling other qualified students to be considered.

Final timetable Under the new timetable, universities must submit lists of students admitted in the third round between October 14 and 16, 2025, with results announced on October 20, 2025. Students with multiple admissions in this round will then confirm between October 20 and November 3, 2025. Education experts have welcomed the extension, saying it reflects TCU’s responsiveness to higher education demand. Dar es Salaam-based education policy analyst, Ms Hilda Mrema, said the move would ease pressure on applicants facing financial or logistical hurdles in earlier rounds.

“Every year, we see bright students missing deadlines due to challenges such as delays in accessing documents or lack of internet connectivity, especially in rural areas. This extension offers a lifeline,” noted Ms Mrema.

She, however, stressed that the window was short and applicants must act without delay. For many prospective students, the announcement brought relief.

A Form Six leaver from Mwanza, Ms Neema John, said she had struggled to apply earlier due to family financial constraints. “I am grateful for this chance because I thought I had lost the opportunity to join a university this year.

I will apply on the very first day,” she said. Similarly, another Morogoro-based applicant, Mr Hassan Ally, welcomed the directive on double admissions.

“Some people apply to several universities and hold multiple offers. By confirming in one institution, they give others like me a chance,” he said.

TCU reminded applicants and universities that all admission matters, including confirmations, must be handled directly through respective institutions. Universities have been instructed to assist students facing difficulties to ensure timely resolution.

With the October 10 deadline fast approaching, experts warn that time is of the essence. For thousands of Tanzanian youth aspiring to join higher education, these four days may determine their academic future.

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