Category: The Citizen

Mbeya. Tension has gripped the Katumba-based Rungwe Tea Growers’ Factory in Mbeya Region after 216 workers staged a placard protest to oppose their dismissal.

They are demanding dues worth Sh2.1 billion and have appealed for government intervention. The factory has remained closed since May 9, 2025, disrupting the livelihoods of more than 15,000 tea farmers.

Some growers have abandoned their plantations, while others have shifted to alternative crops, dealing a blow to the district’s economy. Addressing the protest on Thursday, October 2, 2025, the workers vowed to remain at their jobs until their employers, Tatepa and Maris Africa, the factory’s investors, settle claims totalling more than Sh2.17 billion.

Workers’ claims committee chairman, Mr Robert Shayo, said the dismissal letters issued by the employers came as a shock. He explained that 216 workers had been instructed to vacate their jobs by September 30, 2025, in violation of contractual terms.

“Our stand is to remain at work. We are demanding national social security funds (NSSF) contributions, leave allowances, and other statutory benefits outlined in our contracts.

The decision caught us completely off guard,” said Mr Shayo. Explaining their defiance, Mr Shayo stressed that costs would rise legally as the proper termination procedures had not been observed.

Factory manager, Mr Stanslaus Benela, said the workers’ defiance highlighted the economic burden caused by the closure. He noted that the shutdown had hit tea farmers, reduced household incomes in Rungwe District, and slashed national revenue.

“Some farmers have abandoned their tea fields, while others are uprooting the crop for alternatives. We urge the government to intervene and secure a new investor,” said Mr Benela.

He added that more than 15,000 farmers had been affected, while the wider economy had suffered as unpaid water and electricity bills mounted, leaving surrounding communities in difficulty. “Financial institutions that once processed salaries and farmers’ payments are no longer operating.

Even social security funds are missing contributions,” he said. Tanzania Plantation and Agricultural Workers Union (TPAWU) secretary in Mbeya Region, Ms Jacline Novat, said the union had proposed that the employer pay workers their basic salaries, leave allowances, service certificates, and long-service awards.

She added that the employer was urged to provide Sh500,000 to each worker in recognition of their service, three months’ housing allowance, and transport costs for employees from outside Tukuyu. “We are awaiting the employer’s response by Monday to determine our fate.

In the meantime, we urge patience as their representative has assured us of feedback,” said Ms Novat. The factory’s board of directors’ representative, Mr Essau Sengo, acknowledged the protest and pledged to forward the workers’ concerns to the employer before giving a response on Monday.

He urged the workers to remain calm, stressing that the priority was to adhere to laws and procedures to ensure they receive their entitlements. “On behalf of the board, I assure all workers that your message has been received.

I will act on it and provide feedback by Monday. Rest assured, we are committed to protecting your rights through lawful means,” said Mr Sengo.

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Dar es Salaam. If there is one issue that continues to trouble city residents, it is the overwhelming daily demand for reliable public transport.

Yet what surprises many even more is the state of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, once touted as the ultimate answer to chronic congestion. Launched in 2016 as a cure for the city’s transport challenges, the BRT has instead evolved into a business with a huge customer base but fragile operations.

Rather than realising the vision of transforming public transport, it has become one of the most criticised projects, leaving citizens with more questions than answers. A shortage of buses has led to endless queues at stations, forcing passengers to crowd into overloaded buses, sometimes even clinging dangerously to windows.

Viral videos and images have shown commuters perched precariously on window frames after failing to find space inside, a stark symbol of the crisis. Frustrations have spilled into unrest.

On October 1, 2025, residents hurled stones at two buses and several stations, smashing windows. Police confirmed three suspects were arrested in connection with the incidents.

For both analysts and ordinary citizens, the situation raises tough questions: Has this multibillion-shilling project failed to meet its purpose? What is the real solution to Dar es Salaam’s transport crisis? Even the ticketing system remains unresolved. The promise at launch When it was launched in 2016, then-Director of the Dar Rapid Transit Agency (Dart), Mr Ronald Rwakatare, said services began with 104 buses, far short of the 305 initially planned.

Dart explained that the decision to start despite the shortfall was to protect the dedicated lanes, already encroached upon by motorcycle taxis (bodaboda). Although the project started on shaky ground, at least the buses filled the lanes and raised hopes of a transformed system.

But today, the situation is different. Residents wonder how many buses remain operational and why the fleet is shrinking instead of growing.

The irony is clear: passenger numbers keep rising while bus numbers dwindle, with no solution in sight. The unresolved e-ticketing saga Initially, MaxMalipo introduced electronic ticketing.

Later, the system was withdrawn, then reinstated in another form, still riddled with glitches. Sometimes it crashes, sometimes tickets fail to scan, and at other times passengers pay cash and get paper slips.

This raises further questions: Is the issue technological, managerial, or linked to vested interests? From Simon Group’s Udart to state control At first, Udart was run by businessman Robert Kisena, who imported the initial fleet. But disputes erupted, drawing in criminal justice agencies.

Mr Kisena was jailed, and the government assumed control. What exactly triggered the transition? Was it failings in private management, or did the state feel compelled to intervene? Tangible achievements, or unmet promises? Another central question is what results the project has actually delivered.

Has the fleet expanded with passenger growth, or have pledges outweighed action? If commuters must wait hours for buses out of hundreds once promised, can the project be judged a success? Frequent leadership changes Over nine years, the project has seen a revolving door of leaders, including Mr Rwakatare, Dr Edwin Mhede, Dr Athuman Kihamia, and now Mr Said Tunda. Udart, too, has cycled through bosses.

This turnover prompts a tough question: is the problem rooted in individuals, or in the system itself? Endless promises of new buses Repeated pledges of new fleets have often gone unfulfilled. For example, 72 units were left idle at the port for years, while other promised buses never materialised.

Were these failures due to weak planning or conflicting interests? Borrowing Mofart buses, solution or stopgap? On October 2, 2025, buses from the second phase, owned by Mofart Company, were diverted to Morogoro Road. The move sought to ease public anger ahead of the delayed launch of Kilwa Road services.

But is this a lasting solution, or just temporary relief? What experts say? Economist Oscar Mkude told The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi that shifting buses between routes is not a genuine solution but only a short-term fix. “We must return to the core vision: securing an investor with the capacity to supply enough buses.

The crisis exists because no new buses have been added since inception,” said Mr Mkude over the phone. He questioned how long the borrowed buses would serve Kimara and what fleet would be provided for Mbagala.

Mr Mkude recalled that Udart was meant to manage the project temporarily, pending an investor, but later continued without adding buses, relying on government purchases, marking the beginning of the decline. Another analyst, Dr Paul Loisulie of the University of Dodoma (UDOM), argued that politics must be separated from technical management.

“If politicians have a hand in this project, they must step aside. We must identify whether barriers are contractual or structural and remove them to ensure accountability,” he said.

Dr Loisulie added it was absurd to mismanage a project with such high demand, stressing that accountability was key to sustainability. Former Lands Minister Prof Anna Tibaijuka also weighed in on X, questioning how a once promising project had become a burden.

“BRT, the Dar Rapid Transit project? How did it become a nuisance instead of liberation? Public transport is not profit-making but a service,” she wrote. The urban planning expert added: “In Europe, governments subsidise such projects, while in Asia, operators recoup costs through real estate near stations.

Leaving it to survive on an ‘investor’ basis is unrealistic. We must revisit its foundations.

” Prime Minister steps in Amid growing concerns, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa toured the project and issued directives. He ordered that the number of buses must never be reduced on any route at any time, regardless of passenger numbers.

“Even with only four passengers, the bus must depart. No suspending services during off-peak hours.

Buses must operate continuously,” Majaliwa said while inspecting new buses on the KivukoniKimara route. Speaking to commuters, he announced the government had added 60 new buses from October 2, 2025. “This brings the fleet to 90, which will end the challenges we have faced,” he said.

He noted that as of that morning, only 30 old buses were operational. “Initially, this corridor had 140 buses, but today only 30 (blue ones) remain,” explained Mr Majaliwa.

Earlier, outgoing Udart director Waziri Kindamba, before his dismissal, had said many buses were grounded after their service lifespan expired. The fleet required major overhauls or replacement, neither of which had happened.

He added that between 60 and 70 buses had also been damaged by floods, with poor repairs compounding the problem. Low fares compared with market rates further deepened the company’s woes.

Samia reshuffles leadership A statement issued on Thursday, October 2, 2025, by Chief Secretary Dr Moses Kusiluka said President Samia Suluhu Hassan had appointed Mr Said Tunda as Chief Executive Officer of Dart, replacing Dr Athuman Kihamia. She also named Mr Pius Ng’ingo as Managing Director of Udart, replacing Mr Waziri Kindamba, whose appointment was revoked.

In addition, she appointed Mr David Kafulila as chairman of Dart’s Advisory Board and Dr Ramadhan Dau as chairman of Udart’s Board. Prime Minister Majaliwa welcomed the changes, saying he expected the new leadership to implement reforms, including full adoption of electronic fare collection to curb revenue leakages by dishonest staff.

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Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) has appointed Mr Deogratious Aloyce Massawe as acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective Friday, October 3, 2025, following the temporary suspension of Mr Raphael Maganga.

The appointment was announced by the TPSF Governing Council and formally communicated by Interim President of the federation, Ms Angelina Ngalula, in a statement signed on behalf of the Council. According to the notice, Mr Massawe assumes the role immediately while the circumstances of Mr Maganga’s suspension are addressed.

Who is Deogratious Massawe? Mr Massawe is a seasoned financial economist and policy specialist with a strong academic and professional profile. He holds an MBA in Accountancy, a Bachelor’s degree in Customs and Tax Management, and a Professional Diploma in International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

He is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Financial Educator (CFE). In his previous role at TPSF, Mr Massawe served as Director of Finance and Operations, where he oversaw financial management, budgeting, internal controls, and institutional development.

His LinkedIn profile states he has experience in financial leadership, strategic planning, and implementing reforms in both private and public-sector settings. He has also represented TPSF externally; for example, as Finance Manager, he promoted Tanzanian private sector participation at international expos.

In 2024, Mr Massawe was linked with Rwanda’s Bank of Kigali for a tech division leadership role (BK Techouse), where he held interim senior responsibilities, reflecting his broader regional experience. His appointment as acting CEO is seen as a stabilising move given his familiarity with TPSF’s internal workings and mandate.

What led to this change? The TPSF announcement cites the suspension of Mr Raphael Maganga, the outgoing CEO, as the reason for the shift. Details of the suspension have not been publicly disclosed, and the statement suggests it is temporary.

Ms Ngalula, in her capacity as Interim President, emphasised, Mr Massawe’s appointment is to ensure continuity. Mr Maganga had served as CEO since February 1, 2024, succeeding Mr John Ulanga, who left for a diplomatic and trade post in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in late 2023. It remains unclear whether Mr Maganga will be reinstated, permanently replaced, or face further internal inquiry.

What does this mean for TPSF and private-sector leadership? The Federation of Private Sector in Tanzania plays a pivotal role as an interlocutor between business and government, advocating reforms, supporting SMEs, and promoting conducive policy frameworks. A smooth leadership transition is critical for its credibility and ability to execute projects and dialogues.

Key stakeholders will watch how Mr Massawe handles issues such as taxation, regulatory burdens, foreign investment promotion, and policy advocacy. His finance background and familiarity with TPSF may help ensure less disruption in ongoing programmes.

Observers note that stability and transparency in the transition will bolster confidence among businesses and international partners, especially as economic reforms face scrutiny. Meanwhile, Mr Massawe, in his acting capacity, will assume full executive responsibilities, including oversight of operations, advocacy, and government engagement.

For the private sector, leadership continuity is expected to ensure the federation remains effective and assertive at a critical juncture for Tanzania’s economic trajectory. .

London. Prince William has said protecting his family was the most important thing for him when his wife Kate and father King Charles became ill, and revealed that he will seek to modernise the monarchy when he becomes sovereign.

Speaking to Eugene Levy for the Canadian actor’s TV travel show, the normally guarded British heir said he sometimes felt “overwhelmed” by family matters and vowed to keep his children safe from any excessive intrusion by the media. “Worry or stress around the family side of things, that does overwhelm me quite a bit,” the 43-year-old told the “Schitt’s Creek” star.

“When it’s to do with family and things like that, then that’s where I start getting a bit overwhelmed – as I think most people would, because it’s more personal.” Last year both Kate and the king, now 76, began treatment for cancer.

While his wife is now in remission, William said it had been the hardest year he had ever had. “Life is sent to test us,” he said.

“And it definitely can be challenging at times, and being able to overcome that is what makes us who we are. I’m so proud of my wife and my father, for how they’ve handled all of last year.

My children have managed brilliantly as well.” William made his unusually candid remarks as he showed the actor around Windsor Castle, the royal home west of London where the king hosted U.S. President Donald Trump last month.

He also took Levy to a local pub. There were light-hearted moments – the prince said he was a big fan of Levy’s bawdy “American Pie” comedy films – but William also spoke about life as a royal and his vision for the future.

He spoke of the intense press coverage of the break-up of the marriage of his father and his late mother, Princess Diana, saying the media had been “in everything, literally everywhere”. “The damage it can do to your family life is something that I vowed would never happen to my family,” he said.

“And so, I take a very strong line about where I think that line is, and those who overstep it, you know I’ll fight against.” He said he did not think much about becoming king, but acknowledged that he planned to perform the role differently.

“I think it’s safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good,” he said.

“That’s the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical change, but changes that I think need to happen.

” The episode of “The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy” featuring William is set to air on Apple TV+ on Friday. .

Tanga. ACT Wazalendo has promised to transform Tanga Port into a regional hub for trade and services, positioning it as a key driver of economic growth and job creation in northern Tanzania.

Speaking during a campaign rally in Tanga on Friday, former ACT Wazalendo leader Zitto Kabwe urged voters to elect parliamentary candidate Seif Abalhassan and party-backed councilors, saying they would fight to restore Tanga’s historic status as an industrial and commercial city. “Tanga Port is a major gateway, but local residents, especially youth and drivers, still complain of being excluded from opportunities,” Kabwe said.

“We want to push for Tanga Port to compete with Mombasa by attracting regional cargo and re-export trade. This will restore Tanga’s dignity.

” Kabwe argued that Tanga’s strategic position — as a port city and the endpoint of the Uganda-Tanzania crude oil pipeline — offered immense potential for jobs and investment if managed well. He pledged that ACT Wazalendo would advocate for the headquarters of the oil pipeline company to be located in Tanga and for incentives to attract investments in refining, fertilizer manufacturing, and other oil-related industries.

“Through these projects, Tanga can become Tanzania’s Oil City,” he said. The opposition party also vowed to revive sisal farming and related industries, describing it as part of Tanga’s economic rebirth.

In addition, Kabwe proposed the establishment of the University of Tanga, named after scholar Shaaban Robert, by upgrading existing education facilities such as Galanos School, Tanga School, and Bombo College. On social services, Kabwe promised that ACT Wazalendo would expand social security coverage to ensure every Tanga resident has health insurance.

He criticized the current health system as a heavy burden for citizens and vowed to outlaw the detention of bodies in hospitals over unpaid bills. Kabwe emphasized that youth unemployment remained the biggest challenge in Tanga, but argued that solutions lay in unlocking economic opportunities linked to the port, agriculture, trade, and industry.

“Jobs are not created by empty words; they are created through economic activities. Tanga’s port and its strategic projects must benefit the people of Tanga first,” he said.

Kabwe, who studied at Galanos School in Tanga, said his ties to the city were personal, adding that Abalhassan was a “hardworking and development-minded” candidate who would champion Tanga’s interests in Dodoma. .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s innovation ecosystem has long been stifled by one recurring hurdle: access to capital.

While government strategies and donor-backed programmes continue to nurture startups, the biggest bottleneck remains financing. In this space, angel investing is beginning to emerge as a game-changer for Tanzanian startups, offering not just funding, but also mentorship and networks that can make the difference between failure and survival for budding innovators.

Angel investors are typically high-net-worth individuals who provide early-stage capital to startups in exchange for equity. Unlike banks, which require collateral, or venture capitalists who prefer already-scaled firms, angels take on risk at the infancy of businesses.

In Tanzania, this model is still nascent, but recent developments signal a shift. At the centre of this movement is the Serengeti Business Angels Network (SBAN), which has since 2021 been connecting local and diaspora investors with early-stage ventures.

SBAN yesterday announced fresh investments in Borderless and Ghala, two startups tackling structural challenges in Africa’s economy. Borderless seeks to unlock diaspora capital with over 40 million Africans abroad remitting about $100 billion annually, while Ghala uses WhatsApp-powered AI to digitise the informal economy that employs nearly 90 percent of Tanzania’s workforce and contributes over 60 percent of GDP.

“Both companies tackle deep-rooted inefficiencies- from how diaspora wealth is deployed to how small businesses access digital markets and reflect the kind of transformative innovation we aim to support,” said, SBAN’s co-founder, Mr Francis Omorojie. For startups, the benefit goes beyond cash.

One of the investors at the Harambee Night that SBAN organised, Ms Esther Maina, stressed that angel investing provides skills and exposure most founders cannot otherwise afford. “Typical startups do not have the amount of money to pay for a very experienced marketer.

With angel investing, they get access to capital and very talented people to help them grow their businesses,” she explained. The Harambee Night, attended by diplomats, corporates, and innovators, was not only about pitching.

It was about building an ecosystem. An investment manager with Launch Africa Ventures, Mr Michael Mutie, said such platforms were vital: “We need more of this for the ecosystem in Tanzania.

A space that brings together investors and founders allows us to collectively find ways to provide support.” One of the winners, co-founder of Mrembo Naturals, Ms Moureen Mollel, said angel networks are giving manufacturers and non-tech firms a long-overdue spotlight.

“For years the focus has been on tech startups. Now, manufacturers in cosmetics like us are considered.

With this kind of investments through angel investors, we can see growth because here we meet financiers and mentors,” she noted. International investors agree.

A Swedish investor with interests in Tanzania, Mr Torbjorn Jacobsson, argued that supporting small businesses should be a long-term national priority. “Small businesses are the future for Tanzania.

In Europe, they employ most people. Developing the small business environment and giving them the opportunity to grow is what will build Tanzania for the future,” he said.

The Tanzanian government has shown willingness to nurture the ecosystem. Through the National Startup Policy, unveiled in 2022, authorities pledged to provide regulatory support, incubation centres, and to ease tax and registration procedures for early-stage companies.

Institutions such as the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) and the ICT Commission have supported incubation hubs like Buni and DTBi. Meanwhile, the SME Development Policy continues to recognise the need for financing solutions tailored to small businesses, though access to affordable credit remains a gap.

For Tanzania’s youth, who make up over 60 percent of the population, angel investing offers a route out of unemployment. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, at least 800,000 young people enter the job market annually, yet the formal sector generates less than 100,000 new jobs per year.

Startups, if scaled with proper support, could absorb some of this pressure. The SBAN initiative also demonstrates how private sector solutions can complement government efforts.

By mobilising diaspora capital through platforms like Borderless and digitising informal trade via Ghala, Tanzania is positioning itself to harness sectors long overlooked by traditional finance. Yet the model still faces challenges.

Few Tanzanians are aware of angel investing, and the risk appetite among local investors is relatively low compared to global peers. As Maina put it, “We want to make people not run their businesses in isolation, but instead connect them with ideas, advice, and partners to grow.

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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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