Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Dar es Salaam. When an incumbent president seeks reelection, the first obligation is to outline achievements and then set out clear promises for the future.

This is precisely the approach taken by the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi. Dr Mwinyi, the CCM presidential candidate, has been presenting his fiveyear record in office to assure Zanzibaris of his credibility, stressing that pledges he makes are fulfilled.

One of his most notable achievements is in infrastructure development, particularly in roads and elevated bridges. There is little doubt that in this sector, Dr Mwinyi has reshaped Zanzibar’s landscape.

Construction of hospitals and schools is another area in which Dr Mwinyi speaks with confidence because of visible results. He asserts that everything promised during his first term, together with CCM, has been delivered.

Now he seeks another five years to accomplish even more. During his first term, Dr Mwinyi oversaw the construction of numerous multistorey schools.

Looking ahead, he pledges to “fill Zanzibar” with such structures, promising to build 29 multistorey schools if reelected. Sports infrastructure and legacy The development of sports infrastructure has been another hallmark of his administration.

The upgraded state of Amaan Stadium in Unguja and Gombani Stadium in Chakechake, Pemba, reflects his commitment to improving facilities. Both stadiums have undergone extensive renovation, giving them modern appearances that stand as tangible evidence of his achievements.

For sports enthusiasts in Zanzibar and across Tanzania, these are significant contributions. 2025: An agenda election For Zanzibar, the 2025 General Election is above all an election of agendas.

In 2020, the notion of “royal families” entered public debate, a reference to ruling dynasties. Yet Zanzibar is not a monarchy; the Sultanate was abolished by the Zanzibar Revolution on January 12, 1964. The “royal family” label arose during CCM’s nomination process, with critics suggesting certain families sought to perpetuate leadership by inheritance.

Zanzibar’s first president, Abeid Amani Karume, was succeeded by his son, Amani Abeid Karume, who became the sixth president of the islands. Another son, Ali Abeid Karume, also sought the presidency in 2020. This lineage is what critics referred to as a “royal family.

” Dr Mwinyi is the son of Zanzibar’s third president, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who also served as the second president of the United Republic of Tanzania. His bid for CCM’s nomination for Zanzibar’s presidency in 2020 triggered a similar debate.

Setting aside the “royal family” narrative, Dr Mwinyi’s record demonstrates longstanding service in government and ministerial posts, without scandal or disruption. His extended tenure as Minister of Defence raises questions, but the answer was offered by Tanzania’s fifth president, Dr John Magufuli.

When swearing in thenMinister of Home Affairs George Simbachawene on January 27, 2020, the late President Magufuli called on him to emulate Dr Mwinyi, praising Dr Mwinyi’s ability to lead the armed forces. Without naming names, President Magufuli criticised Simbachawene’s predecessor, Mr Kangi Lugola, for disregarding force commanders.

He stressed that military leadership requires a unique approach, and Dr Mwinyi had demonstrated competence, earning him a long tenure at the Defence docket before becoming President of Zanzibar. Ministerial track record Before assuming the presidency of Zanzibar, Dr Mwinyi served in three ministries under three presidencies.

From 2000 to 2005, he was Deputy Minister of Health under President Benjamin Mkapa. Under President Jakaya Kikwete (20052015), he served in three ministries: Office of the VicePresident, Defence, and Health.

President Magufuli appointed him Minister of Defence in December 2015 and retained him in that role until he sought Zanzibar’s presidency in 2020. Reports suggest soldiers respected him as a knowledgeable leader. During his Defence tenure, he navigated crises, including bomb blasts and incidents at the Gongo la Mboto weapons depot and the Kizuiani Camp in Mbagala, Dar es Salaam, events that might have undermined lesser ministers.

Yet Dr Mwinyi emerged with his reputation intact. His long service may partly reflect fortune, avoiding major upheaval.

In 2012, when Health Minister Haji Mponda and his deputy were dismissed for failing to account, Dr Mwinyi was Defence Minister. In 2013, when Defence Minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha was dismissed over allegations of torture during Operation Tokomeza Ujangili, Dr Mwinyi was Minister of Health.

Each time, Dr Mwinyi moved between Defence and Health with minimal disruption, demonstrating adaptability and competence. Whether due to skill or circumstance, Dr Mwinyi’s leadership has been marked by stability, with few problems arising under his stewardship aside from incidents not directly attributable to him.

About Dr Mwinyi Born on December 23, 1966, Dr Mwinyi began his education in Dar es Salaam before continuing in Egypt. He attended Oysterbay Primary School (19741977), Minor House Junior School (19771980), Minor House Secondary School (19811982), and returned to Tanzania to complete his secondary education at Azania Secondary School and Tambaza Secondary School, graduating in 1986. He earned a degree in human medicine at Marmara University, Turkey (19861992), and a master’s in International Medicine at Hammersmith Hospital, London (19931997).

Elected MP for Mkuranga Constituency, Coast Region (CCM) in 2000, and from 2005 to 2020 MP for Kwahani, West Urban District, Unguja. He now serves as President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, seeking a second term.

A quiet leadership By nature, Dr Mwinyi is not confrontational. From his ministerial service in the Union government to his presidency of Zanzibar, he rarely engages in political quarrels.

He is quiet and focused, working without fanfare. On October 29, 2025, Zanzibaris will decide how they judge Dr Mwinyi and his leadership.

.

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.

.

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. .

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. .

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 .