TANZANIANS on Thursday got what they had been anxiously waiting for. Ruangwa Member of Parliament (MP) Majaliwa Kassim Majaliwa was named the 11th Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The mentioning of the 55- year old legislator and former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Local Government and Regional Administration, in parliament as the Prime Minister received standing ovation, an indication that he commands an overwhelming support in the house.
Fellow MPs described President John Magufuli’s pick for the premiership as hardworking, humble, wise and above all one of the few politicians who abhors group politics.
“Mr Majaliwa is indeed the best pick for Tanzania of today…he is hardworking, simple and interacts freely with all people,” Hanang MP Mary Nagu said of the new PM.
Mr Majaliwa, a teacher by profession, took oath at the Chamwino state lodge grounds Friday morning before assuming his new responsibilities, which he has promised to execute to the best of his ability.
“I thank God for his guidance to president Magufuli to appoint me to this prestigious post…all I can promise is that I will perform my duties with high level of precision, I will visit all rural areas of Tanzania to see and hear the challenges of the people,” said the low profile Majaliwa, asking all MPs and Tanzanians to accord him the necessary cooperation.
True, Dr Magufuli and Mr Majaliwa, in their capacities as the country’s president and premier, respectively, are national leaders and are expected to serve all Tanzanians, professions and sectors, equally.
But, if the saying “Charity begins at home” is anything to go by, education sector stands to benefit most from this fifth phase government.
Dr Magufuli and his Prime Minister are both teachers who have taught in the country’s ordinary schools and they well versed with the challenges facing the public learning institutions.
While President Magufuli taught at secondary level, Mr Majaliwa started as low as a primary school teacher and rose through the ranks to a college tutor.
“So, we have teachers as president, first lady, prime minister and speaker…congratulations teachers and the teaching profession,” wrote one of the whatsap members, referring to president Magufuli, his wife Janet, premier Majaliwa and speaker Ndugai, all of whom are teachers by profession.
Mr Majaliwa, in his capacity as deputy minister, in charge of education, worked extensively with the local government authorities, generating wide knowledge and experience on the critical challenges that Tanzanians face at the local level.
No wonder, the Ruangwa legislator emerged the best choice of president Magufuli who had throughout his campaigns promised to give special attention on the local governments, which he accused of squandering public resources instead of serving the needy citizens. Mr Majaliwa, like his boss, is good at pursuing issues to their conclusion.
“I know Majaliwa… he strictly follows up issues,” said Mr Kange Lugora (Mwibara—CCM) as he showered praises to the new premier, comparing him to none.
The Attorney General, Mr George Masaju, introducing Mr Majaliwa in parliament for endorsement described him as honest, humble, wise and hardworking capable of performing his duties with high level of precision.
“And, given his teaching experience, Mr Majaliwa have high analytical capacity on various issues,” said Mr Masaju amid deafening applause. Mr Majaliwa, a long-time civil servant, started as a primary school teacher, teachers’ teaching college tutor, district and regional secretary of teachers’ trade union, sports trainer, district commissioner and deputy minister.
He was until his new appointment the Bunge Football Club coach. Majority MPs, through their words and voting exhibited overwhelming support to Mr Majaliwa, endorsing him for the premiership with 258 out of the total 351 votes cast.
“Under this political environment, your endorsement of 73.5 per cent can rightly be described as landslide victory,” said Speaker Job Ndugai in his congratulatory message to the premier-elect.
The premier, after taking oath today, is expected to join President Magufuli to form what observers foresee as small but result oriented cabinet.
After taking oath, Mr Majaliwa takes over from Mizengo Pinda who officially retired on November 5, 2015, to join the club of retired PMs — Cleopa Msuya, Salim Ahmed Salim, Joseph Warioba, John Malecela, Fredrick Sumaye and Edward Lowassa. Tanzanians can now pray for increased wisdom to guide president Magufuli and Premier Majaliwa in their task ahead to spot the best minds to form the performance based government for the social and economic development of Tanzanians.
DAILY NEWS
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