His candidacy for the Presidency was literally carved in stone as soon as he declared he was a candidate for the top post in the Tanzanian government. Known as a man of impeccable character and employing devious tactics to spot corruption, John Magafuli was determined to stand by his election promise and that was to end corruption.
Corruption and skullduggery are nothing new in politics and from the African perspective , corruption is known to play a major role in many African countries. Tanzania is by contrast one of the few states on the continent that has had a stable government, free from internal and civil strife compared to many of its neighbors.
The ruling party, the CCM or the People”s Revolution Party has been in power since independence from the 1960s and successive leaders have been President. The opposition leader came from the CCM party but failed to convince the people he was not in bed with corruption. Mr Magafuli got 56% of the electorate making him a popular President.
On the night of his election victory he tweeted the following statement- : “This day is big and very important in my life. On my birthday, I have got approval from Tanzanians to lead them in the position of president.”
He did not pause to reflect on his party’s motto , instead he started off sprinting.
At the opening of Parliament, a banquet would have cost $300m. President Magulufi cut the budget to 25m and ordered that the rest be taken to buy hospital beds for Muhimbili. The money bought 300 beds and mattresses and 600 bed sheets.
On Saturday 21st November, 2015 a group of 50 people planned to tour Commonwealth countries. He slashed the list to four, saving 600m.
No more workshops and seminars in expensive hotels, use board rooms.
No more sitting allowances. Scrapped tax exemptions, all citizens must pay, regardless of status
Visited the Muhimbili Hospital unannounced and toured the “parts they do not show VIPS”. Fired the Director, board and ordered that all non-functional machines should be repaired in two weeks.
Did not use a private jet to opening of Parliament, drove to Dodoma.
He also reduced the size of the Presidential convoy and traveling delegation.
His motto is: Hapa Kazi Tu = “HERE, ALL WE DO IS WORK/ SERVE!”
I applaud the men’s President and wish him all the luck in his endeavors to lead his country to prosperity. It will not be easy especially with his style of leadership but he seems fearless and that is the main ingredient for change.
Africa has been too long dependent on so called foreign aid for its economic and social development, aid that has been controversial in both method and means. President Magulufi seems determined to break that dependency on foreign aid that comes not only with hidden costs but also disguised as helping hands when in fact it is nothing but poisonous kool- aid.
Thanks NeoMakeba for original post.
