Unguja. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Zanzibar has criticised ACT Wazalendo leaders for praising the Beit el Ajaib building while condemning new government infrastructure projects in Zanzibar.
The party has accused ACT of supporting colonial symbols, alleging that the opposition party is nostalgic for the pre-revolutionary era when Zanzibar was ruled by a sultanate.
These comments were made by Secretary of the Special Committee of the NEC in Zanzibar, responsible for Ideology, Propaganda, and Training, Khamis Mbeto Khamis.
He expressed CCM’s astonishment at ACT’s stance, arguing that it reflects a disregard for the progress made since Zanzibar’s revolution in 1964.
Mbeto stated that many of the iconic buildings in Zanzibar’s Old Town, including Beit el Ajaib, were never intended for the island’s indigenous African population.
Instead, these structures were occupied by foreign immigrants who had legally claimed ownership. He pointed out that during the two-century rule of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, from 1804 to 1964, no housing was built for the indigenous population.
“For two hundred years, the foreign monarchy constructed the Old Town and made it the residence of royalty and their followers. They didn’t build dispensaries, health centers, or schools for the local population. It is deeply troubling for ACT to glorify colonialism,” Mbeto remarked.
The CCM official further emphasised that it was only after the revolution and the establishment of Zanzibar’s first government under the leadership of President Abeid Karume and the ASP party that the indigenous people began to enjoy modern housing and infrastructure.
“Praising Beit el Ajaib, along with Ben Bella and Tumekuja schools, which were built for the royal family and their courtiers, is absurd. This reflects a desire for the old sultanate to return and continue its control over Zanzibar,” Mbeto said.
On the matter of Zanzibar’s representation in the Tanzanian Cabinet, Mbeto clarified that while the President of Zanzibar is constitutionally a member of the Cabinet, his presidential powers remain unaffected by any external body.
He drew comparisons to the United Kingdom, where nations like Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland maintain their own devolved powers while being part of the union.
“Tanzania is a union of two countries, similar to the United Kingdom, which has four countries. Each has its own internal governance, yet they are all united. The union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar is not a burden,” Mbeto explained.
He concluded by criticising those who fail to acknowledge the progress made since the revolution.
“To ignore the achievements of the government that brought liberation to the people of Zanzibar is to wish for colonialism to return. If our colleagues are not agents of colonialism, they are certainly dangerous puppets who should be watched closely,” Mbeto warned.
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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
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Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
Tanzania’s opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy
Unguja. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo today officially bids farewell to its former Chairman, Juma Duni Haji, also known as Babu Duni, as part of a new policy designed to honor retired senior leaders at a ceremony held at Kiembesamaki, Zanzibar.
The initiative highlights the party’s commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals who have served with dedication and integrity.
Babu Duni, who stepped down earlier this year, was succeeded by Othman Masoud, now the First Vice President of Zanzibar.
The policy aims to provide ongoing respect and support to retired leaders, ensuring their continued recognition and contribution to the party’s development.
“Recognizing their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the party, this policy ensures that retired leaders continue to be acknowledged and respected by both the party and the community,” the policy states.
To benefit from this policy, leaders must not have left or been expelled from the party. They must have served the party with honor and dedication. The national leadership committee will determine whether a leader has fulfilled these criteria.
The policy seeks to honor retired leaders, protect their dignity, acknowledge their contributions, leverage their ideas for the party’s growth, and support them to the best of the party’s ability.
In honoring these leaders, the party will provide a vehicle, the type of which will be determined by the national leadership committee. Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance, with the amount also set by this committee.
Other benefits include health insurance. If a leader does not own a home, the party will cover their rent at a rate decided by the committee.
The leadership committee may also grant special recognition based on the leader’s contributions. Retired leaders will participate in decision-making meetings according to procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.
Depending on the party’s resources at the time, the policy may also apply to retired deputy chairpersons for both the mainland and Zanzibar, the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General for both mainland and Zanzibar, and the party’s Attorney General.
Additionally, leaders, executives, or members with exceptional contributions to the party’s protection, advocacy, and defense may also benefit, as determined by the leadership committee.
Currently, those who are eligible for benefits under this policy include Juma Duni Haji (retired party Chairman) and Zitto Kabwe (retired party leader).Continue Reading
