Unguja. The Vice Chairman of the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Zanzibar, Hussein Mwinyi, has expressed a strong desire to see more young people in Parliament and the House of Representatives, promising support for all youth candidates running for these positions.
Dr Mwinyi, who is also the President of Zanzibar, announced that the government will increase youth employment opportunities as much as possible to tackle unemployment and boost funding for loans and bursaries to help young people become self-employed.
He made this announcement on August 10, 2024, during the launch of the youth and green campaign by the party’s youth wing, UVCCM, under the slogan “We are extinguishing all and igniting the green” at Amaan Complex Stadium, Zanzibar.
Dr Mwinyi expressed confidence that, due to the enthusiasm shown by the youth, they will secure a decisive victory over their opponents in the 2025 general elections, including the presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections.
“I promise you that many young people will run for various positions, and we will support them to win these positions because we want to see more youth in Parliament and the House of Representatives,” he said, adding, “We will strive to increase employment opportunities and boost loan funding so that youth can become self-employed.”
Dr Mwinyi also stated that they will increase the number of young people in various government positions, as those already in government roles have performed well.
The National Chairman of UVCCM, Muhamed Kawaida, announced that the program aims to remove lazy and idle youth from the party.
“We are tired of delays, gossip, and insults. What we want is work, and for that, we need opportunities, which have already been clearly outlined in various sectors,” he said.
The National Secretary General of UVCCM, Jokate Mwegelo, noted that with the upcoming local government and general elections in 2025, UVCCM sees the need to start this movement.
She stated that the campaign is meant to motivate leaders and prevent opponents from showcasing their lack of capability. She called on the party to prioritize capable youth running for various positions in the upcoming elections.
“We urge our leaders to dispel any doubts about the capability of youth and recognize our role in seeking votes for our party,” she said.
The Deputy Secretary General of CCM Zanzibar, Dr Muhamed Dimwa, emphasized that the party will continue to uphold peace and address issues but should avoid being provoked when challenged.
“CCM should continue to promote peace and address issues, not provocations. However, when provoked, we should not allow ourselves to be provoked,” said Dr Dimwa.
The national campaign was launched at Amaan Complex and is set to cover all regions of mainland Tanzania and the isles.
Share this news
This Year's Most Read News Stories
For years, a UK mining giant was untouchable in Zambia for pollution until a former miner’s son took them on
For years, the people in the villages around Chingola in Zambia endured frequent health challenges and dead fish floating around in their water source, but that was just the beginning of their nightmare.Continue Reading
Tanzanian insurance firms upbeat after first quarter business growth
Total gross written premiums for the insurance industry have increased by 13.68 percent in the first quarter of 2024, with small and medium-sized companies showing higher growthContinue Reading
Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.
While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher
Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).
“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.
Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.
The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.
“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.
She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.
“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.
Cross-border transmission
The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.
The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.
Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”
The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.
The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Transparency urged
Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.
WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.
“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.
The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Source: allafrica.com
