Graft, development top of Tanzania’s John Magufuli’s agenda

Tanzania’s President-elect Dr. John Pombe Magufuli Joseph now says Tanzanians should be ready for real change and a working nation.

While making his victory speech outside Chama Cha Mapinduzi’s (CCM) Dar Es Salaam office, Dr. Magufuli said laziness and poor service delivery – especially in the public service sector, must come to an end.

Putting corrupt officials on notice, he stated that he was aware that some individuals have been embezzling public funds and using other under-dealings to make money.

He said that his victory is a clear indication that war on graft has officially started and whoever has stolen public funds must pay up before his administration catches up with them.

Magufuli, who has been nicknamed Tinga (meaning tractor), for his performance record during his reign as a Cabinet Minister, said the position he is assuming will earn him friends and foes in equal measure since he will touch very highly ranked personalities in the government and private sector who have been accused or associated with graft.

Dr. Magufuli, said that corruption has cost the country billions of shillings, and Tanzania needs a courageous person to fight the vice.

At the same time, he said that it is time the public service workers must wake up and do what they were employed to do.

He said that his campaign was pegged on improving quality services and service delivery, and now it was time for him to actualise the promises he made to the nation.

He put on notice those who are not ready to up their game, saying that he was ready to sack non-performers. Upon taking oath of office, he said, he will not go home but direct to the office.

Commenting on other campaign promises like better healthcare, improved security, better remuneration for police and teachers, quality education, value addition in farming, among others, Dr. Magufuli said all this must be actualized within the shortest time possible.

He noted that public servants have suffered for long with poor pay and this has always demotivated. The incoming president promised to address their pay with immediate effect.

Magufuli promised radical changes in the public service and other sectors of the economy.

He also extended an olive branch to the opposition saying that politics are now over and they should join him to work for the people of Tanzania.