Ujengelele
JF-Expert Member
- Jan 14, 2008
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By ThisDay Reporter
28th December 2009
A FEW GOOD MEN -- From left to right: President Kikwete, Foreign Affairs Minister Membe, Livestock and Fisheries Minister Dr Magufuli and Attorney General Werema are among a few Cabinet members who performed well in 2009.
A LACKLUSTRE PERFOMANCE -- An overwhelming number of Cabinet members recorded average or below average performances in 2009. They include (from left to right), Good Governance Minister Sophia Simba, Labour Minister Prof. Juma Kapuya, Home Affairs Minister Lawrence Masha and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Shukuru Kawambwa.
It seems somewhat inevitable that President Jakaya Kikwete will reshuffle the Cabinet ahead of the 2010 general election to try to appeal to voters for a widely expected re-election bid. But how did the current Cabinet members fare this year?
Following is a report card on the individual performances of ministers and other Cabinet members over the past twelve months, starting from the head of state himself:
Jakaya Kikwete
(President)
Having recently marked four years in office, he is credited with stepping up the fight against corruption and maintaining the country's economic stability. His administration has made substantial strides on the education front, and has come up with an ambitious blueprint dubbed 'Kilimo Kwanza' for developing the long-neglected farming sector.
However, his government has been faulted for going after many corruption cases but making few, if any, catches. The government has thus far been unable to indict some well-known architects of massive looting of funds from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and other government coffers.
Kikwete, as CCM national chairman, appears to have limited leverage over the ruling party, which insiders say has been effectively hijacked by a powerful network of businessmen-cum-politicians who have been publicly tainted by corruption allegations. As a result, there are now two centres of power within the ruling party.
Deep divisions in CCM came to the fore at the national executive committee (NEC) meeting in August when the network of so-called political tycoons came close to engineering the unseating of National Assembly Speaker Samwel Sitta because of his firm anti-corruption stance.
A recent photo distributed to the local media by State House showing the president and the first lady enjoying a joyous ride in Jamaica provided plenty of ammunition for critics of Kikwete's frequent travels abroad. The PR disaster generated much discussion on the streets, in office corridors and inside online chat-rooms, and is expected to add fuel to further criticisms of the president's foreign trips in the new year.
It is widely rumoured that the network of political tycoons may secretly sponsor a candidate next year to mount a challenge against Kikwete in CCM for presidential nomination, to try to rattle the president by flexing their political muscles.
Nonetheless, Kikwete is expected to be overwhelmingly confirmed as CCM's presidential candidate in 2010 and easily win subsequent election for a second and final term in office - although it is highly unlikely that he will match his 2005 landslide victory.
Grade: B-
Ali Mohamed Shein
(Vice President)
He was thrust into the limelight of national politics in 2001 when plucked from the political wilderness in Zanzibar to become the country's VP following the death of predecessor Omar Ali Juma. A government newspaper ran the headline 'Dr Shein - who?' when it was announced that the little-known politician from Zanzibar had become vice president.
Pundits say Shein may not have been Kikwete's first choice for VP in 2005, but was picked as a compromise candidate. Since then, he has proven to be a trusted ally of the president. Fiercely loyal to his boss, Shein is somewhat of a reluctant politician with no visible ambitions for the trappings of power so openly desired by his colleagues. He has a reputation of being incorruptible and has a largely untarnished record in government.
As VP, he oversees the relatively low-profile portfolios of environment and poverty alleviation.
Grade: C+
Mizengo Pinda
(Prime Minister)
More than a year in his post, Pinda got the big promotion in February 2008 following the resignation of prime minister Edward Lowassa over the Richmond corruption scandal. Unlike his predecessor, who is a businessman-cum-politician, Pinda doesn't appear motivated by personal financial gain.
A long-serving civil servant, Pinda's appointment as PM was initially well received by members of parliament. His humble and approachable manner has won him many friends in parliament, where he is the leader of official government business in the House.
Although he is widely-respected by fellow MPs, he has come under growing criticism over the past several months for failing to bring any substantial changes to the way government affairs are being run.
It's business as usual as some senior government officials - both past and present - continue to be shielded by authorities from facing possible charges of corruption and abuse of public office.
Critics say Pinda has thus far not displayed the type of innovative leadership and ability to make hard decisions needed to inspire Tanzanians out of poverty. His performance so far has been largely average. He has not shined as many people expected him to.
Grade: C+
Philip Marmo
(Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office, Parliamentary Affairs)
A former deputy speaker of the National Assembly, Marmo has been instrumental in fostering better working conditions between the legislature and the executive. His level-headedness and understanding of the workings of parliament has helped ease tensions between the two pillars of the state. He is calm, composed and is often seen as a quiet advocate of good governance and rule of law.
Grade: B-
Mustafa Mkullo
(Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs)
Mkullo is roundly criticised by both development partners and the media for leaving too much of the talking and explaining to government bureaucrats. The minister has built a reputation for referring almost all queries on policy matters and administrative issues to the governor of the Bank of Tanzania, permanent secretary of his ministry, or his two deputy ministers.
As the minister, Mkullo must take the lead and responsibility for all major decisions and announcements made by the finance ministry. He has the demeanour of a man not in charge of his affairs. He doesn't seem to have significant influence over goings-on at the finance ministry and lacks the nitty-gritties of government finances.
Grade: C
John Magufuli
(Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Development)
In complete contrast to some of his colleagues, this is a politician who fully grasps his work. As the minister of works in the third phase government, Magufuli never ceased to amaze MPs and members of the public alike on how he had everything at his fingertips. He could name ongoing road construction projects from the back of his head and give accurate facts and figures on the lengths of specific roads, estimated date of completion of projects, names of contractors, value of projects, etc. He regularly traveled across the country to personally inspect the projects and take action against errant contractors.
In his current portfolio, he has launched patrols against illegal trawlers that have been stealing fish worth millions of dollars from Tanzania's territorial waters every day. Some say his talents are being wasted at this ministry and he should be given bigger responsibilities. He exudes confidence and is a popular politician.
Grade: B+
Mohamed Seif Khatib
(Minister of State in the Vice President's Office, Union Affairs)
Khatib enjoys close ties with the president and is rumoured to have once been considered for the post of vice president. He is well experienced in both ruling party and government matters.
A native of Zanzibar, Khatib knows all too well long-standing problems that have dogged the Union between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. He has been a low-key figure and seems to have enjoyed his previous post of sports minister better than his current job. In fact, he still maintains close contacts with the Tanzania Football Federation.
He has not been seen to be doing anything inspirational, at least publicly, to strengthen the much troubled union between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Grade: C
Prof. Juma Athumani Kapuya
(Minister for Labour, Employment and Youth Development)
Kapuya is known to have developed a personal friendship with Kikwete when both were Cabinet members in the third phase government. He has been shuffled from one ministry to another over the years. He lacks charisma. Does not have any impressive record of innovative and inspirational leadership, but has somehow managed to become a permanent feature in the Cabinet over the years. He lacks the leadership qualities needed to motivate the nation's youth to fight poverty and unemployment and has not helped the government to create the promised jobs for the people.
Grade: D
Bernard Membe
(Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
A career diplomat, Membe knows a thing or two about his portfolio. As the country's highest ranking diplomat, he has helped to enhance Tanzania's stature on the international scene, which has received a significant boost under Kikwete's presidency. He is well respected by foreign diplomats stationed in Dar es Salaam and enjoys a favourable backing from members of parliament. He is seen to be a close ally of the president and will likely continue to feature prominently in Kikwete's Cabinet. Membe is arguably one of Kikwete's best assets.
Grade: B+
Sophia Simba
(Minister of State in the President's Office, Good Governance)
A highly controversial figure, Simba is credited with somehow helping Kikwete in his meteoric rise from a little-known district officer of the ruling party to Cabinet minister in the second phase government of President Ali Hassan Mwinyi. She has courted controversy both in the ruling party and government with her verbal gaffes and outbursts on the fight against corruption. She holds a sensitive portfolio responsible for coordinating the work of key government institutions, including the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service (TISS) and the Public Leadership Ethics Secretariat. Her performance as the minister in-charge of rule of law and good governance has been, to say the least, hugely disappointing.
Grade: D
Dr Shukuru Kawambwa
(Minister for Infrastructure Development)
He is another Cabinet minister believed to enjoy close ties with the president. His overall performance at this key ministry has been largely ineffective. He seems to be overwhelmed by the complexity of the countrys infrastructure sector and sheer magnitude of the problems at the Tanzania Railways Limited (TRL) and Tanzania International Container Terminal Services (TICTS). The Dar es Salaam port, railway and roads have continued to under-perform under his watch. He is a rookie politician who appears to have been given more than he can handle on his plate.
Kawambwa has not been able to put into use his PhD in mechanical engineering to solve the nation's crippling infrastructure problems. Being an inexperienced politician, perhaps he could have fared better at a lesser complicated ministry
Grade: C-
Prof. Mark Mwandosya
(Minister for Water and Irrigation Development)
A former presidential hopeful, Mwandosya has been busy travelling across the country to inspect various water projects and try to improve the peoples access to safe and clean water. However, the majority of Tanzanians still lack access to potable water. Tanzanias agriculture sector remains largely rain-fed, with his ministry facing an enormous challenge to try to develop irrigation farming, which is mostly non-existent. He has a reputation of being diligent, hard-working and highly committed to his work.
Grade: B-
Lawrence Masha
(Minister for Home Affairs)
Masha has apparently failed to channel his youth and energy into solving the nations crime problem, illegal immigration, overcrowding of prisons and allegations of police corruption and brutality. He has an obvious conflict of interest in the multi-million dollar national identity cards (IDs) project , which his ministry oversees, having represented one of the bidders for the lucrative project as a private advocate before becoming a politician. His law firm, IMMA Advocates, has been linked to some controversial gold-related projects. Masha is known to enjoy strong ties with people very close to the president.
Grade C
Judge Frederick Werema
(Attorney General)
Although just two months into his high-profile appointment, the High Court Judge has hit almost all the right notes by publicly declaring that he will work as AG without fear or favour. Werema pledged to review controversial contracts approved by his predecessors at the Attorney General's Chambers and has dropped strong hints that bribery, corruption and incompetence in government contract negotiations could now be a thing of the past.
Grade: B+
Average or below average performers
Meet the new minister; same as the old one. The culture of business as usual is pervasive. There has been no notable improvement of things under their watch. The majority of Cabinet members in the government of the day fall under this unenviable group. Their individual and collective performances have hovered around average and below average. They include the Minister for Defence and National Service Dr Hussein Mwinyi, who though a reasonably capable leader with a promising future, has had a lacklustre performance at the defence ministry. In another country where public leadership accountability is a matter of obligation, Mwinyi would have been forced to resign following the deaths of scores of civilians from explosions at a military camp in Mbagala and fatal military helicopter accidents.
Other Cabinet members with average performance on their report cards include the Minister for Energy and Minerals, William Ngeleja, the Minister for Industry, Trade and Marketing, Dr Mary Nagu, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mathias Chikawe, Education and Vocational Training Minister Prof. Jumanne Maghembe, Minister of State in the Vice Presidents Office (Environment), Dr Batilda Buriani, Minister for Information, Culture and Sports, Capt. George Mkuchika, Minister for Lands and Urban Settlement Development, Capt. John Chiligati, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Ms Celina Kombani, and the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Shamsa Mwangunga.
Also in the list of average or below average performers is veteran politician Steven Wassira, who is the current Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, along with the Minister for Science, Technology & ICT, Prof. Peter Msolla, the Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Prof. David Mwakyusa, the Minister for Community Development, Gender & Children, Margareth Sitta, the Minister for East African Cooperation, Diodorus Kamala and the Minister of State in the President's Office (Public Service Management), Hawa Ghasia.
Grade: C or D
28th December 2009
A FEW GOOD MEN -- From left to right: President Kikwete, Foreign Affairs Minister Membe, Livestock and Fisheries Minister Dr Magufuli and Attorney General Werema are among a few Cabinet members who performed well in 2009.
A LACKLUSTRE PERFOMANCE -- An overwhelming number of Cabinet members recorded average or below average performances in 2009. They include (from left to right), Good Governance Minister Sophia Simba, Labour Minister Prof. Juma Kapuya, Home Affairs Minister Lawrence Masha and Infrastructure Development Minister Dr Shukuru Kawambwa.
It seems somewhat inevitable that President Jakaya Kikwete will reshuffle the Cabinet ahead of the 2010 general election to try to appeal to voters for a widely expected re-election bid. But how did the current Cabinet members fare this year?
Following is a report card on the individual performances of ministers and other Cabinet members over the past twelve months, starting from the head of state himself:
Jakaya Kikwete
(President)
Having recently marked four years in office, he is credited with stepping up the fight against corruption and maintaining the country's economic stability. His administration has made substantial strides on the education front, and has come up with an ambitious blueprint dubbed 'Kilimo Kwanza' for developing the long-neglected farming sector.
However, his government has been faulted for going after many corruption cases but making few, if any, catches. The government has thus far been unable to indict some well-known architects of massive looting of funds from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and other government coffers.
Kikwete, as CCM national chairman, appears to have limited leverage over the ruling party, which insiders say has been effectively hijacked by a powerful network of businessmen-cum-politicians who have been publicly tainted by corruption allegations. As a result, there are now two centres of power within the ruling party.
Deep divisions in CCM came to the fore at the national executive committee (NEC) meeting in August when the network of so-called political tycoons came close to engineering the unseating of National Assembly Speaker Samwel Sitta because of his firm anti-corruption stance.
A recent photo distributed to the local media by State House showing the president and the first lady enjoying a joyous ride in Jamaica provided plenty of ammunition for critics of Kikwete's frequent travels abroad. The PR disaster generated much discussion on the streets, in office corridors and inside online chat-rooms, and is expected to add fuel to further criticisms of the president's foreign trips in the new year.
It is widely rumoured that the network of political tycoons may secretly sponsor a candidate next year to mount a challenge against Kikwete in CCM for presidential nomination, to try to rattle the president by flexing their political muscles.
Nonetheless, Kikwete is expected to be overwhelmingly confirmed as CCM's presidential candidate in 2010 and easily win subsequent election for a second and final term in office - although it is highly unlikely that he will match his 2005 landslide victory.
Grade: B-
Ali Mohamed Shein
(Vice President)
He was thrust into the limelight of national politics in 2001 when plucked from the political wilderness in Zanzibar to become the country's VP following the death of predecessor Omar Ali Juma. A government newspaper ran the headline 'Dr Shein - who?' when it was announced that the little-known politician from Zanzibar had become vice president.
Pundits say Shein may not have been Kikwete's first choice for VP in 2005, but was picked as a compromise candidate. Since then, he has proven to be a trusted ally of the president. Fiercely loyal to his boss, Shein is somewhat of a reluctant politician with no visible ambitions for the trappings of power so openly desired by his colleagues. He has a reputation of being incorruptible and has a largely untarnished record in government.
As VP, he oversees the relatively low-profile portfolios of environment and poverty alleviation.
Grade: C+
Mizengo Pinda
(Prime Minister)
More than a year in his post, Pinda got the big promotion in February 2008 following the resignation of prime minister Edward Lowassa over the Richmond corruption scandal. Unlike his predecessor, who is a businessman-cum-politician, Pinda doesn't appear motivated by personal financial gain.
A long-serving civil servant, Pinda's appointment as PM was initially well received by members of parliament. His humble and approachable manner has won him many friends in parliament, where he is the leader of official government business in the House.
Although he is widely-respected by fellow MPs, he has come under growing criticism over the past several months for failing to bring any substantial changes to the way government affairs are being run.
It's business as usual as some senior government officials - both past and present - continue to be shielded by authorities from facing possible charges of corruption and abuse of public office.
Critics say Pinda has thus far not displayed the type of innovative leadership and ability to make hard decisions needed to inspire Tanzanians out of poverty. His performance so far has been largely average. He has not shined as many people expected him to.
Grade: C+
Philip Marmo
(Minister of State in the Prime Ministers Office, Parliamentary Affairs)
A former deputy speaker of the National Assembly, Marmo has been instrumental in fostering better working conditions between the legislature and the executive. His level-headedness and understanding of the workings of parliament has helped ease tensions between the two pillars of the state. He is calm, composed and is often seen as a quiet advocate of good governance and rule of law.
Grade: B-
Mustafa Mkullo
(Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs)
Mkullo is roundly criticised by both development partners and the media for leaving too much of the talking and explaining to government bureaucrats. The minister has built a reputation for referring almost all queries on policy matters and administrative issues to the governor of the Bank of Tanzania, permanent secretary of his ministry, or his two deputy ministers.
As the minister, Mkullo must take the lead and responsibility for all major decisions and announcements made by the finance ministry. He has the demeanour of a man not in charge of his affairs. He doesn't seem to have significant influence over goings-on at the finance ministry and lacks the nitty-gritties of government finances.
Grade: C
John Magufuli
(Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Development)
In complete contrast to some of his colleagues, this is a politician who fully grasps his work. As the minister of works in the third phase government, Magufuli never ceased to amaze MPs and members of the public alike on how he had everything at his fingertips. He could name ongoing road construction projects from the back of his head and give accurate facts and figures on the lengths of specific roads, estimated date of completion of projects, names of contractors, value of projects, etc. He regularly traveled across the country to personally inspect the projects and take action against errant contractors.
In his current portfolio, he has launched patrols against illegal trawlers that have been stealing fish worth millions of dollars from Tanzania's territorial waters every day. Some say his talents are being wasted at this ministry and he should be given bigger responsibilities. He exudes confidence and is a popular politician.
Grade: B+
Mohamed Seif Khatib
(Minister of State in the Vice President's Office, Union Affairs)
Khatib enjoys close ties with the president and is rumoured to have once been considered for the post of vice president. He is well experienced in both ruling party and government matters.
A native of Zanzibar, Khatib knows all too well long-standing problems that have dogged the Union between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. He has been a low-key figure and seems to have enjoyed his previous post of sports minister better than his current job. In fact, he still maintains close contacts with the Tanzania Football Federation.
He has not been seen to be doing anything inspirational, at least publicly, to strengthen the much troubled union between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Grade: C
Prof. Juma Athumani Kapuya
(Minister for Labour, Employment and Youth Development)
Kapuya is known to have developed a personal friendship with Kikwete when both were Cabinet members in the third phase government. He has been shuffled from one ministry to another over the years. He lacks charisma. Does not have any impressive record of innovative and inspirational leadership, but has somehow managed to become a permanent feature in the Cabinet over the years. He lacks the leadership qualities needed to motivate the nation's youth to fight poverty and unemployment and has not helped the government to create the promised jobs for the people.
Grade: D
Bernard Membe
(Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
A career diplomat, Membe knows a thing or two about his portfolio. As the country's highest ranking diplomat, he has helped to enhance Tanzania's stature on the international scene, which has received a significant boost under Kikwete's presidency. He is well respected by foreign diplomats stationed in Dar es Salaam and enjoys a favourable backing from members of parliament. He is seen to be a close ally of the president and will likely continue to feature prominently in Kikwete's Cabinet. Membe is arguably one of Kikwete's best assets.
Grade: B+
Sophia Simba
(Minister of State in the President's Office, Good Governance)
A highly controversial figure, Simba is credited with somehow helping Kikwete in his meteoric rise from a little-known district officer of the ruling party to Cabinet minister in the second phase government of President Ali Hassan Mwinyi. She has courted controversy both in the ruling party and government with her verbal gaffes and outbursts on the fight against corruption. She holds a sensitive portfolio responsible for coordinating the work of key government institutions, including the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service (TISS) and the Public Leadership Ethics Secretariat. Her performance as the minister in-charge of rule of law and good governance has been, to say the least, hugely disappointing.
Grade: D
Dr Shukuru Kawambwa
(Minister for Infrastructure Development)
He is another Cabinet minister believed to enjoy close ties with the president. His overall performance at this key ministry has been largely ineffective. He seems to be overwhelmed by the complexity of the countrys infrastructure sector and sheer magnitude of the problems at the Tanzania Railways Limited (TRL) and Tanzania International Container Terminal Services (TICTS). The Dar es Salaam port, railway and roads have continued to under-perform under his watch. He is a rookie politician who appears to have been given more than he can handle on his plate.
Kawambwa has not been able to put into use his PhD in mechanical engineering to solve the nation's crippling infrastructure problems. Being an inexperienced politician, perhaps he could have fared better at a lesser complicated ministry
Grade: C-
Prof. Mark Mwandosya
(Minister for Water and Irrigation Development)
A former presidential hopeful, Mwandosya has been busy travelling across the country to inspect various water projects and try to improve the peoples access to safe and clean water. However, the majority of Tanzanians still lack access to potable water. Tanzanias agriculture sector remains largely rain-fed, with his ministry facing an enormous challenge to try to develop irrigation farming, which is mostly non-existent. He has a reputation of being diligent, hard-working and highly committed to his work.
Grade: B-
Lawrence Masha
(Minister for Home Affairs)
Masha has apparently failed to channel his youth and energy into solving the nations crime problem, illegal immigration, overcrowding of prisons and allegations of police corruption and brutality. He has an obvious conflict of interest in the multi-million dollar national identity cards (IDs) project , which his ministry oversees, having represented one of the bidders for the lucrative project as a private advocate before becoming a politician. His law firm, IMMA Advocates, has been linked to some controversial gold-related projects. Masha is known to enjoy strong ties with people very close to the president.
Grade C
Judge Frederick Werema
(Attorney General)
Although just two months into his high-profile appointment, the High Court Judge has hit almost all the right notes by publicly declaring that he will work as AG without fear or favour. Werema pledged to review controversial contracts approved by his predecessors at the Attorney General's Chambers and has dropped strong hints that bribery, corruption and incompetence in government contract negotiations could now be a thing of the past.
Grade: B+
Average or below average performers
Meet the new minister; same as the old one. The culture of business as usual is pervasive. There has been no notable improvement of things under their watch. The majority of Cabinet members in the government of the day fall under this unenviable group. Their individual and collective performances have hovered around average and below average. They include the Minister for Defence and National Service Dr Hussein Mwinyi, who though a reasonably capable leader with a promising future, has had a lacklustre performance at the defence ministry. In another country where public leadership accountability is a matter of obligation, Mwinyi would have been forced to resign following the deaths of scores of civilians from explosions at a military camp in Mbagala and fatal military helicopter accidents.
Other Cabinet members with average performance on their report cards include the Minister for Energy and Minerals, William Ngeleja, the Minister for Industry, Trade and Marketing, Dr Mary Nagu, the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Mathias Chikawe, Education and Vocational Training Minister Prof. Jumanne Maghembe, Minister of State in the Vice Presidents Office (Environment), Dr Batilda Buriani, Minister for Information, Culture and Sports, Capt. George Mkuchika, Minister for Lands and Urban Settlement Development, Capt. John Chiligati, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Ms Celina Kombani, and the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Shamsa Mwangunga.
Also in the list of average or below average performers is veteran politician Steven Wassira, who is the current Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, along with the Minister for Science, Technology & ICT, Prof. Peter Msolla, the Minister for Health & Social Welfare, Prof. David Mwakyusa, the Minister for Community Development, Gender & Children, Margareth Sitta, the Minister for East African Cooperation, Diodorus Kamala and the Minister of State in the President's Office (Public Service Management), Hawa Ghasia.
Grade: C or D
