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#16 Sep 23, 2008
PLANNED INVESTMENT FORUM: Opposition builds up against Manji's choice as key speaker
THISDAY REPORTER
Dar es Salaam
OPPOSITION is still mounting to compel organizers of an upcoming investment conference in Dar es Salaam to throw out from its list of speakers controversial businessman Yusuf Manji touted as among role models helping to shape Tanzanias future.
Those who have added their voices of discontent include outspoken Kigoma North Member of Parliament, Zitto Kabwe, of Chadema opposition party.
If we want to shape Tanzanias future that is corrupt it is okay&[HASHTAG]#65533[/HASHTAG]; But if we want to shape Tanzanias future that is clean of the corruption canker-worm we should not include Manji at the conference, the youthful legislator told this paper.
I was astonished to learn such news Manji has been alleged of corruption and fraud at social security funds and Bank of Tanzanias External Payment Account (EPA) arrears He has been alleged several times and I think it isnt ideal to have him as one of the people shaping our countrys future. I strongly support those opposed to the inclusion of Manji at the conference, said Zitto.
He said there was a need for well-wishers to engage organizers to change the shape of the conference. He ruled out against sabotaging the conference, noting that, It would not make sense to boycott the meeting just because of Manji and instead we should urge the organizers to remove his name from the list of speakers.
The Economist is a big and respectable organization and I believe they have been misled on this issue. Tanzanians views have not been considered at all, Kabwe charged.
He was optimistic the organizers would now consider views of Tanzanians and exclude Manji at the conference
He noted that there are many Tanzanians who would present the country better at the conference, mentioning corporate executives at the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (TCCIA) and the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI).
He also mentioned Civic United Front (CUF) chairman, Prof Ibrahim Lipumba, a renowned economist and University of Dar es Salaam academic Prof. Samuel Wangwe as among notable personalities who could act as role models shaping Tanzanias future.
On the other hand, he doubted whether the conference would yield any fruits since there are such forums which have been organized but delivered nothing due to lack of implementation of recommendations forwarded.
All in all, I call upon all businessmen, civil societies and policy-makers, among others, to attend the conference and make their case known. We should speak out strongly to achieve the objectives of the meeting. It should not be a talk show but rather real business, he said.
Kabwe also wondered why he was not included in the conference since he is a shadow minister for infrastructure, a subject which will also be discussed during the meeting.
The Economist Group, which is convening a much-hyped roundtable conference in the country on October 6 and 7 this year, lists Manji among people shaping Tanzanias future.
Manji, Chief Executive Officer of Quality Group Limited, is scheduled to be one of the key speakers at the roundtable sponsored by Barrick Tanzania, Zain, Artumas Group and Coca-Cola.
On the other hand, The Economists director for Africa, Marianne Mezou, told THISDAY in a telephone interview that her organization would thoroughly study peoples reservations against Manji.
Well make sure that there wont be any problems at the conference, said Mezou.
A row has erupted over the decision of the organizers of the conference to declare Manji as a leading role model helping to shape Tanzanias future.
One of the key topics of discussion at the planned conference includes Is the government doing enough to tackle corruption?
President Jakaya Kikwete and senior cabinet ministers are expected to lead sessions at the gathering.
Manji, who faces a series of corruption allegations in Tanzania, has been highlighted as one of the key players in the nations future economic success.
Earlier this week, Chadema Secretary-General Dr Wilbroad Slaa reacted angrily to the decision of The Economist to name the businessman as one of the nations role models.
Among other things, the businessman is at the centre of a long-standing corruption investigation by the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) on a dubious 2004 deal involving the sale of overpriced godowns to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) for 47.5bn/-.
Persistent questions also remain over another dubious deal between Manjis Quality Group Ltd and the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) involving the sale of Quality Plaza in Dar es Salaam for 36bn/-.
The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) recently shut down a warehouse operated by Manjis company (Quality Group) for violating customs laws and procedures.
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