Tanzania: 'Magufuli-Watching-Me' Mentality Can't Help Us '

President John Magufuli's hands-on approach has become a lively talking point and has perplexed many people. Instead of taking a short holiday to cool off after a very gruelling cross-country election campaign, they observe, Dr Magufuli swung into action shortly after being sworn in as Tanzania's fifth president a week ago.

Visits to the Finance ministry and the Muhimbili National Hospital (NNH) are illustrative cases. They revealed absenteeism and laxity in maintenance of medical equipment as among the ills afflicting our institutions. Much earlier, the freeze on foreign trips by public servants sent shivers down the spines of individuals who had cultivated the culture of squandering public funds. Cynics are dismissing Mr Magufuli's dynamism as nguvu ya soda ( short-lived bubbles). They are venting hot air and should be dismissed outright.

For, given his sterling performance in a career spanning 20 years, and which has earned him nick-names like bulldozer, jembe (hoe) and pilipili (pepper), we believe he won't falter.

But then, no matter how well-intentioned and praiseworthy his actions are, there are limits to what the President can and should do as an individual. Everyone must do their bit, and do it well, under strict supervisors who should never hesitate to sanction malingerers and under-performers.

 

This is a culture that has been eroded alarmingly and must be revived. An inkling lies in the case of damaged medical equipment at the MNH that was repaired within 24 hours following the President's visit.

It means many things can be done, and fast, if people drop the notion that, executive posts and membership to boards of directors, are openings for self-enrichment through dubious deals, fat allowances for unnecessary meetings, and, for lower-ranking staff, drawing salaries for partial work.

The bottom line is: Shed the "Magufuli-is-watching-over-my-back" mentality and embrace earnestly his Hapa Kazi Tu! (We are Here to Work!) slogan to elevate Tanzania to higher levels of social welfare and economic prosperity.