Mwinyi Swears In New Cabinet, Vows Efficient Leadership

Unguja. President Hussein Mwinyi has introduced a new Cabinet, stating that his last term will be characterized by more rigorous leadership,...

Unguja. President Hussein Mwinyi has introduced a new Cabinet, stating that his last term will be characterized by more rigorous leadership, quicker implementation, and an effort to solidify the legacy of Zanzibar's Eighth Government.

At the State House in Zanzibar yesterday, Dr. Mwinyi stated his aim to make the remainder of his time in office more effective than his initial term, indicating a move toward results-driven leadership.

He mentioned that the second term would be carried out with increased speed to meet campaign promises and enhance organizational discipline.

"The speed of this second term, which marks my last in a leadership role, needs to be faster. We aim to create a lasting legacy. If anyone believes I am soft, this is when I will be most demanding," he stated to journalists following the announcement of the team.

The President has increased the Cabinet size from 18 to 20 ministries in order to boost efficiency and strengthen collaboration among different government departments. Among those appointed, 14 are male and seven are female.

Nevertheless, four departments still lack designated ministers—Health; Trade and Industrial Development; Tourism and Antiquities; and the Office of the First Vice President.

Dr. Mwinyi mentioned that the nominations for these roles are still pending from the opposition party ACT Wazalendo, which is part of Zanzibar's Government of National Unity as outlined in the 1984 Constitution.

The legislation allows the opposition party a maximum of 90 days to submit names for ministerial roles. If this timeframe ends without any nominations, the President is authorized to establish a government composed solely of their party.

Dr. Mwinyi mentioned that gender equality, regional diversity, educational background, and professional experience were important factors in the recent selections.

"You make plans, you choose, but we also take these factors and other personal attributes into account," he stated, noting that responsibility and self-control will be carefully observed.

In the new Cabinet, five ministers from the prior administration were removed. Two did not receive reappointment, while three others were excluded during the internal selection procedure within Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Among those excluded are Tabia Maulid Mwita, the former Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, and Ali Mrembo, the former Minister in the President’s Office.

Other individuals include Shamata Shaame Khamis, who once led the departments of Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources, and Livestock; and Shaib Hassan Kaduara, who oversaw Water, Energy, and Minerals. Juma Makungu Juma, former Deputy Minister for Finance, also did not manage to obtain a position.

Masoud Ali Mohamed, who was initially left out, makes a comeback as the Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries.

The Office of the President has undergone a restructuring, with its ministries decreasing from four to two. The roles of Labour and Investment, and Finance and Planning have been eliminated, resulting in the President’s Office (State House) and Tamisemi being the remaining entities under the updated structure.

Two additional government departments have been established: the Ministry of Communication, Information Technology, and Innovation, led by Mudrick Ramadhani Soraga, and the Ministry of Youth, Employment, and Empowerment, overseen by Shaaban Ali Othman.

Dr. Saada Mkuya currently heads the President’s Office (State House), whereas Haroun Ali Suleiman is back at the Ministry of Constitution, Civil Service, and Good Governance. Idrissa Kitwana has been posted to Tamisemi.

Other significant appointments are Hamza Hassan Juma, who continues to serve in the Office of the Second Vice President; Dr Juma Ali Akil, who is now leading Finance and Planning with Dr Hamad Omar Bakar serving as his assistant; Shariff Ali Shariff; Rahma Kassim Ali; Lela Mohamed Mussa; Riziki Pembe Juma; Masoud Suleiman Makame; Nadir Abdulatif; Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed; Anna Athanas Paul; and Masoud Ali Mohamed.

The leader stated that the reorganization is intended to enhance cooperation among departments and accelerate the execution of development goals.

Public response to the appointments was varied. Although some individuals welcomed the adjustments as an indication of a renewed focus on effectiveness, others argued that the structure implied consistency rather than change.

"If you examine carefully, the lineup remains mostly unchanged. Maybe he considered their performance to be effective, so he chose to retain them. Introducing too many new members is akin to beginning anew," said political analyst Othman Said Ali.

Dr. Mwinyi, who is in his last constitutional term, stated that his government's priority will be to fulfill its promises by 2030 and maintain Zanzibar's institutions' strength after his presidency.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).