Othman promises to end exploitative loans for teachers

ZANZIBAR: ACT-Wazalendo presidential candidate for Zanzibar, Mr Othman Masoud Othman, has pledged that if elected President of Zanzibar, his government will abolish predatory lending to teachers and establish a new system of affordable credit to uplift their economic well-being.

Addressing supporters at a campaign rally held at Kwa-Geji grounds in Bububu constituency, Mr  Othman said teachers have played a vital role in educating the nation, yet they continue to be underpaid.

“Our teachers have been at the forefront of building Zanzibar and the nation at large, but what they receive is still far too little. An ACT-Wazalendo government will elevate teachers to a higher status, making the teaching profession one that every young person aspires to join,” Othman declared.

He further expressed dissatisfaction with Zanzibar’s current education system, arguing that it fails to equip young people with self-reliance and skills to contribute meaningfully to their country, instead leaving them dependent on jobs that barely exist.

“It is shocking to see young people complete secondary school without even knowing the sea that surrounds them, while we live on islands. An ACT-Wazalendo government will prioritise education that empowers youth to develop their nation,” he emphasised.

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Mr Othman also announced plans to establish a Special Teachers’ Service Commission to directly address the challenges and welfare of teachers.

In addition, he promised formal recognition of religious scholars with degrees and advanced education, whom he said are currently overlooked by the system.

“It is time to vote for ACT-Wazalendo and its candidates to bring real change. On October 29 this year, let us all go and cast our votes,” he  urged.

For his part, Zanzibar presidential campaign manager, Mr Ismail Jussa Ladhu, said an ACT-Wazalendo-led government would immediately cancel the existing oil supply contract in Zanzibar, describing it as exploitative and one that impoverishes citizens.

Meanwhile, Othman continued his campaign trail in Fumba and Dimani, West B District, where he appealed to residents to vote for him in the October 29 elections.

While meeting voters, residents voiced their concerns over land disputes and other local challenges. Othman assured them that an ACT-Wazalendo government would prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens above investors.

“I am asking for your trust and your vote so that we can resolve these issues together and bring greater economic and social progress to your communities,” he said.

Before, Othman joined party and religious leaders and citizens at Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital in Unguja to pay his final respects to the late Hawa Moses Kulola, popularly known as Pembe la Ng’ombe.