TANZANIA: Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo) party has emerged as a beacon of democratic progress, captivating the youth with its swift and impactful revolution, opines Rahma Salumu, a social development and politics enthusiast.
Rahma, a member of ACT-Wazalendo, says the party’s journey began with a notable event, the departure of Zitto Kabwe from another opposition party, CHADEMA, marking the inception of his venture with ACT Tanzania before it was changed to ACT Wazalendo, a name that resonated with me for the first time.
In late 2014, as a form four student, I had the privilege of meeting Anna Mughwira. She convened a group of us to share her strategic vision and her parliamentary aspirations for Singida in the upcoming 2015 elections as a representative of Chadema.
A few months later, the media buzzed with her announcement to seek the presidency under the ACT-Wazalendo banner, sparking my deeper interest in the party.
She adds despite its relative youth, ACT Wazalendo faced its share of turbulence, particularly when influential figures like the party’s chief adviser, Prof Kitila Mkumbo and the 2015 presidential hopeful Anna Mughwira departed in 2016/2017.
The subsequent political climate, marked by prohibitions on gatherings and police encounters, seemed to herald the party’s demise.
“However, 2019 marked a resurgence for ACT Wazalendo. The arrival of esteemed members such as the late Maalim Seif, Ismail Jussa, Nassor Mazrui, Salim Bimani, Juma Haji Duni and many others fortified the party’s presence across the mainland and islands,” she says.

The party’s allure for young people and women stems from its commitment to leadership opportunities and talent recognition. Its policies adeptly tackle current societal challenges.
A modern party focused on addressing the needs of today’s generation, with a commitment to policies that promote economic equality, improve education and healthcare, reform criminal justice systems, and promote diversity and inclusion.
In the past ten years, the political party has significantly evolved, creating specialized divisions to tackle key issues in democracy and the economy.
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A notable innovation is the establishment of the Shadow Cabinet Research Office (SCaRO). Since its inception in February 2022, it has introduced fresh faces into the political arena, with individuals assuming roles as Shadow Ministers for various portfolios.
This development has injected a new vibrancy into politics, with figures like Esther Akoth Thomas, Mwanaisha Mndeme, Ndolezi Petro, Isihaka Mchinjita, Emanuel Mvula, Shangwe Ayo, and Dr Nasra Nassor among others, becoming well-known.
The Shadow Cabinet, serving as the party’s policy and research wing, has emerged as a fertile ground for nurturing the next generation of political leaders within ACT-Wazalendo.
For instance, the Shadow Finance Minister, Ms. Kiza Mayeye, impressed many with her articulate and confident analysis of the Auditor General’s report at a recent event.
Additionally, the party’s response to the Rufiji floods, led by Shadow Prime Minister Isihaka Mchinjita, showcased a blend of humanitarian concern and a demand for governmental accountability, signaling a refreshing change. The Shadow Cabinet’s role has been pivotal in ensuring that ACT Wazalendo maintains its focus on policy-driven politics.
Another remarkable initiative by ACT Wazalendo is their commitment to addressing the economic challenges faced by their members.
The launch of ShushaTanga SACCOS, a digital savings and credit cooperative, offers members a sustainable financial alternative to predatory lending practices.
This member-centric financial institution provides immediate, interest-free small loans. I recently joined ACT Wazalendo through their digital platform, ACT Kiganjani, and my membership facilitated my enrolment in ShushaTanga SACCOS, an impressive feature indeed.
When I visited the party headquarters in Magomeni, the ACT-Wazalendo member says, I overheard a joke in the hallway about the women in the party leadership.
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Following the electoral convention in March 2024, the party’s secretariat was predominantly female, with only two men in the mix, the secretary general and the secretary for human rights.
This unexpected gender ratio sparked a light-hearted moment at the first consultation meeting for the Tanzania mainland secretariat, reflecting the evolving landscape of the party.
The growing presence of women in leadership positions within ACT Wazalendo points to a transformative era in our political landscape.
Celebrating a decade of democratic practice, ACT Wazalendo has exemplified the essence of living by democratic principles.
Zitto’s personal trials in party-building never overshadowed his dedication to constitutional adherence and leadership transition, culminating in Dorothy Semu’s election to the party’s pinnacle, a testament to the trust in female leadership.
With ten years of foundational growth behind us, ACT stand at the threshold of a new decade, one that promises to sculpt a future of leadership and national stewardship.
Zitto Kabwe’s resilience overcoming expulsion and political adversity to rise anew, mirrors the party’s own trajectory. Despite early defections and challenges, ACT Wazalendo now stands as an indomitable force, a decade strong and poised for the future.
Tanzania’s political landscape is dotted with numerous parties, many of which have a history stretching back two decades. Among them, ACT stands out not for its years, but for its stature; it is the youngest in formation yet a colossus in action.