DODOMA: VETERAN politician and former Prime Minister, John Malecela has hailed the ruling party CCM’s decision to field a female presidential candidate incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He said the move is both timely and a natural progression of the party’s longstanding commitment to women’s leadership.
Speaking in a specially arranged interview in Dodoma over the weekend, Mzee Malecela said CCM has consistently offered women opportunities in top leadership positions, including cabinet ministers. “It was just a matter of time.
The party had long paved the way for women in leadership. We had never fielded a woman as our presidential candidate before, but women have served in many high ranking roles,” he said.
He noted that the establishment of CCM’s Women’s Wing, UWT and Youth Wing, UVCCM has played a crucial role in nurturing future leaders, particularly women.
Expressing strong confidence in President Samia’s leadership, Mr Malecela said she was the right person to take the helm at the right moment.
Commenting on the current CCM leadership, Mr Malecela also voiced his support for newly appointed CCM Secretary General Emmanuel Nchimbi, whom he described as a committed and determined leader.
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“I’ve known Dr Nchimbi for many years. He’s a capable and loyal servant. I am confident he will work closely with President Samia to strengthen the party,” he added.
As Tanzania moves to ward the 2025 General Election, Mr Malecela called on citizens to continue supporting CCM, so that it continues maintaining momentum on key national development initiatives.
Reflecting on the country’s current trajectory, the 90-year-old statesman expressed optimism about Tanzania’s future, predicting that the country could soon shed its status as a developing nation.
“I believe that within the next decade, Tanzania will no longer be classified as a developing country we’re on the path to joining the ranks of developed nations,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to both the late President John Magufuli and President Samia for their contributions in transforming Dodoma into a modern capital, saying the city’s rapid growth has made it more attractive for both residents and investors
