Mwinyi swears in cabinet
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi yesterday officially swore in a new cabinet of ministers and deputy ministers at the Zanzibar State House, calling on them to dedicate themselves to work.
Dr Mwinyi stressed that there will be no celebrations, saying: “This is a moment to organise ourselves for work. Spend most of your hours listening to and solving people’s problems.”
He noted that Members of the House of Representatives are finalising induction sessions to prepare for their responsibilities, while the government will soon convene a working session to align priorities. “We must work hard because citizens expect to be served,” he said.
The President announced that all ministries will undergo annual performance reviews and instructed ministers to prepare clear work plans and fully understand the projects under their portfolios.
“Previously, there were ministers and permanent secretaries who did not get along. This time, I will not tolerate that,” he warned.
Dr Mwinyi also raised concerns over financial discipline, citing excessive travel and fuel costs and stressed that public expenditure must reflect value for money.
He urged ministers to intensify the fight against corruption and laziness and to improve transparency by issuing quarterly progress reports and holding regular press briefings. “It is important we communicate our achievements. Do not run away from journalists,” he added.
Several newly sworn-in leaders pledged to meet the President’s expectations.
Mr Shariff Ali Shariff, the new Minister of Labour and Investment, said: “This is a results-driven government. We will ensure investment processes become faster and more supportive of job creation.”
Ms Riziki Pembe Juma, Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, said her ministry will strengthen government communication and support the creative sector. “The President has emphasised openness and we will work accordingly,” she said.
Dr Mwinyi said the appointments were guided by regional balance, gender, experience and education. Sixteen ministers and eleven deputy ministers took the oath.
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Those sworn in include Dr Haroun Ali Suleiman (Good Governance), Dr Saada Mkuya (State House), Dr Juma Malik Akil (Finance), Idrissa Kitwana Mustafa (Regional Administration), Shariff Ali Shariff (Labour) and Hamza Hassan Juma (Policy and Coordination).
Others are Rahma Kassim Ali (Lands), Lela Muhamed Mussa (Education), Shaaban Ali Othman (Youth), Suleiman Masoud Makame (Agriculture), Nadir Alwardy (Water and Energy), Masoud Ali Mohamed (Blue Economy), Dr Khalid Mohamed (Construction), Anna Paul (Community Development), Mudrik Soraga (ICT) and Riziki Pembe Juma (Information and Culture).
The President confirmed that four portfolios remain vacant until ACT-Wazalendo decides whether to join the GNU. These include: The First Vice-President’s Office; Health; Tourism and Heritage; and Trade and Industrial Development.
