Prof Kabudi throws weight behind promotion of Tanzania’s image
DODOMA: Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, has urged staff under his ministry to work diligently, emphasizing that their efforts are crucial in projecting Tanzania’s image internationally.
Speaking at an event organized in Dodoma on Tuesday evening to bid farewell to the ministry’s retirees and usher in the year 2025, Prof Kabudi highlighted the ministry’s vital role in safeguarding and promoting the national ethos.
“For people to know Tanzania, it is this ministry’s responsibility to protect the country’s image. When we talk about culture, arts, and sports, we are talking about the very heart of our nation. Any nation that understands itself must respect its culture, value its arts, and promote its sports,” Prof. Kabudi said.
He urged staff to embrace the new year with renewed commitment to serving citizens professionally and efficiently, stressing that the ministry operates around the clock due to its significance.
Prof. Kabudi also encouraged fostering unity and camaraderie among colleagues to enhance productivity. “For us to feel truly significant, we must maintain solidarity and love. I encourage us to start having tea together—from the Minister to the support staff—because every employee matters,” he emphasized.
Commending the retirees for their exemplary service, he advised them to manage their retirement benefits wisely.
“Don’t venture into businesses that you’re not familiar with. Avoid starting new ventures at this stage if you’ve never done so before. The money may seem substantial, but without proper planning, it will quickly disappear,” he cautioned.
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Reflecting on the ministry’s achievements in 2024, Prof. Kabudi highlighted the successful hosting of the 3rd World Kiswahili Day celebrations on July 7, a date he championed due to its historical significance as the founding day of TANU and Kiswahili recognition as the language of Tanganyika’s freedom fighters.
Additionally, the ministry organized an International Kiswahili Conference held in Havana, Cuba, underscoring Kiswahili’s role in restoring dignity to people of African descent worldwide.
In the realm of culture, he highlighted the National Cultural Festival held in Ruvuma in September 2024, aimed at promoting national values and ethics.
On sports, Prof. Kabudi celebrated Taifa Stars’ qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the third time, as well as the national women’s football team’s qualification for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
For his part, Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Mr. Hamis Mwinjuma, described 2024 as a remarkable year for the ministry, citing a significant budget increase from 35bn/- to 286bn/- to support various projects, including AFCON 2027 and CHAN.
“Statistically, Tanzania has never performed as well as it has during this period. Last year alone, we qualified for eight CAF-organized tournaments—a milestone we’ve never reached before. Now, the goal is no longer just to qualify but to advance beyond the initial stages. We can’t continue being the laughing stock,” he emphasized.
Mr. Mwinjuma pledged continued support to the Minister while seeking guidance and supervision to ensure the ministry’s objectives are met effectively.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, acknowledged that 2024 had been a challenging year, with the ministry managing preparations for major national events, including CHAN and AFCON.
“These events are still in the preparation phase, but it’s been a year where we’ve witnessed the President entrusting us with even more responsibilities. I urge my fellow staff members to continue fostering collaboration in 2025 to achieve our set goals,” Msigwa stated.
