Samia stresses peace, unity
NJOMBE: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on workers to uphold peace, unity and solidarity, emphasising that these values are fundamental pillars for promoting decent work and enhancing the welfare of employees.
he said workers have a duty to ensure that their differences do not threaten the country’s long-standing foundations of peace and unity laid by the nation’s founders.
“Work cannot have dignity without peace and there can be no workers’ welfare without national stability. Let us remain united, work together, build our nation and uphold the dignity of our country,” she said.
President Samia made the remarks yesterday at Lunyanwi Grounds in Njombe Town Council during the national celebration to mark International Workers’ Day.
The Head of State said each worker has a role to play, stressing the need to unite, build trust and prioritise national interests, while demonstrating diligence, integrity and professionalism in strengthening the country’s economy.
She further said that the government remains committed to improving workers’ welfare, saying that dignity at work cannot exist without peace and stability. President Samia further commended workers for aligning the Workers’ Day theme with Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050, saying that it reflects a clear understanding of the country’s long-term goals.
She said that Tanzania aims to build a one trillion US dollar economy by 2050, stressing the critical role of workers in achieving that target.
“As the backbone of the nation, workers must play a central role in driving this vision forward,” she said.
President Samia also highlighted key labour sector achievements, saying that 1,200 public sector workers have already been employed during the second phase of her administration and recruitment is underway.
This year’s commemorations were held under the theme “Decent Work is a Strong Pillar for Sustainable Development in the Implementation of the National Development Vision 2050” On what the government has done, she said the government has also facilitated employment for 7,593 youth abroad and is working to expand such opportunities while strengthening systems to safeguard their rights and welfare.
President Samia further commended the private sector for implementing the revised minimum wage, with 80 per cent of employers already complying, calling on the rest to follow suit.
She highlighted additional efforts to improve workers’ welfare, including the launch of a five-year National Decent Work Programme, expansion of social security coverage to the informal sector and the allocation of 200bn/- to support youth enterprises and job creation.
President Samia further called for greater investment in education, skills and innovation to prepare the workforce for current and future job market demands.
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“The government is taking steps to formalise the informal sector, which employs millions of Tanzanians, while strengthening engagement and inclusion in labour and development matters,” President Samia said.
Despite the challenges, President Samia reassured workers that their welfare remains a priority, adding that improvements will continue as the economy strengthens. She urged them to remain hardworking and patriotic, stressing that sustained effort will enable the country to grow its economy and equitably share the benefits of development.
Earlier, Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba urged workers to remain patient, committed and resilient in their workplaces, stressing that the public depends on the services they provide.
Dr Nchemba said there has been a growing tendency among some employees to lose morale and become discouraged over minor workplace challenges, warning that such attitudes could affect service delivery.
“Workplace misunderstandings, particularly between employees and supervisors, should not be a reason for workers to abandon their jobs. Patience and endurance are important qualities in professional growth,” he said.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations), Mr Deus Sangu, commended the President for continuing to create employment opportunities for young people and improving workers’ welfare through salary adjustments.
Mr Sangu said the government’s efforts in creating new jobs both locally and internationally have brought hope to many young Tanzanians seeking employment opportunities. He pledged that his ministry would continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally for the welfare of workers and the broader development of the nation.
Njombe Regional Commissioner, Mr Antony Mtaka thanked the President for strengthening the region’s workforce with a total of 2,583 employees, urging workers to value their jobs and remain committed to serving the public diligently.
He expressed concern over a growing trend where some newly employed workers seek transfers shortly after reporting to their assigned duty stations, sometimes citing avoidable reasons. Mr Mtaka called on parents to guide their children to take their employment seriously and avoid treating jobs carelessly, especially considering the high unemployment rates among youth.
