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Simbachawene orders allowance reimbursement for early departures

THE Minister for State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, George Simbachawene, has directed
Minister of State in the President's Office (Public Service Management and Good Governance) George Simbachawene.

THE Minister for State in the President’s Office for Public Service Management and Good Governance, George Simbachawene, has directed all public servants who received allowances for their participation in the Inter-Ministerial Sports Federation Games (SHIMIWI) but left before the conclusion of the event to reimburse those allowances.

Minister Simbachawene issued a directive on Sunday during the closing event in Morogoro, expressing his disappointment at the turnout. He had expected around 2,000 attendees, but only about 400 public servants were present at the games’ climax.

“I was informed that over 2,000 were expected to participate in this year’s event but looking around here at the venue, I don’t see even the turnout reaching 400. This means others left, and if they left without having been paid, they must reimburse the allowances they took,” Simbachawene ordered.

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Simbachawene stated that if they left because they were not paid, it would be better for their employers to respond to accusations that they did not provide sufficient funds for participation throughout the duration of the games.

However, he noted a drop in club participation, pointing out that this year only 66 clubs took part compared to 74 last year. He highlighted that such a trend is discouraging.

“I commend all who participated, the clubs, the National Sports Council, and I direct the need for swift registration of more clubs as members to increase the number of participants,” he said.

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He also urged employers of public servants to allocate budgets that would enable employees to fully participate in SHIMIWI next year.

Simbachawene called on employers to recognize the importance of these games so that more public servants can attend wherever they take place next year and to ensure they fulfill the days required to be present at these events.

“I instruct all public service employers to ensure they allocate sufficient budgets in their planning to facilitate participation in SHIMIWI and to build a culture of participating in physical activities at their workplaces,” he added.

“This should not be considered optional. Essentially, SHIMIWI Games are mandatory,” he added.

The 38th games since its inception included 2,995 athletes, comprising 1,683 men and 1,312 women from 20 ministries, 19 regions, three government agencies, and 14 public institutions.