DODOMA: OVER 5,000 young Tanzanians, who demonstrated exceptional dedication and skills during their National Service, particularly in projects like the Mererani wall and State House construction, have been recruited into the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) since 2019.
Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Stergomen Tax said this yesterday in National Assembly while responding to a basic question from the Special Seats MP Asia Halamga.
In her question, Ms Halamga wanted to know the government’s plan for recruiting National Service youth who participated in the construction of the Mererani wall, the State House, and other areas.
Responding to the question, Dr Tax said that the National Service was established in 1963 with the aim of providing patriotic, defence, and upbringing training to Tanzanian youth.
He said that this training aims to teach them unity and solidarity, determination, and readiness to serve their country at all times.
Additionally, Dr Tax said that during this training, young people are taught various work and life skills, with the goal of enabling them to become self-reliant after training.
Furthermore, she said that the TPDF enlists new soldiers in accordance with the laws, regulations, and directives issued from time to time, as outlined in Regulation Five of the Defence Forces Regulations, Volume One (Administration).
“Therefore, all youth who join the National Service are enlisted following this procedure,” she said.
In her follow-up questions, MP Halamga wanted to know if the government had plans to recruit young people who had built other projects of Mzumbe University and the Nyerere Dam, and whether the government did not see the need to collaborate with other security and defence organs to have a special database for young people who had performed specific tasks, so that they could be placed in other forces.
In response, Minister Tax said that they recruit young people based on the needs of the time and the qualifications they have, and that they appreciate the youth for their willingness to volunteer and perform these tasks with high proficiency.
She said as positions become available and as needed; young people are recruited.
“Regarding having a database, there is already one exists, and we are collaborating with various security and defence organs to identify young people who meet the qualifications,” she said.
