Youth can bring the change people want

Dar es Salaam. How the Tegeta Escrow Account scandal has developed is proof enough that young politicians can be trusted to take on issues of national interest, according to a cross-section of opinion makers. Political analysts and academics who spoke with The Citizen on Sunday commended the job the youthful MPs have done in Parliament--saying they have proved that they can take on top leadership positions.

Last week, Parliament came up with resolutions advising the Head of State to take measures against government officials involved in the scandal. The decision was reached after MPs, most of them relatively young, pushed for both disciplinary and legal action against minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development Anna Tibaijuka, minister for Energy and Minerals Sospeter Muhongo, Attorney General Frederick Werema and Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Energy and Minerals Eliakim Maswi.

According to the analysts, the young MPs have proved that the nation will be in safe hands if they are given an opportunity to lead. The youthful brigade has changed the way Parliament does business, according to University of Dodoma Lecturer Paul Loisulie. Since their number has risen in the House, he added, there have been many debates aimed at protecting the nation’s interests--which goes to prove that most of them are capable of taking up top positions, he argues. “It’s obvious young MPs have changed things in Parliament,” Mr Loisulie said. “We have been witnessing them debating and pushing for major issues like never before. This means they have ability to lead this country.” He believes they still have enough time and opportunities to gain experience and grow into strong and good leaders.

A political analyst based in Karatu, Mr Adonis Byemerwa, said young MPs have proved themselves by revealing and debating scandals such as Buzwagi, the export of live animals and Richmond. “If they can stick to their guns,” he added, they can make good leaders.” But not all young MPs are good enough for top leadership positions, according to Mr Byemerwa, considering that some have been collaborating with corrupt politicians. “We have witnessed leaders of political parties at various universities working with politicians to ruin this country,” he said. “Some take money and bribe fellow students to push their agenda.” Mr Zacharia Malima of the University of Dar es Salaam cautioned youth that being an outspoken politician is not the same thing as being a good leader. Some might be good at debating but fail to implement their ideas when it comes to action. “The problem with Tanzania’s politics is that people talk too much,” said Mr Malima. “Even some of these young MPs might be part of the syndrome, They could be good at talking but poor in leadership.” Still, Mr Malima added, the Tegeta Escrow Account saga has made it clear that youth can confront challenges, which is useful when it comes to winning public trust.

According to a political analyst and advocate of the High Court, Mr Sylivanus Sylivand, young people have proved their abilities whenever they have had an opportunity to do so over the years. They include the late Amina Chifupa, who spoke out against drug dealers. “We have seen many MPs who are promising such as Zitto Kabwe, David Kafulila, Deo Filikunjombe, John Mnyika, Ester Bulaya, Mwigulu Nchemba and others,” Mr Sylivand said. “They are not perfect but we see something in them that tells they can be good leaders.”

Deputy minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Environment) Ummy Mwalimu argues that there are many youth in the country, including those from the ruling CCM, who are capable of taking up top posts given that most of them are well educated, competent and capable of leading the country. But the public must trust them, she added, considering that Mwalimu Julius Nyerere became the first Prime Minister of Tangayika at 39.