TOC outlines major leadership changes

Dodoma. The general meeting of the Tanzanian Olympic Committee (TOC) is expected to approve significant leadership changes today, resulting in the appointment of a secretary-general and an accountant.

Speaking yesterday, TOC president Gulam Rashid said if members of the meeting endorse the proposed constitutional amendments, starting next year, there will be an employed secretary-general and accountant.

Rashid said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already granted permission for TOC to employ staff to enhance efficiency in their duties. They will now receive salaries, ensuring their full-time commitment to their roles.

He explained that with employed staff, it will be easier to hold them accountable if they fail to achieve goals or fulfil assigned responsibilities, unlike the current volunteer system.

When asked about the source of salary funds, Rashid responded that the IOC has agreed to provide the necessary funding to ease any concerns. Additionally, changes are expected in the athletes ' commission, which initially consisted only athletes who participated in the Olympic Games.

Now, it will include players who have participated in national, continental, global, and Commonwealth Games. The fate of these amendments now rests with the members of the general meeting today at the Dodoma Hotel. If officially approved, the new Constitution will come into effect the following year, after the general election in December 2024. The changes will also impact the Executive Committee members, requiring the inclusion of four female members, two from Zanzibar and others from Mainland Tanzania.

Rashid also mentioned that there will be two general meetings each year—one for association and federation secretaries, who are the executives, and another for chairpersons or presidents involved in policy issues.