The eight principles and characteristics of good governance
Generally, capitalism and the free market system together create jobs, alleviate poverty – and, to a large extent, help build middle class societies. Apparently, this is what eventually made the USA the world’s richest nation today!
But, that is no longer the case and, in the recent past, there has been a change and crony capitalism – which is ‘crapitalism’ – has slowly gained ground, contaminating the free market ideology.
Incidentally, ‘crapitalism’ is a derogatory term for ‘corrupt or inauthentic, unjust capitalism.’
Bailouts of private banks and government funding of dubious companies based on cronyism have dented capitalism and ‘Western’ democracy. A truly-competitive free market economy has no room for favoritism.
We must not adopt ‘Western-style’ democracy because there are significant differences between them and us. Compared to the US, Tanzanians make 96.8 per cent less money; spend 99.5 per cent less on healthcare; use 99.4 per cent less electricity – and have 2.7 times more children!
Why, then, shouldn’t we have a democracy that is more in line with our needs?
Tanzania needs its own political blueprint, not follow ‘Western’ democracy.
China became developed via its own ideology. Beijing showed that Margaret Thatcher was wrong in her belief in TINA – There Is No Alternative (to Western democracy).
Unfortunately, we only hear about the Arusha Declaration come October – and, thereafter there is no mention of the Declaration. So: what is our ideology, then?
It seems the only document being used is the election manifesto of the ruling party. But, the manifesto is more of an implementing document than an ideological, vision-providing document.
To sustain our peace and develop according to the values and ethos of our traditions, it is mandatory that the Arusha Declaration be revisited and modified by majority consensus. This piece is an unapologetic call for President Magufuli to create a new Arusha Declaration – and make history.
The envisaged Declaration should be under custodianship of a Council of Prominent Elders, not necessarily past politicians. This is important to safeguard the nation’s future.
Tanzania will develop if Tanzanians want it to develop; no foreigner will develop Tanzania. Thus the proposed blueprint for our unique democracy – articulate in the new ‘Arusha’ Declaration – should prioritize the need for an efficient, honest workforce led by ethical leaders.
Essentially, we need to embrace the fifth-phase motto Hapa Kazi Tu.
Although capital accumulation – growth in Tanzania’s stock of capital assets such as new factories, production machinery and communications systems – is a prerequisite, disciplined human capital to ensure sustained productivity via worker efficiency should be the driving force behind economic growth.
This marks a departure from the traditional view of development in which capital investment takes precedence. This will result in higher productivity, leading to economic reforms that would take us to the next socioeconomic development level.
We need a functional economic reform programme to awaken the dormant desire to become a middle-income country. We need to encourage and support rural enterprises, private businesses, educated/skilled workforce; relaxed state control; liberalized foreign trade and investment.
By most accounts, this strategy has worked spectacularly for countries like China.
The ongoing development of Tanzania has touched many hearts internally and externally, as a new chapter in history is being written. Is this the new phenomenon described by Kenyan professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba as “Magufulification” in his Magufulification of Africa published on June 19, 2017?
Is it due to hard work, increased public revenues, increased donor-funding, increased accountability – or a random, miraculous development with or without President Magufuli’s efforts?
All the above reasons are true; also true is that we now have an honest, trustworthy top leadership. Without an honest leadership, there is no meaningful development!
The increasing complexities and challenges arising from constant changes in society – coupled with the constant push for higher productivity levels – require effective, ethical leadership that can instill discipline in the workforce to be successful in the 21st century.
According to UNDP and World Bank, good governance has eight principles/characteristics: participation; rule of law; transparency; responsiveness; consensus-oriented; equity/inclusiveness; effectiveness/efficiency, and accountability.
How do we in Tanzania score in each of these characteristics, principles?
There’s a direct link between good governance/effective leadership and economic prosperity.
The difference between African and Asian countries – many of which started their history as nation-states in the 1960s – is most striking.
Lack of effective leadership is the main cause for Africa lagging behind much of the world. Governance intertwined with effective leadership is the key to development.
Leaders are required to ‘walk their talk’; they are required to do practically what they promised during election campaigns.
It is past high time to flush out corrupt, lazy people, including tax evaders and crapitalists.
