Tanzanian Opposition Leaders Urgently Call Youth to Redefine Success Amid Political Pitfalls.

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a riveting turn of events on March 11, 2024, key figures in Tanzanian politics fervently implored the nation's youth to redefine their path toward economic prosperity. This compelling appeal transpired amid dynamic deliberations facilitated by the Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD), laying bare the risks associated with relying solely on political avenues for financial achievement.

The focal point of discussion centered on the urgent issues plaguing the youth in the realms of politics and leadership, as they collaboratively endeavored to instigate pivotal policy changes for transformative impact.

A startling revelation unfolded as seasoned political figures brought attention to a troubling trend – an influx of young graduates gravitating towards political parties, fueled by the belief that leadership positions offer a shortcut to transformative lives.

Professor Ibrahim Lipumba, the influential Chairman of TCD and leader of the Civic United Front (CUF), passionately emphasized the need to couple political engagement with a robust professional foundation. This, he argued, would safeguard against a future fraught with directionless pursuits.

The discussions echoed the sentiments of John Cheyo, Chairman of the United Democratic Party (UDP), who dismantled the misguided notion among the youth that politics inherently equates to wealth. Instead, Cheyo urged the youth to cultivate a mindset focused on societal contribution, drawing inspiration from his political journey championing the rights of exploited cotton farmers.

As the discussions reached a crescendo, a poignant wake-up call reverberated through the halls of wisdom shared by these seasoned leaders. Young politicians were cautioned against blindly following the political wave, emphasizing that true leadership requires a genuine calling and fervent passion for societal issues – insights articulated by Joseph Selasini, Vice Chairman of NCCR-Mageuzi-Mainland.

In a parting plea, John Mnyika, the Secretary-General of Chadema, delivered a powerful message of encouragement, urging the youth to pursue their leadership dreams with patience and resilience. Dorothy Semu, the Leader of the ACT-Wazalendo party, shared her sacrifice of setting aside a promising public service career to address societal challenges through politics.

The nation was left with a resounding call to action – an appeal for the youth to be steadfast and resilient, demonstrating unwavering capability as they navigate the intricate world of politics.

These impassioned discussions unveiled the dreams propelling young individuals into politics, often rooted in the pursuit of employment. Post-education, many graduates grapple with the challenges of job scarcity, leading them to believe that politics offers a more lucrative career. Consequently, they join political parties, aspiring to secure leadership positions.

The influx of youth into politics for employment purposes has unearthed substantial shortcomings. A notable deficiency in essential leadership skills among many young leaders has come to the fore, casting a shadow on their potential. Instead of taking the reins as leaders within their generation, numerous young individuals find themselves relegated to the sidelines, adopting roles akin to 'chawa' (a parasitic louse in Kiswahili) by blindly following or aiding older leaders. This revelation underscores a concerning trend in the youth's political journey, exposing a critical lack of preparedness in leadership roles.

The consequences of impulsive statements and online behaviors among young leaders indicate a deficiency in proper preparation for leadership roles. Instead of showcasing their capabilities, online youth groups often resort to insults or excessive praise, exploiting their influence for future remembrance.

Talented young leaders who maintain self-respect and avoid conforming to online trends often go unnoticed, leading to a scenario where the nation is governed by young leaders lacking essential qualifications. The void created by the rush of job-seeking youth into politics is further exacerbated by retired individuals viewing political leadership as a retirement refuge.

Some politicians transition from public service to politics as they approach retirement age, considering it a means of securing pension income. When their time comes to pass the baton to a new generation, some resist the transition. On average, politicians who willingly retire from parliamentary roles do so around the ages of 60 to 70, often after losing internal party nominations. Some have served in political leadership for over 40 years. Examples include Paul Kimiti, the late Chrisant Mzindakaya, and Andrew Chenge, who, after stepping down, were appointed chairpersons of public organizations. Even some current parliamentarians and ministers were once public servants and retirees who chose to enter politics, setting a precedent for a cycle of political engagement.

Former youth leaders, having experienced the challenges and rewards of political leadership, believe that engaging in politics offers a stable and permanent career. Some individuals serve multiple terms as Members of Parliament and ministers and still express a desire to continue. However, this continuity often results in a reluctance to pass the baton to a new generation.

Therefore, the intricate dynamics of the youth's entry into politics for employment intertwine with the experiences of retired individuals seeking a political encore. The nation's destiny hinges on the delicate balance between the ambitions of Prof. Ibrahim Lipumba, John Cheyo, Joseph Selasini, John Mnyika, and Dorothy Semu, and the seasoned perspectives of those who have traversed the political landscape for decades. As the call to action resonates, the youth are urged to navigate this complex terrain with a sense of purpose, resilience, and a commitment to shaping a lasting and impactful future.