Tanzania’s Civil Service: Dr. Biteko Sparks Professional Revolution at TAPSEA 11th Annual Meeting

By Adonis Byemelwa

On the vibrant date of Thursday, May 23, 2023, in Mwanza, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, ignited the stage at the 11th Annual Professional Meeting of the Tanzania Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (TAPSEA). In a dynamic address, he underscored the indispensable significance of professionalism in shaping the trajectory of civil service.

He urged journalists and office administrators to maintain a positive demeanor and refrain from discouraging remarks when citizens seek assistance, stressing the importance of leaving every interaction with citizens with a sense of satisfaction and trust in the quality of service provided.

"Many Tanzanians will come to you seeking services from your superiors, but before reaching them, they will meet you. You should be examples of service excellence, ensuring that every visitor leaves with happiness and confidence," Dr. Biteko asserted.

Furthermore, Dr. Biteko outlined the government's commitment to enhancing the professionalism of civil servants by revitalizing structures and expanding opportunities for academic advancement and promotion. He encouraged civil servants to pursue further education in line with technological advancements, enabling them to broaden their scope of expertise and climb the career ladder.

"After these improvements, civil servants can now expand their educational scope from a diploma to a master's degree, elevating their salary grade and professional standing," Dr. Biteko elucidated.

Echoing Dr. Biteko's sentiments, Minister of State in the President's Office, Public Service Management, and Good Governance, George Simbachawene, highlighted the government's efforts to address challenges faced by civil servants, including staff shortages and career advancement opportunities. He announced significant increases in job vacancies and promotions to recognize the contributions of this cadre to public welfare.

"Recognizing the significant contribution made by this cadre to public welfare, a total of 864 office administrators have been promoted and approved for new salary grades," Minister Simbachawene affirmed.

In addition to addressing structural and systemic challenges, the TAPSEA meeting provided a platform for participants from both the government and private sectors to enhance their professional skills and knowledge. Zuhura Maganga, Chairperson of TAPSEA, underscored the importance of training sessions and specialized clinics in equipping civil servants with the tools necessary for effective performance management and ethical conduct.

"We had a special service clinic during this meeting to listen to the challenges faced by civil servants and provide solutions," Maganga noted.

The essence of professionalism in shaping the future of civil servants in Tanzania cannot be overstated. As the country strives to achieve its development goals, maintaining high standards of conduct and service delivery within the civil service sector is paramount. Through continuous training and professional development initiatives, civil servants can enhance their capabilities, improve service delivery, and bolster public trust in government institutions.

By upholding the principles of professionalism and commitment to service excellence, Tanzania is poised to cultivate a cadre of civil servants who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the modern world and contribute positively to the nation's socio-economic advancement.