Hotuba ya Mhe. Rais Kikwete ya Mei Mosi 2013

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 HOTUBA YA MHESHIMWA DKT. JAKAYA MRISHO KIKWETE, RAIS WA JAMHURI YA MUUNGANO WA TANZANIA KWENYE KILELE CHA SIKU YA WAFANYAKAZI DUNIANI, MEI MOSI 2013, MBEYA

Ndugu Nortiburga Maskini, Kaimu Rais wa Shirikisho la Vyama vya Wafanyakazi Tanzania;

Mheshimiwa Gaudensia  Kabaka (Mb),Waziri wa Kazi na Ajira;

Mheshimiwa Celina Kombani, Waziri wa Nchi, Ofisi ya Rais, Utumishi,

Mheshimiwa Hawa Ghasia, Waziri wa Nchi, Ofisi ya Waziri Mkuu – TAMISEMI;

Mheshimiwa Abbas Kandoro, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Mbeya;

Ndugu Alexio Musindo, Mkurugenzi wa Shirika la Kazi Duniani (ILO) Kanda ya Afrika Mashariki;

Ndugu Nicholaus Mgaya, Katibu Mkuu wa Shirikisho la Vyama vya Wafanyakazi;

Dkt. Aggrey Mlimuka, Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa Chama cha Waajiri Tanzania (ATE);

Waheshimiwa Mabalozi;

Mheshimiwa Jaji Regina Rweyemamu, Jaji Mfawidhi wa Mahakama Kuu Divisheni ya Kazi;

Wenyeviti na Makatibu wa Vyama vya Wafanyakazi;

Viongozi na Watendaji Wakuu wa Serikali;

Mwenyekiti wa CCM Mkoa wa Mbeya;

Wawakilishi wa Vyama vya Siasa;

Waheshimiwa Wabunge;

Ndugu Wafanyakazi na Wananchi;

Mabibi na Mabwana:

Shukrani

Niruhusuni nianze kwa kumshukuru Mwenyezi Mungu, mwingi wa rehema, kwa kutuwezesha kukutana hapa mjini Mbeya kwenye maadhimisho ya Siku ya Kimataifa ya Wafanyakazi kwa mwaka 2013.    Nakushukuru sana Ndugu Nortiburga Maskini, Kaimu Rais wa Shirikisho la Vyama vya Wafanyakazi (TUCTA) na viongozi wenzako kwa kunialika nije kuungana na wafanyakazi wenzangu kuadhimisha siku hii adhimu na ya kihistoria duniani.   Shukrani nyingi nazitoa kwa Mheshimiwa Abbas Kandoro, Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Mbeya na wananchi wa Mbeya kwa kutupokea vizuri tangu tulipowasili.  Asanteni sana kwa ukarimu wenu.

Vile vile nawapongeza viongozi wa Mkoa huu na wa Chama cha Wafanyakazi wa Shughuli za Meli na Bandari (DOWUTA) kwa maandalizi mazuri ya sherehe hizi.  Kazi ya kuandaa sherehe kubwa kama hii sio ndogo.  Wenzetu hawa wameifanya kwa mafanikio makubwa kama sote tuliopo hapa tunavyoshuhudia.  Kwa niaba ya wafanyakazi wote nchini naomba mpokee shukrani zetu nyingi kwa kazi nzuri mliyofanya.

Umuhimu wa Siku ya Wafanyakazi Duniani

         Kwa namna ya pekee nawapongeza sana wafanyakazi kote nchini kwa kuadhimisha siku hii.  Ni siku ambayo wafanyakazi duniani kote wanakumbushana umuhimu wa mshikamano na umoja katika kudai na kutetea maslahi na maendeleo yao.  Kwa ujumla ni siku ambayo wafanyakazi wanaungana pamoja kutafakari mustakabali wao.  Wafanyakazi wa Tanzania wanayo kila sababu ya kuisherehekea na kuienzi siku hii adhimu.  Ni siku yao ya kufanya tathmini ya jinsi wanavyotimiza wajibu wao wa kutoa huduma na kuzalisha mali pamoja na kutambua changamoto zinazowakabili na kuweka mikakati ya kuzikabili.

Pongezi kwa Wafanyakazi Bora

Ndugu Kaimu wa Rais wa TUCTA;

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Nawapongeza wafanyakazi wote waliopewa tuzo ya kuwa wafanyakazi bora katika sehemu zao za kazi. Hongereni sana kwa mafanikio haya. Nina uhakika kwamba wapo wafanyakazi wengine wengi ambao wanafanya kazi kwa bidii katika maeneo yao ya kazi lakini hawakubahatika kupata tuzo. Naomba wasikate tamaa, waendelee kuchapa kazi.  Huenda na wao watabahatika Mei Mosi ijayo.  Napenda kutumia nafasi hii kuwakumbusha wafanyakazi wote kufanya kazi kwa bidii, umahiri na weledi ili kuongeza tija kwenye maeneo yao.  Mnayo nafasi kubwa ya kuchangia maendeleo ya nchi yetu na watu wake.  Nawaomba muitumie vizuri nafasi hiyo.

Kauli Mbiu ya Mwaka Huu

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Nawapongeza sana kwa Kauli Mbiu ya sherehe za mwaka huu isemayo “Katiba Mpya Izingatie Usawa na Haki kwa Tabaka la Wafanyakazi”.  Ni Kauli Mbiu yenye ujumbe maridhawa ambao umekuja wakati muafaka kabisa.  Nafurahi kwamba mmekumbuka jambo zito na lenye umuhimu wa aina yake kwa mustakabali wa wafanyakazi nchini.  Mimi na wenzangu wote Serikalini tunakubaliana na maudhui ya Kauli Mbiu hiyo. Katiba ya nchi ambayo haitajali haki za tabaka la wafanyakazi itakuwa na upungufu mkubwa sana.  Mimi binafsi naamini kwamba mambo muhimu ya wafanyakazi yatazingatiwa katika Katiba mpya.  Ni matumaini yangu kuwa wafanyakazi waliitumia vizuri fursa ya kutoa maoni katika hatua ya awali ya wananchi kutoa maoni yao na ile ya taasisi kutoa maoni yao.  Pia katika hatua za Mabaraza ya Katiba na Bunge Maalum, wafanyakazi watatoa maoni ya kuendeleza haki na maslahi yao ili yajumuishwe katika Katiba. 

  Hata hivyo, ni vyema mkatambua kuwa Katiba haiwezi kubeba kila kitu kuhusu masuala ya wafanyakazi.  Baadhi ya masuala yanayohusu maslahi, usawa na haki za wafanyakazi yamefafanuliwa na yataendelea kufafanuliwa kwenye sheria husika kwa kuzingatia maazimio ya Shirika la Kazi Duniani (ILO) na matakwa ya wafanyakazi na jamii.  Hakikisheni kuwa mnatoa mapendekezo yenu kuhusu sheria zilizopo ambazo zinahitaji kuboreshwa au mambo yanayohitaji kutungiwa sheria.  Nawahakikishia ushirikiano na msaada wangu na wa wenzangu Serikalini. 

Risala ya Wafanyakazi

Ndugu Kaimu Rais wa TUCTA;

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Nimesikiliza kwa makini risala iliyowasilishwa kwa niaba yenu na Katibu Mkuu wa TUCTA, Ndugu Nicolas Mgaya. Ni risala ambayo imeandaliwa vizuri sana.  Imejitosheleza kwa hoja,  ina ushauri mzuri pamoja na mapendekezo ya kuboresha mishahara na maslahi ya wafanyakazi. Napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa tumepokea kwa mikono miwili ushauri na mapendekezo hayo.  Tutayafanyia kazi na tutapeana taarifa ya maendeleo yautekelezaje wake. 

Nyongeza ya Mishahara

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Nawashukuru sana kwa kutambua juhudi kubwa zinazofanywa na Serikali za kuboresha maslahi na mishahara ya wafanyakazi. Kazi hii tunaendelea nayo kila mwaka kulingana na ongezeko la tija katika uzalishaji na ukuaji wa uchumi. Kwa mfano, katika kipindi chetu cha uongozi, tumeongeza kima cha chini cha mshahara kwa watumishi wa umma karibu kila mwaka.  Tulikuta kima cha chini kikiwa shilingi 65,000 tumekipandisha mpaka kufikia shilingi 170,000.  Katika mwaka ujao wa fedha (unaoanza Julai),  tunategemea kuongeza tena mshahara na kima cha chini cha mshahara wa wafanyakazi katika sekta ya umma.

Mambo hayo yanawezekana kutokana na mafanikio ambayo tumeendelea kuyapata katika ukusanyaji wa mapato ya Serikali.  Tumefanikiwa kuimarisha ukusanyaji wa mapato na kudhibiti ubadhilifu wa fedha za umma.  Kwa upande wa makusanyo ya kodi kwa mfano, mapato yameongezeka kutoka wastani wa shilingi bilioni 541 kwa mwezi mwaka 2011/12 hadi kufikia shilingi bilioni 637 kwa mwezi mwaka 2012/13, ikiwa ni ongezeko la asilimia 18.  Mapato yanapoimarika kama hivi, Serikali inakuwa na uwezo mkubwa wa kuwahudumia wananchi wake, kutekeleza miradi ya maendeleo  na wakati huo huo kuboresha zaidi maslahi ya wafanyakazi. 

Pamoja na mafanikio hayo, lakini bado hatujafikia mahali ambapo tunaweza kuongeza mishahara kama vile ambavyo tungependa sote tupate.  Hata kwa kiwango cha sasa ambacho sote tunakubaliana hakitoshi bado mishahara inachukua sehemu kubwa ya mapato ya Serikali.  Kwa mfano, katika mwaka ujao wa fedha, Serikali inatarajia kutumia shilingi trilioni 4.76 kati ya shilingi trilioni 10.5 ya mapato ya ndani kwa ajili ya mishahara.  Kwa maana hiyo, katika bajeti ya mwaka ujao wa fedha mishahara peke yake itachukua asilimia 44.9 ya mapato ya ndani. Lakini mishahara sio matumizi pekee ya fedha za Serikali.  Kuna majukumu mengine ya kuwahudumia wananchi na kutekeleza miradi ya maendeleo. Kwa sababu hiyo hatuwezi kutumia mapato yote ya Serikali au sehemu kubwa ya mapato hayo kwa mishahara peke yake.  Lazima pawe na uwiano mzuri kati ya matumizi ya mishahara na ya huduma muhimu ambazo Serikali inawajibika kutoa katika jamii. 

Narudia kuyasema haya kuwahakikishia wafanyakazi kuwa Serikali kushindwa kuongeza mara moja mishahara kufikia viwango ambavyo sote tungependa iwe hakutokani na roho mbaya, dharau au kutokujali.  Bado uwezo hauruhusu kufanya hayo.  Inshalla muda si mrefu uwezo huo tutaufikia. Naamini hivyo kutokana na muelekeo wa ukuaji wa uchumi na hasa kama hakutatokea kutetereka kwa sababu yo yote ile.

Kuhusu kima cha chini cha mshahara katika sekta binafsi, Serikali imekamilisha utafiti kama ilivyoahidi.  Kinachosubiriwa ni bodi za kisekta za mishahara kujadili mapendekezo ya viwango vipya ili vianze kutumika mwaka ujao wa fedha. 

Kima cha Chini cha Mshahara

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Katika risala yenu mmezungumzia suala la kupanga kima cha chini cha mshahara kitaifa.   Utaratibu huo tulikuwa tunautumia kabla ya kutungwa kwa Sheria ya Ajira na Mahusiano Kazini Namba 6 ya mwaka 2004 na Sheria ya Taasisi za Kazi Namba 7 ya mwaka 2004.  Utaratibu uliopo sasa wa kupanga kima cha chini cha mshahara kisekta una faida zake kwa wafanyakazi kwa sababu sekta zinatofautiana kwa uwezo.  Hivyo sekta zinatakiwa kulipa mishahara kwa mujibu wa uwezo wao wa kulipa.  Lakini, kama tunaona ipo haja ya kurejea utaratibu wa zamani wa kuwa na kima cha chini ya mshahara kitaifa, Serikali ipo tayari kujadiliana na wafanyakazi kuhusu jambo hili.  Nina uhakika muafaka juu ya suala hili utapatikana. 

Punguzo la Kodi ya Mapato

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Kama mtakumbuka, suala la kupunguziwa kiwango cha kodi ya mapato inayotozwa kwa wafanyakazi nililizungumza mwaka jana, siku ya Mei Mosi mjini Tanga.  Nilisema kuwa mfumo huo wa kodi unazingatia kipato cha mfanyakazi ambapo kiwango cha kodi hupanda kadri kipato cha mfanyakazi kinavyopanda.  Vile vile, nilieleza kwamba mwaka 2007, Serikali iliamua kupunguza P.A.Y.E. (Pay As You Earn) kutoka asilimia 18.5 hadi asilimia 15 na mwaka 2010/11 ilipunguzwa tena na kufikia asilimia 14.   

Katika kikao chetu tulichokutana na viongozi wa TUCTA tarehe 27 Februari, 2013 tulijadili suala hili na kukubaliana kwamba Serikali iendelee kulichambua zaidi ili kutoa unafuu zaidi kwa wafanyakazi kila mwanya unapopatikana.  Nafurahi kuwaarifu kuwa kazi ya uchambuzi imekamilika na maombi yenu yamesikilizwa. Waziri wa Fedha atafafanua vizuri zaidi katika hotuba yake ya bajeti ya mwaka ujao wa fedha wiki mbili zijazo.

Sekta ya Hifadhi ya Jamii

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Nawashukuru kwa pongezi zenu kuhusu maboresho ya sekta ya hifadhi ya jamii hapa nchini. Tumechukua hatua kama tulivyoahidi.  Katika kuboresha sekta hii,  Serikali kupitia Mamlaka ya Usimamizi na Udhibiti wa Sekta ya Hifadhi ya Jamii (SSRA) imekamilisha tathmini ya afya ya kifedha ya mifuko yote. 

Tathmini hiyo imeonesha kuwa mifuko yetu ya hifadhi ya jamii ipo kwenye hali nzuri kifedha na ni endelevu. Kwa Mfuko wa Pensheni kwa Watumishi wa Umma (PSPF), Serikali itaendelea kutoa fedha kwa ajili ya malipo ya michango ya wanachama waliokuwepo kabla ya mwezi Julai 1999 mfuko ulipoanzishwa rasmi.  Kwa kuanzia, mwaka ujao wa fedha, Serikali italipa shilingi bilioni 50 ikiwa ni sehemu ya malipo hayo.  Napenda kuwatoa hofu wanachama wa Mfuko huo kuwa mafao yao yapo salama.  Hakuna haja ya kuwa na wasiwasi.  Hakuna atakayestaaafu akakosa kulipwa mafao yake.

Vile vile Mamlaka ya Udhibiti na Usimamizi wa Sekta ya Hifadhi ya Jamii (SSRA) kwa kushirikiana na Benki Kuu wameandaa na kutoa miongozo ya uwekezaji yenye lengo la kuiwezesha mifuko ya hifadhi ya jamii kufanya uwekezaji ulio salama na wenye tija unaomnufaisha mwanachama na taifa kwa ujumla. Tangu kuanza kutumika kwa miongozo hiyo Mei 2012, uwekezaji wa mifuko hiyo umeongezeka kutoka shilingi trilioni 3.38 mpaka shilingi trilioni 4.24. Pia mali za mifuko zimeongezeka kutoka shilingi trilioni 3.74 hadi kufikia shilingi trilioni 4.73. 

Aidha, Sheria za Mifuko ya Hifadhi ya Jamii nazo zimefanyiwa marekebisho ambayo yanamwezesha mtu yeyote anayeingia kwenye ajira kwa mara ya kwanza kuchagua Mfuko wowote wa hifadhi anaoupenda na hivyo kuondoa ukiritimba uliokuwepo.  Natoa wito kwa waajiri kuheshimu uhuru huu wa mfanyakazi na kutomchagulia Mfuko wa kujiunga nao. Marekebisho hayo pia yameweka adhabu kali kwa Mfuko unaochelewesha kulipa mafao ya mwanachama.  Vile vile, napenda kuwafahamisha kwamba ile kero ya mwanachama kukosa au kupunjwa mafao yake kama amechangia mfuko zaidi ya mmoja imeondolewa.  Hivi sasa inawezekana mwanachama kuhamisha mafao yake kutoka mfuko mmoja kwenda mfuko mwingine.

Vyombo vya Mashauriano

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Kuhusu vyombo vya mashauriano vilivyopo kutatua madai ya wafanyakazi, ni vyema kutambua kuwa vimeundwa kisheria.  Na, utaratibu wa majadiliano uliopo baina ya Serikali na wafanyakazi upo kisheria. Pale unapokuwepo upande ambao haukuridhika na uamuzi ya vyombo hivyo, utaratibu unaruhusu kukata rufaa kwenye vyombo vya juu mpaka  Mahakama Kuu ya Tanzania Kitengo cha Kazi.  Huu ndio utawala wa sheria ambao kila mwajiri, Serikali na vyama vya wafanyakazi vinao wajibu kuuzingatia. Pamoja na kusema hayo, tumepokea ushauri wenu wa kuitaka Serikali ichukue hatua kuimarisha zaidi utendaji na ufanisi wa vyombo vya mashauriano.  Tutafanya hivyo.

Vile vile tutaendeleza utaratibu wetu mzuri wa mashauriano tuliouanzisha yaani ule wa mimi kukutana na viongozi wa vyama vya wafanyakazi kujadili kero za wafanyakazi.  Sote tunakubaliana kuwa utaratibu huu ni mzuri, hivyo tuwe tunakutana angalau mara tatu kwa mwaka. Tayari mwaka huu tumeshakutana mara mbili yaani tarehe 27 Februari, 2013 na jana tarehe 30 Aprili, 2013 tulikubaliana tutafute fursa mapema baada ya sherehe hizi tukutane.  Tutafanya hivyo.    

  

Madai Sugu ya Wafanyakazi

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Ninayo furaha kubwa kuwaeleza kuwa Serikali inaendelea kulipa madai ya muda mrefu ya malimbikizo ya mishahara ya watumishi wa umma.  Hadi kufikia tarehe 30 Machi, 2013, watumishi 11,820 kati ya watumishi 52,039 wamelipwa malimbikizo ya mshahara ya jumla ya shilingi bilioni 12.6. Watumishi 27,245 wenye malimbikizo ya jumla ya shilingi bilioni 16 watalipwa muda wowote kuanzia sasa.  Madai yao yameshahakikiwa.  Aidha, madai ya watumishi 12,974 yenye thamani ya shilingi bilioni 12.5 yapo kwenye hatua ya uhakiki baada ya hapo yataingizwa kwenye mfumo wa malipo.

 

Tunaendelea Kuimarisha Utendaji Serikalini

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Tunaendelea na mikakati ya kuimarisha utendaji kazi na uwajibikaji Serikalini ili wananchi wahudumiwe vizuri na kama inavyostahili.  Hivi karibuni tumeridhia kuanzishwa kwa mfumo mpya wa ufuatiliaji na tathmini ya utekelezaji wa maeneo ya kipaumbele ya Mpango wa Maendeleo wa Miaka Mitano.  Lengo letu ni kuboresha na kuharakisha utekelezaji wa Dira ya Taifa ya Maendeleo 2025.  Mfumo huo unatokana na mifano mizuri inayotumika katika nchi kadhaa duniani ambako umewaletea ufanisi mkubwa.  Kilicho chema huigwa.     

Kwa hapa nchini, tutaunda chombo maalum kitachokuwa chini ya Ofisi ya Rais kuratibu mfumo huu mpya wa ufuatiliaji na tathmini ya utekelezaji wa miradi ya maendeleo.  Tumeamua kuanza na maeneo sita ambayo ni utafutaji wa mapato, kilimo, maji, elimu, nishati na uchukuzi.  Ni matumaini yetu kuwa mfumo huu utakapoanza kutumika, utendaji  kazi na kasi ya utekelezaji wa miradi ya maendeleo katika Wizara, Idara na Taasisi za Serikali  utaimarika sana katika maeneo hayo.  

Vile vile tunaendelea kuimarisha taasisi zetu zenye majukumu ya kusimamia nidhamu na uwajibikaji katika utumishi wa umma ili ziweze kutekeleza vizuri kazi zao na kwa ufanisi zaidi. Taasisi hizo ni pamoja na Ofisi ya Mdhibiti na Mkaguzi Mkuu wa Hesabu za Serikali, TAKUKURU, Tume ya Maadili ya Viongozi na Mamlaka ya Udhibiti wa Manunuzi ya Umma (PPRA).     

Ukuzaji wa Ajira Nchini

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Kama ilivyo kwa nchi nyingi duniani, nchi yetu inaendelea kukabiliwa na tatizo la ukosefu wa ajira ambapo waathirika wakubwa ni vijana na wanawake. Ukosefu wa ajira hapa nchini umefikia asilimia 12.    Kwa kutambua ukubwa wa tatizo, Serikali imekuwa inachukua hatua mbalimbali kuongeza fursa za ajira nchini.    Hatua hizo ni pamoja na kuboresha mazingira ya uwekezaji ili vitega uchumi viongezeke ili ajira zongezeke.  Pia tunapanua fursa za elimu katika ngazi zote na kuhimiza mafunzo ya ujasiriamali na ufundi.  Aidha, Serikali inaendelea kukuza na kuimarisha programu za kuwawezesha vijana kujiajiri wenyewe. 

  Inatia moyo kuona kuwa juhudi hizo zinaanza kuzaa matunda.    Kwa mfano, kati ya Julai 2012 hadi Machi, 2013 jumla ya fursa za ajira 199,578 zimepatikana.  Nafasi 142,832 zilitokana na miradi ya maendeleo na nafasi 56,746 ni katika fani mbalimbali kwenye utumishi wa umma.   Aidha, kati ya Januari na Machi 2013, jumla ya nafasi za kazi 2,562 zimetangazwa na sekta binafsi iliyo rasmi kupitia vyombo mbalimbali vya habari. Katika mwaka wa fedha 2013/14 Serikali itaendelea kuongeza fursa za ajira katika sekta mbalimbali hususan kwenye elimu, afya na miradi ya maendeleo itakayotekelezwa. Kati ya mwaka 2013/14 – 2015/16, Serikali imeandaa programu ya kukuza ajira kwa vijana itakayowezesha kupatikana kwa fursa za ajira 600,000.

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;  

Kuhusu kuwezesha vijana kujiajiri, Serikali inaendelea kuchangia mifuko maalum ya mikopo na misaada kwa vijana na wanawake kupitia bajeti ya Serikali.  Tumeamua kuelekeza nguvu kwa vikundi vya vijana na wanawake waliojiunga pamoja kwa lengo la kufanya shughuli za uzalishaji mali na huduma.  Kuanzia Januari hadi Machi 2013, Serikali imetambua vikundi vya vijana wajasiriamali 502 kutoka mikoa 17 ya Tanzania bara vinavyohitaji mitaji. Vikundi hivyo vina jumla ya wanachama 5,385 (Wanawake 2,519 na wanaume 2,866). Kazi hii inaendelea katika mikoa mingine iliyosalia. Hatua itakayofuata itakuwa kuwawezesha kwa mitaji na mafunzo ili waweze kujiajiri katika shughuli mbalimbali za biashara na uzalishaji mali.  Napenda kutumia fursa hii kuwataka vijana ambao hawajaajiriwa kujiunga katika vikundi vya ushirika ili iwe rahisi kuwajengea uwezo wao wa kufanya shughuli za uzalishaji.

Naomba uongozi wa mikoa na wilaya nchini utenge maeneo maalumu yatakayowezesha vijana kufanya shughuli za uzalishaji na biashara. Hii ni pamoja na kutenga maeneo kwa ajili ya shughuli za kilimo na ufugaji ili vijana walio tayari kujiajiri katika shughuli hizo wapewe.

  

Pia natoa wito kwa makandarasi na taasisi za umma na binafsi kuunga mkono juhudi za Serikali kwa kutoa fursa kwa vikundi vya vijana.  Nawapongeza sana Shirika la Nyumba la Taifa na VETA kwa kubuni mpango ambao utawasaidia vijana 5,000 kutengeneza na kuuza matofali kwenye miradi ya ujenzi wa nyumba za NHC.  Shirika la Nyumba la Taifa limeonesha njia, wengine nao wajitokeze kuwasaidia vijana wanaotaka kujiajiri.

Mabilioni ya JK

Ndugu Wananchi;

Tunakamilisha  taratibu za kuwekeza fedha zaidi katika Mfuko wa Uwezeshaji Wananchi (Maarufu kwa mabilioni ya Bwana Fulani).  Tutaweka utaratibu mzuri zaidi utakaofanya mfuko kuwa endelevu na kunufaisha zaidi walengwa.  Katika miaka mitano ya uhai wa Mfuko huu tumejifunza kasoro mbili ambazo zitarekebishwa katika utaratibu mpya.  Kwanza kwamba waliofaidika na mpango huo hawakuandaliwa ipasavyo.  Na, pili, hapakuwepo na utaratibu mzuri wa kufuatilia na kupima matokeo yake.   Kasoro hizo zitaepukwa safari hii. 

Bahati nzuri programu inayotekelezwa na Wizara ya Kazi na Ajira kwa kushirikiana na Chuo Kikuu cha Sokoine (SUA) na Benki ya CRDB kwa vijana waliohitimu vyuo vya elimu ya juu nchini ili waweze kujiajiri katika sekta ya kilimo na ufugaji inatoa mwongozo mzuri wa namna bora ya kuboresha Mfuko huo.  Katika programu hii, vijana wanaopewa mikopo, kwanza hupatiwa mafunzo ya ujasiriamali kisha ndipo hupatiwa mikopo.  Utaratibu huo umeonyesha mafanikio makubwa.  Vijana hao wameweza kujiajiri katika shughuli za kilimo, ufugaji na usindikaji wa chakula na mafuta.   Aidha, kutokana na shughuli zao hizo wameweza kutengeneza fursa nyingi za ajira kwa watu wengine.

Ndugu Wananchi;

Kufuatia mafanikio hayo, nimeyakubali maombi kwa Serikali kuidhamini programu hii.  Nimeitaka Wizara ilete Serikalini mapendekezo hayo tuidhinishe rasmi.  Kufuatia mafanikio hayo nimeelekeza utaratibu wa program hii utumike kwa Mifuko ya Vijana, Wanawake na ule wa Uwezeshaji wa Wananchi. 

Mikopo ya Nyumba kwa Wafanyakazi

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

         Mwaka wa jana niliunda Kamati Maalum au kwa lugha maarufu Kikundi Kazi kikiongozwa na Gavana wa Benki Kuu na kushirikisha Mifuko ya Pensheni na Shirika la Nyumba la Taifa kutoa mapendekezo juu ya namna ya kuanzisha mpango wa mikopo ya nyumba kwa wafanyakazi.  Lengo langu ni kutaka tutengeneze mfumo wa kuwawezesha wafanyakazi kupata mikopo yenye masharti nafuu ili waweze kununua au kujenga nyumba.

         Nimearifiwa kuwa Kikundi Kazi kimekamilisha kazi hiyo na wako tayari kunikabidhi mapendekezo yao.  Tutayafanyia kazi kwa wakati muafaka na tutaarifiana mpango utakuwaje.  Naamini mpango huu ukifanikiwa utakuwa ni ukombozi mkubwa kwa wafanyakazi na utaongeza ari ya kujituma.

Maendeleo ya Mkoa wa Mbeya

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Kabla ya kumaliza hotuba yangu nina mambo mawili ya kuzungumzia.  Jambo la kwanza,  ninalopenda kulizungumzia ni masuala ya maendeleo ya Mkoa.  Nafurahi kwamba ndoto ya Kiwanja cha Ndege cha Songwe imetimia.  Bado kazi chache ambazo tutazikamilisha miezi michache ijayo.  Kinachofuata sasa ni matumizi ya kiwanja hicho.  Tumejenga kiwanja hicho ili kisaidie kuchochea ukuaji wa uchumi hasa kilimo cha maua, matunda na mboga kwa ajili ya kuuza nchi za nje.  Nimeshatoa maelekezo kwa viongozi wenu, kilichobakia ni ninyi kujipanga na kutumia fursa hii.  Suala la maji kwa jiji la Mbeya limekamilika, tumekata mzizi wa fitina.  Nimewaomba mhakikishe usalama wa mradi huo na mtafute vyanzo vingine vya maji siku za usoni.  Ujenzi wa barabara ya Mbeya – Lwanjiro – Chunya – Makongorosi unaendelea na tutahakikisha hausimami.  Tunajiandaa kutekeleza ahadi za barabara ya Kikusya – Itinda - Matema Beach, Itumba – Mbambo – Tukuyu; Mpemba – Isiongole - Ileje na Mbalizi – Mkwajuni - Chunya. Soko la Mwanjelwa linalojengwa baada ya lile la awali kuungua limekaribia kukiamilika.  Na, soko la Uhindini litajengwa kama la Mwanjelwa na kwa udhamini wa Serikali Kuu.   Nimepokea kilio chenu kuhusu ukubwa wa Mkoa, tutalifanyia kazi.

Amani na Usalama wa Nchi

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Pili, ni suala la upendo, amani na mshikamano miongoni mwetu.  Hili ni suala ambalo nimekuwa nikilizungumzia mara kwa mara. Napenda kuchukua nafasi hii tena kusisitiza kwamba sisi wote tunao wajibu wa kudumisha tunu hizi tulizorithi kutoka kwa waasisi wa taifa letu.  Tusikubali kuichezea wala kuipoteza amani tuliyonayo.  Ikipotea ni vigumu kuirudisha na inaweza isirudi na Tanzania haitakuwa tena kisiwa cha amani.  Wanasiasa, viongozi wa dini, wafanyakazi, wakulima na wananchi kwa ujumla wanao wajibu mkubwa wa kuhakikisha kuwa nchi yetu inabaki kuwa nchi ya amani na utulivu. Tuwe wepesi kuyatambua na kuyaeupuka mambo yatakayosababisha uvunjifu wa amani, upendo na mshikamano miongoni mwa wananchi wa nchi hii.

Kwa upande wetu, mimi na wenzangu Serikalini tumeanza mazungumzo na viongozi wa dini wa madhehebu mbalimbali kujadili namna ya kumaliza tofauti zilizoanza kujitokeza siku za hivi karibuni.  Tumepiga hatua ya kutia moyo na bado tunaendelea mbele.  Jambo linaloleta faraja ni kwamba wote wameona tulikokuwa tunaelekea siyo kuzuri na kwamba tufanye kila tuwezalo tuepukane nako. 

Sisi Serikalini tutaendelea kuzungumza na viongozi wa dini wa pande zote na kuwaunganisha ili kuona maelewano yanarejea kama ilivyokuwa zamani.  Watanzania tuendelee kuishi bila kubaguana au kuchukiana kwa dini zetu.  Tutaendelea kuwa macho na kuwachukulia hatua kali za kisheria wale wote watakaobainika kuchochea vitendo vya uvunjifu wa amani bila kujali nafasi walionazo kwenye jamii, itikadi ya sisasa na dini waliyonayo. 

Hitimisho

Ndugu Wafanyakazi;

Mwisho, napenda kurudia tena kuwahakikishia kuwa kila jambo mlilolitaja kwenye risala yenu tutalifanyia kazi. Ni wajibu wetu kuwasikiliza, ni wajibu wetu kushughulikia masuala yenu, na ni wajibu wetu kushirikiana nanyi ipasavyo.  Tunatambua umuhimu wa wafanyakazi kwa maendeleo ya taifa letu.  Mimi nawaahidi ushirikiano wangu binafsi na ule wa wenzangu wote serikalini wakati wote.  Tujenge nchi yetu kwa pamoja.

Nawashukuru tena Viongozi wa TUCTA kwa kunialika kwenye sherehe hizi muhimu.  Nawashukuru wafanyakazi pamoja na wananchi kwa kujitoleza kwa wingi.   Hongereni kwa sherehe zilizofana sana.  Sasa twendeni tukafanye kazi.

                          Asanteni kwa Kunisikiliza.

A Congratulatory Message to Her Majesty Beatrix of the Netherlands

H.E Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania has sent a Congratulatory Message to Her Majesty Beatrix of The Netherlands, on the occasion of the Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen on 30^th April, 2013.

The message reads as follows:

“Her Majesty Queen Beatrix,

  The Hague,

  The Netherlands.

Your Majesty,

It gives me great pleasure on behalf of the people, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and on my own behalf to sincerely congratulate Your Majesty on the occasion of your 75^th Birthday which also marks the National Day of The Netherlands and coincides with Your Majesty’s abdication of the throne to His Royal Highness, Prince Willem-Alexander, the Prince of Orange.

I wish to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm and friendly welcome accorded to me during my recent and indeed very successful visit to your great country. I believe the visit has set a new momentum to the growing bilateral relations between The Netherlands and Tanzania and added fresh impetus to our focus in our relations, both bilaterally and multilaterally for the mutual benefit of our respective peoples and countries.

In this regard, I wish to reassure Your Majesty of my commitment to continue working closely with the new King of the The Netherlands.

Please accept, Your Majesty, the assurances of my highest esteem, my best wishes for Your continued good health, happy retirement, peace and prosperity for the people of The Netherlands”.

Issued by: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dar es Salaam.

30^TH APRIL, 2013

EAC Heads of State meet in Arusha; President Kikwete welcomes President Kenyatta of Kenya

H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete (right), President of the United Republic of Tanzania greets and welcomes his counterpart H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya upon his arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, in Arusha Region yesterday evening.  President Kenyatta took his first Presidential visit to Arusha in time to attend the 11th Extra-Ordinary Summit of East African Community (EAC) Heads of State. This Summit is the first EAC meeting for President Kenyatta to attend since he was elected the fourth President of Kenya in March. (photo courtesy of Michuzi's blog)

President Kenyatta, First Lady Mama Kenyatta and President Kikwete smile and wave at the crowd (not in the photo) who welcomed the Kenyan President upon his arrival at the Kilimanjaro International Airport yesterday evening in Arusha Region.   The Summit will bring together EAC Heads of State in the latter of current EAC Chairman President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Pierre Nkurunziza of Burundi and it is scheduled to take place at the Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge in Arusha. (Photo courtesy of Nation Media Group)

President Kikwete (right) introduces his counterpart President Kenyatta of Kenya to Hon. Mahadhi Juma Maalim (MP), Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation upon his arrival in Arusha yesterday evening.  President Kenyatta is also accompanied by his First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, the Kenyan Foreign Affairs Permanent  Secretary Mr Thuita Mwangi and other Senior Government Officials from Kenya.  Also in the photo is Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera (left), the Secretary General of the EAC and Mr. Magessa Mulongo (3rd left), Arusha Regional Commissioner. 

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma (center), during the CMAG Meeting in London. (photo courtesy of www.thecommonwealth.org)

Hon. Bernard K. Membe (MP), Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation addresses the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) Meeting chaired by Hon. Dr. Dipu Moni, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh in London on April 26, 2013.  Sitting Behind are Ambassador Celestine Mushy (2nd right), Director of the Department of Multilateral Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Prof. Severine Rugumamu (right), Hon. Membe's Advisor (Commonwealth and CMAG Matters).

Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) Concluding Statement

London, 26 April 2013

1. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) held its thirty-ninth meeting in London on 26 April 2013.

2. The meeting was chaired by Hon Dr Dipu Moni, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. It was also attended by Senator the Hon Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia; Hon John Baird, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada; Hon A J Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica; Hon Dr Abdul Samad Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives; Hon Dr Samura Kamara, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sierra Leone; Hon Bernard K Membe, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of Tanzania; Hon Winston Dookeran, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago; and Hon Nipake Edward Natapei, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Vanuatu.

3. CMAG welcomed the recent adoption by Heads of Government, and signature by The Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, of the Charter of the Commonwealth, encapsulating the core values and principles of the Commonwealth. It noted that the Charter reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment inter alia to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, separation of powers, freedom of expression, good governance, tolerance, respect and understanding and the role of civil society. As the custodian of the Commonwealth’s fundamental political values, the Group pledged to continue to promote these commonly agreed goals.

4. The Group reviewed developments in relation to the country currently on its formal agenda, Fiji.

Fiji

5. CMAG reiterated the Commonwealth’s unwavering solidarity with the people of Fiji, and CMAG’s commitment to Fiji’s reinstatement as a full member of the Commonwealth family, through the restoration of constitutional democracy, the rule of law and human rights, in accordance with the fundamental political values of the Commonwealth.

6. Ministers expressed their regret at the Government of Fiji’s diversion from the previously-agreed constitutional process, which had earlier been welcomed by CMAG and which had attracted widespread public engagement and confidence within Fiji.

7. CMAG called on the Government of Fiji to ensure that the steps now undertaken toward restoring constitutional democracy are credible and inclusive, and similarly enjoy the confidence and support of the people of Fiji, including:

a. a transparent and consultative process to achieve a constitution that accords with Commonwealth and internationally-accepted standards for democracy, good governance and the rule of law, and that genuinely enjoys the endorsement of the people of Fiji;

b. the restoration of the structures necessary for credible elections, including an independent Election Management Body;

c. the ability of political parties and candidates to contest elections freely under fair and consistent rules and on a level playing field;

d. withdrawal of the military from involvement in government; and

e. full respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms in accordance with international law and without undue restriction, including freedoms of speech, association and movement, and a free and independent media.

8. The Group expressed concern about ongoing restrictions on human rights and reports of human rights abuse in Fiji, and emphasised the necessity of full respect for human rights and the rule of law, to create the environment necessary for credible elections.

9. CMAG noted the visit to Fiji undertaken by the Pacific Islands Forum’s Ministerial Contact Group on 12 April 2013, and reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to continuing to work in co-operation with regional and international partners in relation to the Fiji situation.

10. CMAG encouraged the Commonwealth to remain engaged with Fiji in appropriate ways, including the Secretary-General’s ongoing engagement with the Government of Fiji and other stakeholders, also encompassing further exploration of options for the provision of assistance to Fiji in relation to democracy and the rule of law.

Ubalozi wa Tanzania nchini Afrika Kusini washeherekea Miaka 49 ya Muungano

Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Wafanyakazi wa Ubalozi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania nchini Afrika Kusini.

Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya (wanne kulia), Balozi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania nchini Afrika Kusini akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Wafanyakazi wa Ubalozi (local staff) nchini Afrika Kusini.

Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya, Balozi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania akizungumza katika Sherehe za Muungano nyumbani kwake hivi karibuni, ikiwa ni sehemu ya kuadhimisha Miaka 49 ya Muungano kati ya Tanganyika na Zanzibar. 

Sherehe za Miaka 49 ya Muungano kati ya Tanganyika na Zanzibar zafana mjini Pretoria. Pichani Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya akikata keki maalum iliyoandaliwa kusheherekea Sherehe ya Muungano na Wafanyakazi wa Ubalozini na Familia zao hivi karibuni nyumbani kwa Balozi Msuya, nchini Afrika Kusini.

"Kwa raha zetu" ndivyo wakionekana kusema akina Bi. Evaline (kushoto) na Bi. Mary (kulia), wafanyakazi wa Ubalozi wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania nchini Afrika Kusini wakisheherekea Miaka 49 ya Muungano.

Mahanjumati ya Muungano.

Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Wafanyakazi wa Ubalozi na Familia zao wakati wa wakisheherekea Miaka 49 ya Muungano kati ya Tanganyika na Zanzibar zilizofanyika nyumbani kwa Balozi, mjini Pretoria, Afrika Kusini. 

Mhe. Balozi Radhia Msuya akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na local staff wa Ubalozini: Lumbi, Jane, Evaline na Ethel.

Picha zote na Ubalozi wa Tanzania nchini Afrika Kusini 

Press Release: 49th Anniversary of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar

PRESS RELEASE

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, has received messages of congratulation from all over the world on the occasion of the 49th Anniversary of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, on 26th April, 2013.

In her message, the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, pledged readiness to work with President Kikwete towards the achievement of the vision of the AU.

"I am aware of the great strides that your country, Tanzania, continues to make in the area of socio-political and economic development and its impact on stability and development in the Eastern African region," she said.

The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, H.E. Ms Quentin Bryce AC, conveyed "my warmest wishes, together with those of the Australian Government and people.

"I am pleased that the warm relations between our countries have continued to expand over the last year, built on shared Commonwealth values, cooperation in the United Nations and significant commercial ties, particularly in the mining sector," she said, adding:

"Australia and Tanzania share common interests in addressing serious global challenges such as food security, international development, climate change and conflict prevention. We firmly believe contemporary challenges require global solutions, and multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, provide the best means for collective security. Australia is committed to engaging with Tanzania on issues before the Security Council, particularly those relating to peace and security in Africa."

In his greetings, the President of China, H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, said since the establishment of the Union, Tanzania government and people have worked hard for national development and the country was prospering with each passing day.

"Especially under the leadership of Your Excellency, Tanzania has maintained political stability and social harmony, and the economy is on the fast growth track," he said, adding:

"The friendship between China and Tanzania has profound foundation and the two countries are all weather friends. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 49 years ago, the cooperation of the two sides have fruitful achievements in all fields. I made a very successful visit to Tanzania not long ago and both sides reached wide consensus on consolidating China- Tanzania traditional friendship and deepening practical cooperation in all fields. I would like to work hand in hand with Your Excellency to push forward the continuous development of all weather partnership of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation between China and Tanzania."

In his message, the President of Cuba, H.E. Mr. Raul Castro Ruz, said: “On the occasion of the United Republic of Tanzania's National Day,I extend warm congratulations and ratify to you the resolve to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation uniting our two countries."

The President of the Republic of India, H.E. Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, extended "warm felicitations" to President Kikwete and Tanzanians.

"India and Tanzania enjoy warm and friendly relations. Our multi-sectoral engagement has expanded and deepened over the years to the mutual benefit of our people. I am confident that our relations will continue to be strengthened further in the years to come," he said.

In her message, the President of the Republic of Korea, H.E Park Geun-Hye extended her warmest congratulations to H.E. President Kikwete and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania. She said “the past years have witnessed significant growth in the mutual understanding and cooperation between our two countries. I hope that our friendly and good relations can be further strengthened in various fields for the mutual benefit of our two peoples in the years ahead”.

In her message, Queen Beatrix of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, congratulated President Kikwete and wished the people of Tanzania peace and prosperity.

H.E. Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, said his country has maintained very close, cordial and cooperative relations with Tanzania in diverse fields for the last 46 years. "I am fully confident that the two countries will make consistent efforts to fully tap immense potential existing in the two countries. I eagerly look forward to working with Your Excellency to strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation that so happily exists between Pakistan and Tanzania," he said.

The President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, wished President Kikwete good health and happiness, and Tanzanians peace, progress and prosperity.

"I am confident that the close and cordial relations that exist between our two countries will continue to expand in many new areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our two peoples in the years to come," he said.

The Republic of Ukraine has sent cordial greetings to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Bernard Membe.

"I am confident that the friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between Ukraine and Tanzania will continue to advance in all areas of common interest," said the message from Ukrainian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Leonid Kozhara.

H.E. Barack Obama, the President of the United States of America, said Tanzania and the US shared common visions of democracy, economic prosperity, and peace between nations. "As your country continues to forge a more perfect union to preserve and strengthen the achievements of a modern and peaceful Tanzania, you will continue to have a steadfast friend and partner in the United States”, he added.

In his message, sent through the Vatican Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Pope Francis I, said: "I send cordial greetings to you and your fellow citizens on the happy occasion of Union Day. At the beginning of my pontificate, I gladly commend the republic to the providence of Almighty God and pray that its citizens may enjoy peace and well-being."

ISSUED BY: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, DAR ES SALAAM.

25^TH APRIL, 2013