Job experience ‘part’ for review

THE requirement by employers for job applicants to have a work experience of several years, which has been turning away many fresh graduates, is set for review, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Union presidential candidate, Dr John Magufuli, pledged here on Monday.

Addressing a huge campaign rally at the Ali Hassan Mwinyi Stadium here, Dr Magufuli said the move seeks to provide more employment opportunities for graduates.

“I understand why employers go for experience, but if elected president, my government would have to see how the issue could be addressed so that it is not the only criterion that disqualifies a competent candidate for the job,” he promised.

Dr Magufuli also warned district executive directors that they could face the axe if they failed to address the shortage of desks in their respective primary schools.

“I won’t tolerate them sitting comfortably in their offices while our children sit on the floor,” stated Dr Magufuli amid deafening applause from the packed venue.

Meanwhile, the aspirant has pledged to further improve the investment climate and facilitate business operations in the country.

“If elected president, I would see to it that more investors in various sectors come to Tanzania to promote our economy and provide more employment opportunities,” said Dr Magufuli when addressing Bukene residents in Nzega District.

He said he would be more than willing to remove any bottlenecks hampering investments in the country. He, however, stressed that he would ensure that Tanzanians are the major beneficiaries of such investments while at the same time providing conducive environment for investors.

Dr Magufuli warned contractors against shoddy jobs when implementing electricity, road and other projects in the country. “As minister for works, I have always been very strict in ensuring high standards in road projects; but I assure you if I become president, I would be even stricter,” he observed.

In another development, the MP for Nzega Urban (CCM), Mr Hussein Bashe, assured Dr Magufuli of total support and dismissed as baseless, claims linking him with former prime minister Edward Lowassa who has since crossed over to the opposition after accusing the ruling party of unfairly disqualifying him from contesting for the highest office.

“The presidential candidate nomination process is over and my allegiance now is with Dr Magufuli who was endorsed by my party as the sole candidate for the presidency,” said Mr Bashe. He added that he believed in the ability and commitment of Dr Magufuli to steer the country to greater heights and oversee government transformations.

“I’m a firm believer of transformation from within the government and in Magufuli, CCM has got the right candidate upon whom all Tanzanians can bank their hopes and expectations,” he noted, assuring the presidential hopeful of all 40,000 plus votes from his constituency.

Amid cheers from his supporters, Mr Bashe further noted that if re-elected MP, he would not be a ‘yes man’ in the House but would also pester the would-be justice minister to ensure formation of a special court to deal with corrupt officials – in line with Dr Magufuli’s pledge.

Dr Magufuli, on other hand, hailed Mr Bashe as a mature politician and pledged to work closely with him, if elected president, to address challenges facing his constituency, including water shortage and dilapidated roads.