Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has launched a book “The Game Changer”, chronicling President John Magufuli’s first term in office between 2015 and 2020.
Describing it as a firstclass reference, the premier said the book attempts to explain why Tanzanians were lock downed by poverty amid abundant natural resources.
“It is very essential to the government, individuals and Tanzanians within and outside Tanzania,” he said at the ceremony held yesterday at the Chimwaga hall of the University of Dodoma (UDOM).
The book published by the Eastern and Southern African Universities Research Programme (ESAURP) details how President Magufuli’s reforms in tax collection, energy sector, environment, education, infrastructure, water and health has spearheaded social and economic transformation in the East African country.
According to Majaliwa, The Game-Changer also highlights the important virtue that Tanzania is a democratic state, clearing doubts among local and foreign investors but further recommending the involvement of the private sector and entrepreneurs in its economy.
“There are other recommendations… let me emphasize that the government will continue fighting corruption, embezzlement of public funds, and support creation of job opportunities,” he said.
The Editor in-Chief, Prof Ted Maliyamkono said Magufuli took office when the country was faced with challenges fuelling the demand for a new constitution.
He said some members of his political party—CCM joined the opposition, fuelling his struggle to reform the state.
“He had a difficult start. He hoped to clean the country in which a lot didn’t support him … but today we are all enjoying his effort,” said the editor of the 629-pages book containing 30 different chapters.
The renowned academician said President Magufuli’s sweeping measures, including interrupting contracts, firing senior government officials, renegotiating investment terms with a large multinational corporation and intensifying investment in infrastructures had propelled the country into greater heights.
“The only problem is lack of patriotism,” he said, adding that the president was angered by gross sabotage and slowness of people adopting to his pace.
The editor said all the 47 researchers and contributors have lauded the president’s approach which contributed to raising revenue collection by at least 48 per cent.
ESAUP Executive Director, Ruta Mutakawa noted that the book is one among several publications. He said it was printed in South Africa and Tanzania.
Some previously published works include The Roof of Peace in Zanzibar that suggested the establishment of the government of national unity, Why pay Tax that recommended a moderate approach in tax collection, and the promise that narrates 10 years of President Benjamin Mkapa in office.
Prof Joyce Ndalichako, Minister for Education, Science and Technology described the new book as a prime resource towards enhancing the country’s history— one of President Magufuli’s latest directive to education authorities.
Chief Secretary and UDOM Vice Chancellor, Eng John Kijazi said a similar plan is being organized by the university to write Magufuli’s autobiography.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister offered a 20m/- donation to help print more copies but also directed the Minister of State, Prime Minister’s Office Jenista Muhagama to facilitate printing of 3,000 copies that will be sold to government institutions as well as local government authorities.