Samia approves over 33,000 new jobs

DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has approved the recruitment of 33,212 new civil servants before the end of the current fiscal year in June.

This was revealed by the Minister of State in the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance, Mr George Simbachawene in the National Assembly on Wednesday evening when winding up the debate for his ministry’s 1.35tri/- budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year.

Mr Simbachawene stated that 10,000 of the new positions will be for teachers. “Yesterday, (Tuesday) the President granted approval for the recruitment of 33,212 new civil servants before the end of this financial year. Regarding teachers, we will refer to the database and select those who have recently been interviewed,” he said.

On the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat, the Minister explained that the law allows institutions to conduct interviews themselves, with the approval of the Permanent Secretary for Public Service, under special circumstances.

However, even with such permission, the Secretariat will still oversee the process to ensure procedures are followed.

He added: “The recent recruitment process for Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) is still ongoing, but there have been many complaints raised by Members of Parliament and the relevant committee. We have taken note of them and will consult within the government to resolve any irregularities.”

He emphasized the need for continued reforms in the public service to keep pace with technological changes, noting that such reforms are already underway.

“We aim to develop a public service that meets the needs of the next 50 years,” said the minister.

Mr Simbachawene explained that due to the shortage of university lecturers, the retirement age was extended to 65, though they may also be re-employed on a contract basis.

On employee welfare and motivation, the Minister acknowledged that teachers have significant responsibilities and often work overtime.

He assured that the government has heard their concerns and will consider them.

Earlier, several MPs raised various issues regarding public service during the budget debate.

Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina (CCM) criticized the removal of official stamps from village chairpersons, saying the reason given, that the stamps were being used in illegal land sales was baseless.

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He called for the stamps to be reinstated and for salaries to be allocated for the leaders. He also called for an evaluation of government ICT systems, highlighting security challenges in revenue collection systems which could be tampered with.

Special Seats MP Janejelly Ntate (CCM) questioned the diminishing role of the Public Service Recruitment Secretariat, as some ministries now advertise jobs directly.

She urged the Secretariat to evaluate itself why its responsibilities are being taken over by other institutions.

Mlalo MP Rashid Shangazi (CCM) commended the ministry for its performance and appreciated the e-Government Authority for improving the interoperability of government ICT systems, particularly electronic revenue collection platforms that have boosted government revenue.

He also expressed concern that the recruitment Secretariat’s role is being undermined, citing the recent TRA recruitment process, which was managed by the National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA). He called for such responsibilities to remain with the Secretariat.

Mr Florent Kyomb (Nkenge-CCM) commended the President for increasing the ministry’s budget by 23.5 per cent, highlighting ongoing construction of health centres as major reforms.

He urged the government to continue mobilising funds for Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF).

Kilwa South MP Ally Kasinge (CCM) said that under President Samia, longstanding teacher grievances regarding promotions have been addressed, with many teachers receiving long-overdue upgrades.

“Let us provide incentives based on responsibilities. Beyond academic duties, teachers are involved in managing school projects and national programmes such as Uhuru Torch Races, census, and elections.

These additional responsibilities should be acknowledged,” he said. He proposed the creation of a special policy framework focused on teacher motivation.

Special Seats MP Husna Sekiboko (CCM) insisted that government vetting should be carried out internally and not outsourced from private firms, as public service recruitment is a matter of national security.

She also suggested that job interviews be conducted in applicants’ localities rather than summoning them to a central location from different regions.

Another Special Seats MP, Dr Thea Ntara (CCM) criticized the recent TRA recruitment process, which she said had caused public controversy.

“What authority does the NBAA have to conduct interviews when the Secretariat has the capacity to handle all government sector recruitments? The ministry must take control,” she said.

On his part, Mr Japhet Hasunga (Vwawa-CCM) proposed that the recruitment secretariat be equipped with the necessary resources and tools to conduct its duties effectively.

“It’s unreasonable to require people to travel from various regions to Dodoma for interviews. In this digital age, we must modernize the recruitment process,” he said.