In that book we were, in a way, assessing the late President Magufuli’s leadership . And, in this particular respect of assessing leaders, the Holy Bible has fortunately provided our world with the most reliable method of assessing a leader, which is to ask the people who know him to state their personal opinions regarding him. The relevant and identical lines are to be found in:- Luke 9 :18 - 21; in Mark 8 : 27 - 30; and also in Matthew 16 : 13 -16; which read as follows:- “And as he was saying his prayers, his disciples were there with him. So he asked them: what does the assembled congregation say that I am? And they answered thus: some of them say you are John the Baptist. But others say you are Elijah . And yet others say you are one of the ancient disciples who has risen from the dead. He asked them again: how about you yourselves, who do you think I am ? And Peter answered him: you are Christ, the son of God ”.
In the instant President Magufuli’s case, we were actually responding to the open invitation issued by the DAILY NEWS to the general public, on the occasion of President Magufuli’s fourth anniversary in office, to express their candid opinions in assessing the President’s performance during that four- year period. The expressed opinions of many different persons who responded to this invitation were subsequently published by the Daily News, and they amounted to what could also be described as “Magufuliphoria”.
However, my friend Nkwazi Mhango and I, deliberately opted for a more extensive and detailed presentation, which we did in our academic tome mentioned above.
Some additional information on the “Magufulification” concept.
Today’s article has been designed to provide relevant additional information on the late President Magufuli’s unique style of leadership which led to the invention of the term Magufulification” , plus the emotional public euphoria referred to above; in order to complete the picture of the man “who brought a breath of fresh air in the life of Tanzanian, and of African in general”.
In last week’s article we referred to chapter 9 of our “Magufulification” book, which puts on record the late President’s efforts “to decolonize Tanzania’s economy, by addressing the myths and negativities of the colonial structures that basically and practically deprived Africa of its development, despite being in possession of huge natural resources of great value that had previously not been properly managed for the benefit of the people”, in respect of which the late President Magufuli’s fertile and innovative mind came up with two ‘revolutionary’ legislative measures; which secured the complete protection and harnessing of the country’s mineral wealth and resources, for the benefit of the Tanzanian people, because they finally terminated the previous unfair, rampant exploitation, by unconscionable investors.
The historic Natural Resources protection laws.
The late President Magufuli’s most outstanding achievement in this particular area, was his lasting success in “putting the country’s mining sector in order”.The expression “putting something in order” , means “removing the state of disorder which was previously existing”; for example, from a chaotic situation in which there was no proper organization, or proper control of the relevant matters, or affairs.
Some additional information on the “Magufulification” concept.
Today’s article has been designed to provide relevant additional information on the late President Magufuli’s unique style of leadership which led to the invention of the term Magufulification” , plus the emotional public euphoria referred to above; in order to complete the picture of the man “who brought a breath of fresh air in the life of Tanzanian, and of African in general”.
In last week’s article we referred to chapter 9 of our “Magufulification” book, which puts on record the late President’s efforts “to decolonize Tanzania’s economy, by addressing the myths and negativities of the colonial structures that basically and practically deprived Africa of its development, despite being in possession of huge natural resources of great value that had previously not been properly managed for the benefit of the people”, in respect of which the late President Magufuli’s fertile and innovative mind came up with two ‘revolutionary’ legislative measures; which secured the complete protection and harnessing of the country’s mineral wealth and resources, for the benefit of the Tanzanian people, because they finally terminated the previous unfair, rampant exploitation, by unconscionable investors.
The historic Natural Resources protection laws.
The late President Magufuli’s most outstanding achievement in this particular area, was his lasting success in “putting the country’s mining sector in order”.The expression “putting something in order” , means “removing the state of disorder which was previously existing”; for example, from a chaotic situation in which there was no proper organization, or proper control of the relevant matters, or affairs.
It was on Monday, 3rd July, 2017; when the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania passed the relevant Government Bills, through all their mandatory stages, which is the mandatory initial stage in the process of enacting legislation. These were later assented to by the President, thus completing the process of their enactment as binding laws of the land; which provided complete protection to the valuable Mining sector; and which, consequently “put that sector in order” . These laws are: cited as:
(i) The Natural Wealth and Resources Contracts (Review ad Renegotiation of unconscionable Terms) Act, 2017; and (ii) The Natural Wealth and Resources (Permanent Sovereignty) Act, 2017.
These were followed very closely by the enactment of another law cited as the “Written Laws ( Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2017” ; which made important amendments to six other laws, whose overall objective was to strengthen Government’s supervision and control over the Mining sector and its allied sub-sectors of oil and natural gas; a move which greatly enhanced government’s capacity to collect revenue from those sectors; and this heralded the entry of an entirely new era of ‘economic independence’ in safeguarding the welfare of the people of Tanzania.
The enactment of these ‘revolutionary’ laws was the result of the sterling work that had been carried out by two specialist committees which had been appointed earlier by President Magufuli, to investigate what he suspected to be massive thievery and deception, that was being perpetrated by certain specified Mining firms operating in the country; just because of faulty mining contracts and Agreements that had obviously been, based on the inappropriate, exploitative laws that had previously been applicable.
What the new laws basically provided for.
The first law, which is the “Natural Wealth and Resources Contracts (Review and negotiations of unconscionable Terms) Act, 2017” ; defines the words ‘unconscionable terms’ as “any terms in any contract or Agreement regarding the country’s natural resources which is contrary to good conscience, and the enforceability of which jeopardizes, or is likely to jeopardize, the interests of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania”. This Act therefore provides a remedy to that ailment by granting new powers to the National Assembly to the Government to review any such contracts or Agreements; and also stipulates the procedure to be followed in respect of any such review process.
The second law, which is the “Natural Wealth and Resources (Permanent Sovereignty) Act, 2017”; makes provision for recognizing the country’s permanent sovereignty over its natural wealth and resources, by proclaiming that “the people of the United Republic shall have permanent sovereignty over all its resources”; and further that “the owning and control over its natural wealth and resources shall be held in trust by the President, on behalf of the people of the United Republic”.
These were followed very closely by the enactment of another law cited as the “Written Laws ( Miscellaneous Amendments) Act, 2017” ; which made important amendments to six other laws, whose overall objective was to strengthen Government’s supervision and control over the Mining sector and its allied sub-sectors of oil and natural gas; a move which greatly enhanced government’s capacity to collect revenue from those sectors; and this heralded the entry of an entirely new era of ‘economic independence’ in safeguarding the welfare of the people of Tanzania.
The enactment of these ‘revolutionary’ laws was the result of the sterling work that had been carried out by two specialist committees which had been appointed earlier by President Magufuli, to investigate what he suspected to be massive thievery and deception, that was being perpetrated by certain specified Mining firms operating in the country; just because of faulty mining contracts and Agreements that had obviously been, based on the inappropriate, exploitative laws that had previously been applicable.
What the new laws basically provided for.
The first law, which is the “Natural Wealth and Resources Contracts (Review and negotiations of unconscionable Terms) Act, 2017” ; defines the words ‘unconscionable terms’ as “any terms in any contract or Agreement regarding the country’s natural resources which is contrary to good conscience, and the enforceability of which jeopardizes, or is likely to jeopardize, the interests of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania”. This Act therefore provides a remedy to that ailment by granting new powers to the National Assembly to the Government to review any such contracts or Agreements; and also stipulates the procedure to be followed in respect of any such review process.
The second law, which is the “Natural Wealth and Resources (Permanent Sovereignty) Act, 2017”; makes provision for recognizing the country’s permanent sovereignty over its natural wealth and resources, by proclaiming that “the people of the United Republic shall have permanent sovereignty over all its resources”; and further that “the owning and control over its natural wealth and resources shall be held in trust by the President, on behalf of the people of the United Republic”.
This also makes provision for the inalienability of the country’s natural resources in any manner whatsoever, in order to ensure that these resources shall always remain the property of the people of the United Republic; in the following clear terms:- “It shall be unlawful to make any arrangement, or Agreement, for the extraction, exploitation, or acquisition and use of the country’s natural wealth and resources, except where the interest of the people of the United Republic are fully secured, and approved by the National Assembly”.
As can be seen and appreciated, it is these laws that have enabled the people of Tanzania to benefit greatly from the disposal of its natural resources. And they were, of course, the brainchild of the late President John Pombe Magufuli’s fertile mind. They therefore for part of the “Magufulification” miracle.
Appreciating The positive impact of these laws on government revenues. The financial strength, of any government at any given time, is normally measured by the size of the government Budget for the relevant year. Thus, the positive impact of the above mentioned laws became clearly manifested starting with the government Budget for the financial year 2018/19; when, on 14th June, 2018, Finance and Planning Minister Phillip Mpango, presented the Government’s proposed Budget of Tshs 32.5 trillion to Parliament for consideration.
As can be seen and appreciated, it is these laws that have enabled the people of Tanzania to benefit greatly from the disposal of its natural resources. And they were, of course, the brainchild of the late President John Pombe Magufuli’s fertile mind. They therefore for part of the “Magufulification” miracle.
Appreciating The positive impact of these laws on government revenues. The financial strength, of any government at any given time, is normally measured by the size of the government Budget for the relevant year. Thus, the positive impact of the above mentioned laws became clearly manifested starting with the government Budget for the financial year 2018/19; when, on 14th June, 2018, Finance and Planning Minister Phillip Mpango, presented the Government’s proposed Budget of Tshs 32.5 trillion to Parliament for consideration.
And that is when the Minister revealed the government’s plans, and commitment , to invest massively in the construction of the new mega infrastructure projects , namely the Stigler’s Gorge hydro-power electricity generating station; and the new Standard Gauge Railway (SGR); as well as increased investment in the construction of new tarmac roads and bridges to connect certain specified Regional Administrative centers; plus significant improvements in the rural roads.
The heavy impact on government revenues, arising from the late President Magufuli’s strategy of “putting the Mining sector in order”; was, again, clearly manifested in the 2019/2020 Government Budget of 32.48 trillion shillings; which was hailed by the local Kiswahili print media in front page glowing terms such as these:- “Ni bajeti ya kishindo” (MAJIRA); “ Ni bajeti ya kujitegemea” (HABARI LEO); “Ni bajeti ya Wananchi” (MWANCHI); “Ni bajeti Funga kazi” UHURU). This jubilation by the local media was presumably based on the contents of the said Budget, which revealed of welcome reliefs to a large variety of beneficiaries, including prospective investors, and other entrepreneurs engaged in productive business activities; for it proposed an extensive review of an assortment of fees and other charges, with a view to either reducing them, and abolishing what appeared to ‘nuisance’ levies; pus the introduction of certain tax amnesties on producs that are meant to promote Agriculture, and local industries, such as the manufacture of packaging materials for holticultural products; which would help farmers to get better prices for their produce. The Budget also proposed the imposition of tax increases on specified imported products, in order to encourage the establishment and growth of local industries.
The more noticeable salient features of that Budget were in relation to the following items :-
The heavy impact on government revenues, arising from the late President Magufuli’s strategy of “putting the Mining sector in order”; was, again, clearly manifested in the 2019/2020 Government Budget of 32.48 trillion shillings; which was hailed by the local Kiswahili print media in front page glowing terms such as these:- “Ni bajeti ya kishindo” (MAJIRA); “ Ni bajeti ya kujitegemea” (HABARI LEO); “Ni bajeti ya Wananchi” (MWANCHI); “Ni bajeti Funga kazi” UHURU). This jubilation by the local media was presumably based on the contents of the said Budget, which revealed of welcome reliefs to a large variety of beneficiaries, including prospective investors, and other entrepreneurs engaged in productive business activities; for it proposed an extensive review of an assortment of fees and other charges, with a view to either reducing them, and abolishing what appeared to ‘nuisance’ levies; pus the introduction of certain tax amnesties on producs that are meant to promote Agriculture, and local industries, such as the manufacture of packaging materials for holticultural products; which would help farmers to get better prices for their produce. The Budget also proposed the imposition of tax increases on specified imported products, in order to encourage the establishment and growth of local industries.
The more noticeable salient features of that Budget were in relation to the following items :-
(a) its vastly improved structure in terms of the amount of money allocated to the various sectors; and
(b) the huge size of the total amount of money that was o be spent during that financial year; which clearly demonstrated that the country has enough internal resources to support a much higher level of government spending; and therefore a healthy reduction on “excessive foreign aid dependence”; which was implementing the ‘ Self Reliance policy’ commitment, which was introduced by the immortal 1967 Arusha Declaration.
Regarding its size, the 2019/2020 Budget proposed the expenditure of 32.48 trillion shillings. The first Budget of the fifth phase government (for the 2016/2017 financial year), had been 29.54 trillion shillings; but it climbed rapidly to 31.71 trillion in FY 2017/2018; and on to 32.48 trillion in FY 2019/2020; which was an unprecedented achievement in the area of government revenue collection.
It was in the light of this ‘miracle’ performance, that in the book which we jointly authored, we saw the late President Magufuli as “a patriotic man with a big heart, big ideas and big dreams, and with a settled mission-cum vision of struggling to free his country from the previous economic dependence. This is the new “Magufulification” concept that we attempted to digest in our joint work.
piomsekwa@gmail.co / 0754767576.
It was in the light of this ‘miracle’ performance, that in the book which we jointly authored, we saw the late President Magufuli as “a patriotic man with a big heart, big ideas and big dreams, and with a settled mission-cum vision of struggling to free his country from the previous economic dependence. This is the new “Magufulification” concept that we attempted to digest in our joint work.
piomsekwa@gmail.co / 0754767576.
Source: Daily News today.
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