This archive report was first published on 29 June 2020.
Tanzanian President Fires Government Official on Live TV ¶
President John Magufuli of Tanzania made headlines on June 28, 2020, when he fired a district administrative secretary during a public event in Kisarawe.
The president was launching a water project in the area when he revealed that one of his officers was behaving unethically. He stated that there were claims that the officer was sleeping with other people's wives.
Magufuli then proceeded to fire the official, Mtela Mwapamba, on the spot and immediately replaced him with Mwanana Msumi, a junior officer.
Speaking during the televised inauguration of the water project, Magufuli said he had warned Mwapamba against his unethical behavior but he had not changed.
"I have one of my administrators who I have been informed his conduct is not in line with the required ethics. There are allegations that he is even sleeping with other people's women, I tried to warn him before but I think that did not work well and he never changed," he said.
Magufuli emphasized that it was within his authority to ensure that all public officers serve citizens while observing the ethics and code of conduct.
He then directed the Coast regional commissioner, Everist Ndikilo, to propose someone who would take over from the sacked official. Ndikilo proposed an administrative officer in the district commissioner's office, and Magufuli directed the prospective appointee to come forward.
Mwanana Msumi came forward and after a small 'interview' in which the head of state asked about her qualifications, Magufuli immediately declared her the new appointee amid cheers from the public.
Magufuli then directed the relevant departments to inform the public service board about the minor changes which should be effected immediately.
