Lissu retains Mnyika as Chadema’s secretary general
The new Chadema leadership
What you need to know:
- Mr Mnyika’s nomination was overwhelmingly approved by the committee members, with only three voting against his confirmation.
Dar es Salaam. The newly elected Chadema Chairman, Mr Tundu Antiphas Lissu, has begun shaping his leadership team during the party’s general meeting held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Mlimani City Hall in Dar es Salaam.
In a significant announcement, Mr Lissu retained Mr John Mnyika as the party’s secretary general.
Praising Mr Mnyika’s dedication and effective performance, particularly during the recent internal elections, Mr Lissu emphasised his vital role in party affairs.
Mr Mnyika’s nomination was overwhelmingly approved by the committee members, with only three voting against his confirmation. He has served as the Chadema’s secretary general for five years.
For the position of deputy secretary general, Mr Lissu made two key appointments. Mr Ally Ibrahim Juma, the regional secretary for the Unguja zone, was named deputy secretary general for Zanzibar. His appointment was well-received, with only five members voting against it.
Mr Aman Golugwa, who also serves as the Northern Zone secretary, was appointed deputy secretary general for Tanzania Mainland.
Mr Golugwa previously played a pivotal role as Mr Lissu’s campaign manager during the 2020 general election. His selection was nearly unanimous, with just two dissenting votes.
In addition to these appointments, Mr Lissu named five members to the party’s Central Committee: Mr Godbless Lema, former Member of Parliament for Arusha Town, Dr Rugemeleza Nshala, who will also serve as the party’s Legal Advisor, Ms Rose Mayemba, Ms Salma Musa Kasanzu, and Mr Hafidh Ally Salehe from Zanzibar.
Mr Lissu left one position vacant, explaining that it would be reserved for future needs. He remarked: “If someone faces political challenges elsewhere and we need them to strengthen the party, we will fill the position then. This is similar to what happened during Mr Frederick Sumaye’s time.”
Mr Sumaye, a prominent politician who joined Chadema in 2015, was among those appointed to the Central Committee by the party’s then-chairman, Mr Freeman Mbowe.
All five nominees were endorsed by the Central Committee, marking the conclusion of the party’s general meeting. These appointments reflect Mr Lissu’s focus on reinforcing Chadema’s leadership as the party plans its next steps.
