Tanzanian Prime Minister shocked by claims government drivers use witchcraft to secure vehicles

Arusha. Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has expressed astonishment over claims that government drivers are turning to witchcraft to secure vehicles for their daily duties.

His reaction followed an allegation by Mwanza Regional Commissioner Juma Mtanda during the third annual government drivers' conference in Arusha on Tuesday, August 2024.

Mr Mtanda revealed that some drivers, left without assignments due to inoperative vehicles, have allegedly turned to witchcraft in a desperate bid to obtain vehicles and remain on payroll.

Speaking on Tuesday, August 2024 at the conference, Primier Majaliwa instructed all heads of institutions and employers to conduct thorough assessments of government vehicles that are currently out of service and ensure they are promptly repaired.

He emphasised the importance of providing functional vehicles to all employed drivers to prevent any potential for bribery or undue measures.

“This issue of witchcraft has deeply shocked me; I had no idea that drivers would resort to such measures just to secure vehicles for their work,” Premier Majaliwa said.

“I am taking this opportunity to direct all institutional heads and employers to begin immediate assessments and repairs of government vehicles, ensuring drivers are assigned tasks without having to resort to witchcraft.”

Additionally, Prime Minister Majaliwa urged employers to identify drivers in their institutions who lack vehicles or have not been assigned duties, so that the government can recognise and allocate appropriate tasks to them.

He also called on all local councils across the country that have not yet contributed their drivers’ contributions to social security funds to do so urgently to avoid violations of drivers’ rights upon retirement.

Premier Majaliwa urged institutional heads to prioritise drivers' welfare, including providing regular training on new vehicle technologies, paying allowances, and offering travel schedules in advance to avoid inconvenience.

Prime Minister Majaliwa encouraged female drivers to take advantage of the employment opportunities announced by the government, pointing out that there are currently only 50 female drivers compared to over 7,000 male drivers.

“The government is giving preferential treatment and priority to qualified female drivers, so apply quickly to secure these positions,” he noted.

The government plans to announce 745 new driver positions for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

Furthermore, Mr Majaliwa warned government drivers against misconduct, including violating work ethics, drinking on duty, or leaking confidential information overheard from conversations involving leaders.

“Work ethics include not drinking on duty, not driving with one hand while conversing with a leader, or leaking confidential information or documents you may overhear,” Mr Majaliwa said.