Government Slams Misuse of Public Service for Personal Gain.

Simbachawene: Mismanagement of Public Service for Personal Gain Must End

 Dodoma March 4, 2025

The government has strongly condemned the actions of public institution heads who are undermining the public service for personal benefit.

George Simbachawene, the Minister for the Office of the President, responsible for Public Service Management and Good Governance, has called on leaders in public institutions to uphold proper human resources management practices. This, he emphasized, is essential to ensure the effective management of other resources invested by the government for national development.

Simbachawene issued this directive in Dodoma during the closing of a work session with heads of public institutions.

Recent months, he noted, have witnessed troubling trends, including some employers selectively choosing whom to work with based on personal interests.

"As the head of an institution, you do not have the authority to reject an employee. Your responsibility is to accept them. If they fail to perform, take the necessary disciplinary action as per the law. But who gave you the right to simply say they are not suitable?" Simbachawene remarked.

He continued: "You are entitled to suggest the qualifications of the employee you desire, and let the relevant authorities make the final decision. Do not bring in individuals based on personal connections or preferences, as this is damaging. Upon investigation, we find that the so-called 'unsuitable' employee often has questionable connections."

Another challenge Simbachawene highlighted is the refusal of institutional heads to accept employees assigned to their departments. Rather than addressing performance issues, some leaders attempt to transfer employees facing difficulties, instead of taking corrective action.

"When an employee reports to your institution, the last thing they should face is threats from the human resources officer or be told that they cannot enter the workplace without special permission," he stressed. "Are these institutions yours to control so rigidly? This practice must stop as it brings shame upon us."

Furthermore, he noted, there are instances where employees are left without duties for extended periods, with some remaining idle for up to eight months, which is unacceptable.

The Minister also expressed concern about public institution leaders taking resources with them when they leave and rejecting incoming staff, claiming they are unqualified. He warned that such actions disrupt continuity and hinder institutional progress.

Simbachawene also spoke about the lack of coordination in some government departments, where authority lines are often blurred. He cited the overreach of certain officials who make decisions without proper consultation with both subordinates and superiors.

"Within regional administrations, there is significant overlap and, at times, confusion over who is responsible for what. This has created major issues. In some instances, District Administrative Secretaries (DAS) are even reprimanding council directors, which is inappropriate," Simbachawene added.

He concluded: "At times, the Security and Defense Committee (KUU) calls in directors for reprimands. Their role is to offer advice, not to issue orders. Such interference needs to cease."