Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr. John Jingu, has called on Tanzanians to take responsibility in caring for the elderly, protecting them from abuse, and ensuring they live in dignity and safety.
Speaking during a visit to the Bukumbi Elderly Care Centre in Mwanza on July 3, 2025, Dr. Jingu emphasized the critical role families and communities play in safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of older citizens.
“We must care for our elders, respect them, and shield them from any form of violence or mistreatment. They are the foundation of our society and deserve to age with honor,” he said.
Dr. Jingu also used the visit to urge young people to begin preparing for old age by managing their resources wisely and making long-term investments in areas such as family life, relationships, and income-generating projects.
“Youth is not permanent. It is a stage of preparation. Young people should think long-term and build a foundation for a secure and dignified old age,” he stressed.
In his address, Dr. Jingu also encouraged elderly citizens to actively participate in national development, including voting in the upcoming General Election and exploring economic opportunities provided through public institutions like the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).
Later in the day, Dr. Jingu inspected the construction of a new juvenile remand facility in Mwanza, which is now 90 percent complete.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the criminal justice system, especially for children.
The construction is part of government efforts to implement recommendations from a Special Commission aimed at reforming institutions that handle juvenile justice and ensuring children in conflict with the law are treated with dignity and care.