President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has commended outstanding workers who received national recognition during the 2026 International Workers’ Day (May Day) celebrations, urging continued commitment to productivity, unity and national development.
The national commemorations were held at Halmashauri Stadium in Njombe Region, bringing together government leaders, workers’ representatives and various stakeholders.
During the event, President Samia presented awards to national winners, including journalists who are members of the Journalists Union of Tanzania (JOWUTA).
Among the award recipients were Idda Mushi of ITV and Radio One, who was recognized among the country’s best journalists, and senior journalist Lucy Ngoi, who writes for Mfanyakazi newspaper and previously worked with Habari Leo.
In addition, the Journalists Union of Tanzania (JOWUTA) recognized six journalists for their outstanding contribution to the media sector.
The awardees include Alfred Zakaria of The Respondent Online and Tamali Vullu of Mwananchi newspaper, both based in Dar es Salaam Region.
From Morogoro Region, the honored journalists include Ashura Ibrahim Kazinja of Mtanzania Digital and Rashid Mtagaluka of Pambazuko newspaper.
Speaking during the celebrations, President Samia urged workers across the country to continue working diligently to strengthen the national economy.
She said the government remains committed to improving working conditions and welfare of employees in line with available economic capacity.
She emphasized cooperation and national unity, saying the government continues to listen to workers’ concerns and values their contribution to national development.
“Continue working with discipline, commitment and professionalism to build our economy and improve the welfare of society,” she said.
The President further cautioned against divisions among workers, stressing that differences should not undermine peace and unity, which are fundamental pillars of national development.
She reiterated that economic progress and workers’ welfare depend on maintaining stability, cooperation and shared national interests.
On his part, the Secretary General of TUCTA, Tumaini Nyamuhokya, praised the government for improving workers’ welfare, including salary increments and addressing long-standing challenges such as unpaid arrears and delayed promotions.
He said the government has already addressed some of the challenges facing workers at TAZARA, including allocating over 2 billion shillings to clear outstanding debts.
“TUCTA assures you, Honorable President, that workers are supportive of the government and this is why we rarely see industrial conflicts,” he said.
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba called on workers to remain patient and continue working hard while the government continues to implement economic reforms aimed at improving service delivery and addressing public challenges.
He said the government is committed to strengthening the economy and ensuring that workers and citizens benefit from ongoing development efforts.
JOWUTA Chairperson Mussa Juma said this year marked the union’s first participation in national May Day celebrations, where it successfully took part in preparations and provided awards to journalists.
He said the union plans to expand recognition of journalists across more regions next year, while also introducing training programs on health insurance, savings culture, and better understanding of public and private institutions.
He expressed appreciation to government institutions, private sector stakeholders and leaders who supported journalists’ participation in the 2026 May Day celebrations.
