University graduates and scholars have been urged to play a more active role in educating communities, promoting national unity and safeguarding Tanzania’s image amid growing concerns over misinformation and divisive narratives.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Federation of University Scholars from seven districts of Mbeya Region, CCM National Executive Committee (NEC) member Ndele Mwaselela said educated Tanzanians have a responsibility to use their knowledge to guide society and support efforts aimed at preserving peace and social cohesion.
He cautioned that the spread of hate-driven messages and misleading information could undermine the country’s reputation and long-term development prospects if left unchallenged.
“Scholars should be at the forefront of speaking positively about Tanzania and providing accurate information to the public. When educated people remain silent while false narratives gain ground, it is future generations that stand to suffer the consequences,” he said.
Mwaselela noted that Tanzania’s expanding pool of graduates is the result of decades of investment in education, rooted in the vision of the country’s founding president, Julius Nyerere, who viewed education as a key tool for combating poverty and ignorance.
He said graduates should embrace that legacy by applying their skills and expertise to address contemporary challenges facing society.
The CCM leader also called on young professionals and graduates to take advantage of opportunities emerging from the digital economy, saying technological transformation is creating new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship.
He pointed to ongoing government efforts to strengthen digital infrastructure, arguing that innovation and content creation have become viable sources of income for many young people.
“Today, some young people earn substantial incomes through digital platforms and creative industries. Scholars should be prepared to identify such opportunities and adapt to changing economic realities instead of relying solely on traditional employment,” he said.
On the issue of peace and stability, Mwaselela described them as fundamental pillars of economic growth and national development.
He said Tanzania has continued to enjoy relative stability compared to many parts of the world, creating an environment that enables businesses to operate, investments to grow and citizens to pursue their livelihoods.
“No country can achieve sustainable development without peace. Stability remains one of Tanzania’s greatest strengths and it is our collective responsibility to protect it,” he said.
Mbeya District Commissioner Solomon Itunda said government empowerment programmes, including the 10 percent loans issued through local government authorities, have continued to improve livelihoods and support job creation.
According to him, 564 groups have benefited from the initiative, resulting in the creation of 414 jobs, while more than Sh7 billion has been disbursed to women, youth and persons with disabilities.
He said a stable environment has enabled both public servants and private sector players to carry out their activities effectively, contributing to broader economic development.
Meanwhile, Mbeya resident Rhoda Juma called on citizens to support development initiatives being implemented across the country, saying visible improvements in infrastructure and public services should encourage greater public participation in national development efforts.
She said collective support for development programmes remains essential in ensuring that their benefits are felt across communities and future generations.
