The Mbeya District Council has dismissed two employees for misconduct, including prolonged absenteeism from work, after the Full Council unanimously endorsed the disciplinary action.
The decision was reached on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during the council’s fourth-quarter meeting chaired by Utengule Usongwe Ward Councillor Aida Haule.
Ms Haule said the council was satisfied that due process had been followed before the employees were dismissed, stressing that the decision was taken only after efforts to address the matter and encourage the workers to return to their duties had failed.
“Public servants are employed to serve citizens, and we do not want to see anyone lose their job. However, action must be taken when the reasons given for prolonged absence are not justified,” she said.
She said the two employees had violated public service regulations, including being absent from work for an extended period without fulfilling the required procedures.
According to Ms Haule, the council made several attempts to persuade the employees to resume their duties, but the interventions did not yield results.
She said the council therefore proceeded with the disciplinary process after exhausting the available administrative measures.
“We do not want to see young people lose their jobs, especially when their parents have invested in their education and they still have many years ahead of them. But there is no alternative when the reasons provided cannot be justified,” she said.
Ms Haule said one of the employees cited marital circumstances as a reason for failing to continue with her job, reportedly explaining that her husband did not want her to work.
She used the occasion to urge public servants to take their employment responsibilities seriously and make the most of opportunities provided through government employment.
The council chairperson noted that unemployment remains a challenge, with many qualified people seeking opportunities to join the public service.
“I urge public servants to value the opportunities they receive and discharge their responsibilities diligently because there are many people outside the system who are unemployed and would welcome such opportunities,” she said.
The decision comes amid continued calls for public servants to observe professional ethics, accountability and attendance requirements as part of efforts to improve the quality and efficiency of public service delivery.
