The government has challenged the Tanzania Men’s Elders Association (CCWWT) to rise above activism and use its influence to promote social harmony, mentor younger generations and safeguard the country’s traditions.
Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), Prof Riziki Shemdoe, said elders should position themselves as a trusted source of wisdom, guidance and reconciliation in society.
Prof Shemdoe made the remarks yesterday in Dodoma when he opened the first CCWWT National Conference for 2026 on behalf of Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliament, Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, Prof Palamagamba Kabudi.
He said elders command a unique level of respect in Tanzanian society, giving them a powerful role in resolving disputes, guiding families and young people, and protecting cultural values.
“Elders have a major and fundamental role in preserving Tanzanian traditions and customs, providing advice and mediating disputes, as well as nurturing the Tanzanian community,” Prof Shemdoe said.
He urged the association to operate within its constitutional mandate, saying its strength should be measured by its contribution to society rather than activism.
The minister said the Sixth-Phase Government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, recognises older people as a valuable national resource whose knowledge and experience remain critical to Tanzania’s development.
He said the country’s political, economic, social and cultural foundations were built in part through the sacrifices and contributions of previous generations.
Prof Shemdoe also said the government was continuing to improve the welfare of older people and strengthen systems for equitable access to public services.
He cited the Universal Health Insurance Act No. 13 of 2023 as one of the legal measures aimed at expanding access to healthcare.
Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Ms Maryprisca Mahundi, said elders were a national treasure whose contribution had helped shape Tanzania.
She said they had raised families, mentored young people, built institutions and served the nation, adding that their experience should be deliberately harnessed to guide the present and future generations.
“We must make better use of the knowledge, experience and wisdom of our elders for the benefit of both the current and future generations,” she said.
CCWWT Secretary-General Flavianus Lughuyu said more needed to be done to recognise and honour elders despite their significant contribution to the country’s history.
He said elders’ experiences should be used to instil discipline and national values among young people while demonstrating that serving the nation with integrity remains valuable even after retirement.
The conference was held under the theme: “Elders are a Treasure: Let Us Care for Them for National Development and Social Wellbeing.”
The meeting comes as Tanzania begins implementing the National Development Vision 2050 alongside the revised National Ageing Policy of 2003, updated in 2024.