ACT Wazalendo has called for stronger grassroots leadership, greater youth participation and improved cooperation among party members to strengthen its organisation and ensure continuity in Zanzibar’s struggle for change.
Speaking at the party’s South Unguja Regional General Meeting, the party’s Information and Publicity Secretary urged leaders at regional, constituency and branch levels to take greater responsibility for party activities and maintain close contact with members and local communities.
He said a strong party cannot depend on a few individuals but requires active branches, committed leaders and members who understand their responsibilities.
“A strong party begins at the branch level. It is built by leaders who understand their responsibilities, listen to members, reach out to citizens and actively participate in party activities,” he said.
The secretary commended experienced leaders, including Kinazi of Makunduchi, Wambi and Ali Dawa of Paje, for their continued commitment to party activities.
He said their efforts demonstrated that leadership was not simply about holding a position, but about serving the party and the people.
However, he warned against relying on a small group of leaders to handle most party responsibilities, saying every leader and member should play an active role.
He called for better sharing of responsibilities, stronger teamwork and greater accountability across the party’s structures.
The secretary said party leadership should be measured by how well leaders engage members, listen to citizens and help address community challenges, rather than by the number of meetings they attend.
He urged regional and constituency leaders to maintain regular contact with branches, understand their needs and provide support where necessary.
He also proposed regular community activities, suggesting that branches could begin with at least one activity each month, depending on their resources.
He encouraged leaders in Paje and Makunduchi to work more closely together, share experiences and develop practical ways to improve party activities.
According to him, consistent engagement with communities would help build public trust and make the party more responsive to people’s needs.
The secretary also stressed the importance of unity, discipline and mutual respect among party leaders and members.
He said differences of opinion were normal in any organisation but should be handled through respectful discussions rather than personal conflicts.
“Differences of opinion should create opportunities for listening, discussion and mutual understanding,” he said.
He urged leaders to build trust, communicate regularly and support one another during difficult times instead of waiting for problems to arise before showing solidarity.
He added that party discipline involved respecting procedures, implementing agreed decisions and accepting responsibility while allowing members to express different views.
The secretary said the party needed to involve more young people, women, professionals, older people and new members in its activities to ensure that its work continued across generations.
He noted that young people had an important role to play in shaping Zanzibar’s future and should be given opportunities to learn, lead and contribute ideas.
He called for their involvement in community activities, research, communication, public mobilisation and policy discussions.
He said participation should go beyond attending meetings, with young people and other groups given meaningful responsibilities and opportunities to contribute to decisions.
The secretary also urged experienced leaders to mentor younger members and share their knowledge rather than keeping responsibilities and experience within a small circle.
“A good leader is not someone who holds a position forever, but someone who prepares others to lead and continue the work,” he said.
He added that young people should also show commitment, respect the party’s principles and learn from experienced members as they take on greater responsibilities.
The secretary said strengthening grassroots leadership, keeping branches active, promoting cooperation and preparing future leaders were closely linked and necessary for the party’s long-term development.
He encouraged every member to consider what they could contribute, which branch they could support and how they could help prepare the next generation of leaders.
He said the party’s progress should be measured not only by speeches and meetings, but also by the strength of its branches, the participation of its members, the opportunities created for young people and its engagement with communities.
He concluded by calling on delegates to use the meeting to develop practical ideas that would strengthen cooperation and improve party activities across South Unguja.
He said continued commitment, discipline and solidarity would be important in building a stronger party and supporting its vision for Zanzibar’s future.