Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala
The leadership of Hon. Lukas Shemndolwa—who was a graduate of the University of Dar es Salaam and a well-known vegetable farmer in Malindi and Lukozi—officially came to an end at the close of 2020 after he lost the CCM party primaries at the Malindi ward level, and therefore did not contest for the councilor position in the 2020 General Election.
The author, having worked at Lushoto District Council between 2016 and 2018 before being transferred to Mbozi District on August 15, 2018, reflects today on an important issue in leadership, especially at the council level, while remembering the late Lukas Shemndolwa—particularly during difficult times.
One of the notable achievements during Shemndolwa’s tenure in Lushoto—home to the Mlalo and Lushoto constituencies—was the successful revival and transfer of sisal estates from struggling former owners to new investors, particularly the Mnazi sisal estate.
This effort was strongly supported by the Fifth Phase Government under the late President John Pombe Magufuli and his Minister of Lands, William Lukuvi. In Tanga Region, the process was closely overseen by Martine Shigella and then Regional Administrative Secretary, Engineer Zena Said.
The author notes that the process was extremely challenging, with the council divided—some opposing the sale of the estate, while others insisted that all proceeds remain within the Lushoto District Council.
The decision to repossess and sell underperforming sisal estates had earlier passed through regional and district advisory meetings during the Fourth Phase Government under President Jakaya Kikwete. President Magufuli later approved and enforced the implementation.
The estate was advertised internationally, but initial bids were below expectations. Eventually, the best among the lower bids was selected under the principle: “Half a loaf is better than none,” and payment procedures began.
At the time, Tanga Region had significantly declined due to low or stalled production in many sisal estates. Reviving these farms was part of a broader government effort to rejuvenate the region’s economy and increase foreign exchange earnings.
Despite the high global price of sisal, the author agrees fully with the government’s decision to bring in new investors, emphasizing that the goal was economic revival.
However, the process came with serious risks. The author recounts:
“Selling a farm worth billions is no small matter. When a wealthy former owner is dispossessed, tensions arise. Employees could even be killed, and leaders pressured or bribed. If you are not careful, a wealthy person will not go down alone—when a baobab falls, it crushes other trees nearby.”
The former Kenyan owner of the estate even threatened to have the author removed from his position—but the author dismissed the threat.
The article criticizes internal weaknesses within CCM, especially how primary elections can introduce new leaders influenced by wealthy backers, potentially disrupting ongoing government initiatives.A key moment is recalled when Martine Shigella clarified that proceeds from such land sales belong to the central government after settling liabilities, and that councils must formally request funds for land-related development—not misuse them for allowances. Shemndolwa acknowledged this and committed to properly informing the council, which was eventually done.Later developments revealed that three council staff members—Rehema Sadiki (Land Officer and Acting Legal Officer), Renatus Mutasiwa (Treasurer), and Deogratias Lyampawe (Head of Procurement)—were dismissed.
The author strongly disagreed with this decision, arguing that they should have been commended for their role in a difficult but successful process. He emphasized that mistakes in public service should be learning opportunities, not grounds for punishment.
Drawing from past experiences, he highlighted the importance of forgiveness and understanding in leadership, recalling how even serious mistakes in schools were once handled with more compassion.
The author concludes by reflecting on the death of Lukas Shemndolwa and urging leaders to learn from the past:
Conflicts and mistakes are inevitable in public service and politics, whether among councilors, members of parliament, or even presidents. What matters is how these challenges are handled.
He questions whether political interference contributed to Shemndolwa’s loss in 2020 and calls for prioritizing public interest over personal gain.
Final message:
Let us move away from selfish interests and focus on the greater good of Tanzanians. No one is perfect—what matters is unity, patience, and learning from past mistakes.
Remember:
“When a baobab falls, it crushes other trees nearby.”
Have a good day
makwadeladius@gmai.com
0717649257
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