Dr.John Pombe Magufuli’s CV And Anecdotes From Those Who Knows Him

Dr.John Pombe Magufuli-Presidential Candidate (CCM)

Who the heck is Dr. John Pombe Magufuli? I have been asked that question on a number of occasions. The first one came from my Uncle who is not familiar with Tanzanian politics. It was exactly a minute after his name was announced as the official Presidential candidate for CCM. After the contest that included about 34 cadres, our version of GOP (grand old party) had picked a chemist by profession to be the man to beat. The hard fought contest included the man who is now his key challenger, former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa who jumped a palisade and joined opposition. But that’s a horse of another color. We’ll talk about it in Chronicles Of Dodoma after October 25…may be.

The influx of questions didn’t stop. They still come my way whenever I have coffee with my “Friends Of Tanzania” folks. They want to know more about the man who remained standing after the battle that also included Vice President and other Prime Ministers. They want to know about the man who screwed up everyone else’s courage. His nomination, of course, didn’t come without controversy. The fallout from Dodoma was real. To this day, some cadres are still running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

Now, I don’t know Magufuli that well. Like many folks out there, when Magufuli’s name is mentioned the first image that come to mind is roads. He is now painstakingly considered to be one of the “veteran” ministers to ever lead The Ministry Of Public Works and therefore direct in charge with roads and infrastructures in general. I therefore know his work than his persona.

But the infrastructure portfolio didn’t make him famous. If it did, it was for not for splendid reasons. It’s not an easy-going job to be answerable for demolishing houses. As the Minister Of Public Works, he took the blame over and over. Those who had unlawfully developed plots meant for roads stood no chance against him. The roads must be built. Somebody must be hated. It was he. It doesn’t matter whether your house decorations included the wedding cake chandeliers and rococo arches. He is a man who can wear a pink denim suit and care less what you think.

A person who knows him and has worked close to him says he is always restless for fresh horizons. His highs and lows come and go with the weather, expected but unpredictable. A spur of the moment man who is also a stubborn perfectionist. His unpredictability scares others. It’s widely assumed that those who oppose his current run for the top office job (within and outside CCM) in the land are not comfortable with the whole idea. They consider him to be a threat to their self-interests connected with political affiliations. He will cut the tubes that feed them.

If the above notion is true, it could explain why his “likability” as a candidate has not been a smooth ride. CCM machinery is understood to have realized that and that’s why his campaign is no ordinary hymn. Those who disapprove his nomination mention everything they can find to undermine his presidency-readiness. They leave no stone unturned. The way he dresses, the way he speaks to his overall demeanour. He is not presidential, they say. Those on his defense say he is a diamond in the rough. They remind others not to cry over spilled milk. Nothing can be done or undone now.

They also chip in that he built sub-standard roads that are mashed out even before official opening and handover. Well…I hear them loud and clear. But at least he built something. Aren’t we known for getting money for bridges and build nothing at all? There you go…

Unfortunately he has other blind spots. Those who know him say he is a man who craves the security of tradition and therefore can’t be easily persuaded. He’s always like a loaded duelling pistol with a hair-trigger temper. This one isn’t difficult to prove. The available videos through YouTube can serve the day. He could have easily played the role of an English tank commander in a war film.

From the same videos clips one thing that is well defined. Magufuli is a confident man. He is one of those confident people who believe that, no matter what happens, he always knew it would. Of course he doesn’t have political talent, natural charm and the gift of persuasion like the man whose job he want to inherit. However, the faith in his own influence and ability, can take him places. Confidence is a good appeal for someone who wants to be a Commander-In-Chief of a country engulfed with bribes, corruption and irresponsibility like. Tanzania fits the bill. All in all, he is an intense humourless individual. Hacheki sana na Kima!

Finally, you can tell a lot from a man’s CV. It’s different from a résumé where a lot of details are left out. I found this one from Ministry Of Works website. It can help to paint a better picture of Dr.John Pombe Magufuli. You can see why he could be waiting in the wings after October 25^th, 2015.

CURRICULUM VITAE (CV)

1.0 PERSONAL BIODATA:

Name:  Dr. John Pombe Joseph Magufuli
Date of Birth: 29-10-1959
Place of Birth: Chato
Nationality: Tanzanian
Sex: Male
Marital Status: Married
Language: Swahili, English
Address: Ministry of Works
7 Samora Machel Avenue
P.O. Box 9423,
11475, Dar es Salaam,
E-mail: psworks@go.tz
Tel:  +255-22-2123969
Fax: +255-22-2123964
Home Tel: 255-22-2667888

2.0 EDUCATION:

2006 – 2009: PhD (Chemistry); University of Dar es salaam

1991 – 1994: Msc. (Chemistry); University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Salford University U.K.

1985 – 1988: B.Sc Ed. (Hons); University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Major Subjects Chemistry, and Mathematics:

1981 – 1982: Diploma in Education Science (Sc); Mkwawa College of Education. Major subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics and Education.
1979 – 1981: Advanced Level Higher Secondary School Certificate.  Mkwawa High School – Iringa
1977 – 1978: Ordinary Level Secondary School Certificate, Lake Secondary School – Mwanza.
1975 – 1977: Katoke Seminary, Biharamulo, Kagera
1967 – 1974: Primary School Leaving Certificate, Chato Primary School.

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