Of the “Ruksa” decade:

Intellectuals and other professionals Tanzanians inside and abroad, had viewed Mr. Mwinyi’s choice as nothing more than a political move. Yet, to demonstrate the strength of our union and validity of our constitution it was necessary. Disregard, his education or cabinet experience, Mr. Mwinyi proved to be a highly competent, charismatic, affable leader, who presided over the country when there was a potential instability. At the time, Tanzania had never known another leader apart from Mwalimu, and so in the mid-eighties, as Tanzania's economy was staggering towards disaster, Mwalimu accepted the shortcomings of his ujamaa (Tanzania modified socialism) policies, apologized to Tanzanians and left the office. As he left, he urged Tanzanians to restructure the economy without throwing the baby away with the birth water. Mwinyi, did not pretend to be able to fill Mwalimu shoes, (an incredibly tough job to do), but pretty much set his own agenda and proceed to do exactly what the country needed at the time. Mwinyi displayed his independence and freethinking, setting a country into a series of reforms that even Mwalimu did not anticipate.

Mwinyi had a clear vision, to help and create a society of entrepreneurs (which did not exist prior), in order to reduce the shortage of goods and services that had been prevalent. Suddenly, there were no shortages of sugar, oil, soap, foreign currency, cars, clothes, means of transportation, or trips abroad. All at once, Tanzania became part of a global economy but mostly as a consumer.  During this period we saw a tremendous growth in employment, retail and housing industries, new business ventures, price competition, and consumer confidence. Most Tanzanian’s became more confident and optimistic about their lives and their future.  The series of economic reforms under Mwinyi were vital to bridge the gap into the competitive based economy. The local industries had to learn how to operate efficiently and compete with foreign products or fail. But the benefits of competition were passed on to the consumer as they enjoyed lower prices, variety and quality in goods and services. Those who still looked forward to government handouts and did not how to cope with change felt the wrath of capitalism. This is typical with introduction of capital system to any society. 

During President Mwinyi’s period, we also saw a peaceful debate and introduction of multi party system, an inconceivable idea back then. Mwinyi was charismatic, confident, a consummate politician who possessed great persuasive skills and could bring any two opposing sides together. Mwinyi also possessed greater qualities of his predecessor, humility, courage, deep belief in human dignity and love for communication. He was a natural leader, armed with handsome smile and eloquence of Swahili language, attributes that he used readily to disarm journalist probes; not even them were immune to his charm. And yet, he carried more diplomatic skills and wit that far surpasses that of Mr. Mkapa, a trained diplomat.

Mwinyi’s wasn’t the best-run economy, it was not the classical economic case, but it worked simply because it suited our stage and level of development.  Furthermore, in terms of prosperity and entrepreneurial-ism, it was by far the best we have seen to date. It was not a period to establish micro or macro economic policies, though I highly doubt few people, if any, knew then what those words meant. But due to prolong period of lack of basic needs, it was period to let demand meet supply. Hence, the legacy was created, as it came to be known by all Tanzanians in one word “Ruksa”, more fancy way of saying “ruhusa” which means “permission granted”. Till this day to a lot of us, that word still brings back good old memories and lots of smiles. Long live Mwinyi!

The Prodigal Son.

In comes the chosen son, with so much at stake especially with the emergence of the new world order of globalization, from the previous cold war system. Globalization is transforming the world with integration of capital, technology and information across the national boarders. This new system is uniting a coffee peasant in Kilimanjaro, Taiwanese entrepreneurs, and German engineers in single global village. The advantage is such that even a third world country with good political leadership and sound economic polices, has a chance to compete and succeed in a global economy. Coincidentally, Tanzania had a perfect candidate and who seemingly had all qualifications needed to do the job. That man is none other than Mr. Benjamin Mkapa, his considerable overseas exposure and diplomatic experience would put him in better position to deal with foreign leaders and the challenges of globalization. Perhaps, even more it was thought, due to his overseas experience he understood the concept of market economy for that would have helped to shape his government, and set Tanzani