Makangale SATELLITE

 By Augustino John Bill Tendwa

The strength of a nation is measured not only by its economic achievements, natural resources or technological progress, but also by the strength of its institutions, the quality of its leadership and its ability to address its own challenges.

(The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China convened its fifth plenary session in Beijing from October 26 to 29, 2026. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee, delivered an important address.)

This principle was at the center of China's recent political developments, as the Communist Party of China (CPC) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening internal discipline, improving accountability and promoting effective governance as key foundations for the country's continued development.

The commitment was underscored during the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee held in Beijing from October 26 to 29, 2026.

The meeting adopted a resolution on advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance, setting out measures aimed at strengthening discipline, improving supervision, fighting corruption and ensuring Party members and officials remain accountable in the performance of their duties.

 The session was chaired by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, while Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a key address and presented a report on the work of the Political Bureau.

 However, beyond formal resolutions and political deliberations, the meeting carried a broader message about China's approach to leadership and national development: a strong and effective governing institution must have the ability to examine itself, correct its weaknesses and continuously improve its performance.

PARTY DISCIPLINE AS A FOUNDATION FOR EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE

Since its founding in 1921, the Communist Party of China has played a central role in shaping China's political, economic and social development.

 Over the decades, the Party has placed considerable emphasis on maintaining its organizational strength, political direction and relationship with the Chinese people.

The latest plenary session reaffirmed the importance of these principles, highlighting the view that the Party's ability to lead the country effectively depends partly on its commitment to self-discipline and internal reform.

According to the session's communique, the key to the success of the CPC in winning one victory after another lies in its pursuit of the high ideal of communism, its dedication to achieving lasting greatness for the Chinese nation, and its commitment to seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. During each historical period, the Party has attached great importance to its self-governance, had the courage to uphold truth and correct errors, and grown ever stronger by relying on its own efforts and the support of the people to resolve its own problems, ultimately emerging as the strong leadership core in the cause of the Party and the people. The Party advanced Party building as a great project and then a great new project in the periods of revolution, development, and reform, and it has made further progress in this regard in the new era since its 18th National Congress. During this course, the Party has found two answers to the question of how to escape the historical cycle of rise and fall: the people's oversight over government and the Party's self-reform.

This approach reflects an important understanding of governance: leadership is not simply about holding authority; it is also about accepting responsibility, maintaining discipline and ensuring that institutions remain capable of responding to changing national and international circumstances.

The resolution, therefore, places strong emphasis on strengthening Party organizations at every level and ensuring that policies and decisions are implemented effectively.

For China, this is particularly important as it continues to pursue ambitious economic and social development objectives.

THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION: PREVENTION, ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY

One of the most significant issues addressed during the plenary session was the continued fight against corruption.

The resolution emphasized the need to establish a mechanism under which officials do not dare, are not able, and have no desire to be corrupt.

This approach reflects China's intention to address corruption through a combination of strict punishment, institutional reforms and preventive measures.

Rather than focusing only on punishing individuals after wrongdoing has occurred, the CPC has highlighted the importance of identifying weaknesses within institutions and closing opportunities that allow corruption to take place.

The communique stressed the need for coordinated efforts to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of corruption, while strengthening supervision over the exercise of public authority.

T

his is an important dimension of governance because corruption can undermine public confidence, weaken institutions and divert resources away from development priorities.

For developing countries, particularly those implementing major infrastructure projects and expanding public investment, the issue remains highly relevant.

The effective management of public resources requires strong oversight, transparent procedures and a leadership culture that places public interest above personal gain.

China's latest position demonstrates its determination to make the fight against corruption an ongoing institutional responsibility rather than a temporary campaign.

BUILDING CAPABLE LEADERSHIP AND STRENGTHENING ACCOUNTABILITY

Another major priority highlighted during the meeting was the development of a highly capable and disciplined leadership.

The resolution called for continued improvement in the education, selection, appointment, management and supervision of officials.

It also emphasized the need to build a professional leadership team characterized by strong political commitment, professional competence, good conduct and strict discipline.

This reflects the importance China attaches to leadership capacity in achieving its national development objectives.

A country's development plans can only deliver meaningful results when the people responsible for implementing them have the necessary knowledge, experience, integrity and commitment.

The meeting further stressed the importance of strengthening Party organizations at all levels to ensure that national policies and decisions are translated into practical results.

This is particularly important in a large country such as China, where effective coordination between central leadership, provincial authorities and local institutions is essential for the implementation of national programs.

The message is clear: effective governance requires not only sound policies but also capable people and strong institutions to put those policies into action.

INSTITUTIONAL REFORM AND GOVERNANCE THROUGH RULES

The plenary session also highlighted the importance of democratic centralism as a fundamental organizational principle and leadership system of the CPC.

The resolution called for stronger internal consultation, improved decision-making procedures and greater discipline in the exercise of authority.

It also emphasized the need to strengthen Party regulations and institutional frameworks to ensure that governance is guided by established rules and procedures.

This is significant because strong institutions should not depend solely on the decisions or personal influence of individual leaders.

Instead, they require clear responsibilities, effective supervision and systems that ensure decisions are implemented consistently.

The emphasis on institutional improvement also reflects China's recognition that governance challenges are constantly evolving and require continuous adjustment of policies and administrative structures.

LINKING PARTY GOVERNANCE TO CHINA'S MODERNIZATION AGENDA

The timing of the plenary session is particularly important as China begins implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan, covering the period from 2026 to 2030.

The plan represents another important stage in China's long-term development strategy, with the country continuing to pursue its goal of basically realizing socialist modernization by 2035.

In this context, strengthening Party governance is viewed as an important means of ensuring effective leadership and successful implementation of national development priorities.

The plenary session highlighted the importance of high-quality economic development, innovation, further reform and opening up, stronger domestic demand and improved public services.

It also emphasized the need to safeguard national security, maintain social stability, protect the environment and strengthen disaster prevention and response.

These priorities demonstrate that China's development agenda extends beyond economic growth alone.

The country is also seeking to improve the quality of development, strengthen social protection and ensure that economic progress contributes to the broader well-being of its people.

The connection between institutional discipline and national development is central to understanding the significance of the latest CPC resolution.

A NEW CHAPTER AHEAD OF THE 21ST CPC NATIONAL CONGRESS

Another important outcome of the plenary session was the decision to convene the 21st National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Beijing in the second half of 2027.

The congress is expected to be a significant political event for both the Party and the country, taking place at an important stage in China's pursuit of socialist modernization and national rejuvenation.

These developments reflect the continuing importance of institutional organization, leadership arrangements and long-term political planning in China's governance system.

As the country moves forward with its development agenda, the implementation of the latest resolution will remain an important part of the CPC's efforts to strengthen its organizational capacity and leadership effectiveness.

WHAT CAN TANZANIA AND OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES LEARN?

For Tanzania and other developing countries, China's experience offers important areas for reflection, particularly in relation to institutional development, leadership accountability, anti-corruption efforts and the implementation of national development plans.

Tanzania and China have maintained longstanding relations and cooperation in areas including infrastructure, trade, investment, education, technology and capacity building.

As this relationship continues to expand, understanding China's policy direction and development experience can provide useful insights for policymakers, public institutions, researchers and development stakeholders.

One important lesson is the need to strengthen public institutions so that national policies are translated into measurable improvements in people's lives.

Another is the importance of professional leadership, effective supervision and responsible management of public resources.

The fight against corruption also remains a shared concern for many developing countries. China's emphasis on combining prevention, strict enforcement and institutional reform highlights the importance of addressing corruption through a comprehensive and sustained approach.

However, every country has its own political system, history and development circumstances. Therefore, learning from China's experience should not be understood as copying its governance model.

Rather, it should involve identifying relevant lessons and adapting them to national priorities, constitutional arrangements and local realities.

For Tanzania, continued investment in institutional capacity, professional public service, transparency and accountability can contribute significantly to the successful implementation of development programs.

The objective of governance should be to ensure that public institutions serve the people effectively and deliver tangible results.

STRONG INSTITUTIONS, RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP AND SHARED DEVELOPMENT ASPIRATIONS

The Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has reaffirmed China's determination to strengthen Party discipline, improve accountability, combat corruption and advance institutional reform.

More importantly, it has demonstrated the importance the CPC attaches to continuous self-improvement as part of its broader national development strategy.

As China advances the implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and prepares for the 21st CPC National Congress in 2027, the effectiveness of its institutions and leadership will remain central to its modernization ambitions.

For the international community, and particularly developing countries such as Tanzania, these developments provide an opportunity to reflect on the relationship between good governance, institutional strength and sustainable development.

The wider lesson is that national progress requires more than ambitious policies and economic resources. It also depends on capable institutions, responsible leadership, integrity and a sustained commitment to serving the people.

As countries navigate an increasingly complex global environment shaped by economic competition, technological change and new development challenges, the ability of institutions to adapt, reform and remain accountable will continue to be a defining factor in national success.

 END

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) works to strengthen the health research capacity of scientists in Africa who are engaged in tackling the sub-region’s significant health challenges. AREF is calling for applications from scientists who are active, emerging biomedical/health researchers in African countries to participate in its Essential Grant Writing Skills Programme.

 To fully benefit from this programme series, you will be at a stage in your research career where you are actively seeking independent funding, and perhaps have won smaller grants, but have yet to secure that big grant necessary to support your research independence.

The Programme series

Programme Aim

 The Programme aim is to enable talented early-career health- and health-related researchers from countries in Africa to build skills to develop their own research and fellowship proposals of the quality required to win competitive international, regional and national funding.

What the Programme will cover

1.   Developing and expressing your unique research niche,

2.   Formulating your compelling research question,

3.   Understanding funders’ requirements

4.   Writing in plain English

5.   Writing the different sections of a proposal

6.   Key parts of a typical Case for Support / Project

      Description

7.   Planning your proposal project plan and budget

8.   Principles of managing your collaboration and team

9.   Understanding and practicing peer review,

10.   Preparing for a Fellowship interview.

 What the Programme will not cover

The programme will not cover the following: how to get research ethics approval; how to complete individual funders’ application forms; the details of intellectual property management; practice in research communication.

The facilitators will use examples of real funding applications.  However, they will not be assisting participants directly with the participants’ own specific proposals.

Format of the Programme series

The Programme series will be held as:-

• Monday 1^st June to Friday 5^th June 2026: daily 3-hour on-line sessions,08:30 – 11:30 GMT,
• Wednesday 29th to Friday 31st July 2026: daily sessions 3-hour on-line sessions, 08:30 – 11:30 GMT.

Participants will be provided with appropriate learning materials including preparatory exercises before the first session and between sessions.  Each session will be delivered through Zoom.  Participants will work in on-line groups and offline subgroups. All sessions will be conducted in English. 

Expenses

AREF does not provide funding for participants to access equipment or internet services with which to participate nor do we reimburse you or your institution for any other expenses associated with the programme or any form of per diem payment. 

Our expectations of participants

Inputs

You MUST

·        Commit to all on-line sessions for the full duration of each session. Attendance to all sessions is mandatory. Participants will not receive a certificate of completion otherwise.

·        Participate in all sessions. These sessions are interactive and will require your active participation. You gain the best when you fully participate in all activities and exercises.

·        Commit approximately an additional hour each day to prepare for each session through reading and pre-work assignments/reflections. 

·        Dedicate significant time during the six-week period in between programme sessions to write a draft of your own research proposal, which will then be utilised in the final three sessions. 

You SHOULD

·        have access to good bandwidth and a computer or laptop that is set up to use the Zoom platform (IT department may control your ability to use online platforms)

·        be able to use a smart phone simultaneously with the Zoom platform.

Outputs

You will also be expected to participate in AREF monitoring and evaluation surveys to track outcomes.

Scope 

AREF welcomes applications for this Programme from researchers who are actively working on challenges to human health and are trained and experienced in one or more of the following disciplines: biomedicine; physiology and pharmacology; clinical sciences; epidemiology; mathematics and statistics; environmental health; “one health” (veterinary science); behavioural, mental health, public health, data science for health, social and economic sciences; and health policy and systems research.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you need to provide evidence that:

·        You are a citizen of a country in Africa

·        You are in the early stages of your research career

EITHER 

·        you have been awarded a research doctorate (PhD/DPhil/MD) from a recognised academic institution normally within the previous 6 years, (i.e. awarded on or after 1 January 2020);

·        OR you have a medical/clinical qualification PLUS a research-relevant Master’s degree, both awarded normally within the previous 6 years (i.e. awarded on or after 1 January 2020). 

·        You are currently employed in Africa by a recognised university and/or specialist research institution. 

·        You have not participated already in equivalent proposal development / grant-writing training.

·        A significant part of your current employee role is to develop and conduct health research.

·        You do not already have a significant portfolio of international research grants (Combined value of £250,000 or more). 

Criteria for selection

Through your application, you will need to demonstrate that you are at a stage of your research career where this intensive training will support your future success as a researcher and you are highly likely to apply your learning to winning research funding. 

Capacity to benefit

Your application will be assessed in terms of your capacity to benefit from the training, using the following kinds of evidence:

1. Your research experience, outputs and other achievements as an emerging researcher up to now.
2. How you will use the training to achieve your personal vision for your development as a scientist who can address key health challenges important to Africa.
3. How you will “cascade”, i.e. to pass on, the knowledge and skills you have gained from the programme,
4. Adequate command of English.

Programme participants will be shortlisted from the eligible applicants using these criteria.  Only applicants who meet the capacity to benefit criteria will be on the shortlist from which the final selection will be made.

Diversity and inclusivity

To ensure equity across research organisations, no more than two shortlisted participants will be finally selected from any one employing institution and AREF aims to maintain a gender and language-balanced selection of participants across its programmes.

How to apply

To apply, please go to our portal (https://programmes.aref-africa.org.uk/) to access the application Form on our portal and complete the application form as directed. You must register an account on the portal before you can access the application form.

You can also find additional information in the Online Application Form Guidance and the FAQs guide to help you to complete the application form.

If you have any enquiries, contact AREF via the “Contact Us” section on the portal which can be found on the lefthand panel on your homepage with your enquiry and you will receive a response within 5 working days.

If your enquiry is related to registering on the portal, please email us at gtprogrammes@africaresearchexcellencefund.org.uk with the title “Portal Registration” in your email title bar.

Emails sent to any other AREF email related to the application will not receive a timely response.

Source by: The Essential Grant-Writing Skills Programme June/July 2026 - Africa Research Excellence Fund

... Wafanyakazi wake Wanawake wajengewa uwezo kupitia  Female Future Progamme

Katika kuelekea kilele cha maadhimisho ya Siku ya Wanawake Duniani  2026 yakiendelea,kampuni ya Barrick nchini yenye ubia na serikali kupitiaa kampuni ya Twiga Minerals, imeendeleza dhamira yake ya kuhakikisha Wanawake wanapewa fursa sawa katika ushiriki wa mnyororo wa sekta ya madini ambapo imewawezesha wafanyakazi wake wanawake 5 kupata mafunzo uongozi kupitia programu ya Mwanamke wa Wakati Ujao (Female Future Progamme) yanayotolewa na Chama cha Waajiri Tanzania (ATE) inayolenga kuboresha ufanisi wa wafanyakazi wa kike mahali pa kazi.

Programu ya Mwanamke wa Wakati ujao ambayo ilianzishwa mwaka 2015  imefikia kundi (Cohort) la  11 ikiwa inajumuisha wanawake wasomi kutoka makampuni mbalimbali, ilianzishwa Chama cha Waajiri Tanzania(ATE) kwa kushirikiana na Shirikisho la Vyama vya Waajiri nchini Norway na katika kipindi cha muda mfupi imekuwa msaada mkubwa katika kuwajengea uwezo katika utawala katika sehemu zao za kazi.

Akihojiwa kuhusu ushiriki katika progamu hiyo mmoja wa wahitimu kutoka mgodi wa Barrick North Mara, Edith Biita, alisema anajivunia kuajiriwa na kampuni kubwa kama Barrick ambayo imekuwa mstari wa mbele kuwapatia wafanyakazi wanawake nafasi za uongozi na nafasi inayomuwezesha kutoa maamuzi ambayo yeye na wafanyakazi wenzake wanawake ndani ya kampuni wanayo fursa ya kutoa mawazo yao na yamekuwa yakiheshimiwa bila kujali jinsia na umri wao.

Wahitimu wa Programu ya Mwanamke wa wakati ujao ya ATE  (Female Future Program ) kutoka Barrick North Mara katika picha ya pamoja , kuanzia kushoto,  Patricia Vulla , Elda Mahenda, Sella Mwaigomole, Edith Dickson Biita na Noela Mataro katika mahafali yaliyofanyika katika ukumbi wa Mlimani City.

Akiwa ni msomi wa fani ya uhandisi wa madini akifanya kazi katika kitengo cha Uchimbaji na milipuko (Drill and Blast) alisema mafunzo  aliyopapata kupitia programu hiyo ni ya aina yake kwa kuwa yanawezesha kupata maarifa ya masuala mbalimbali hususani utawala kwa kuwa katika fani zote suala la utawala na uongozi lipo.

Naye Sella Mwangomole mtaalamu wa metolojia na maabara alisema mafunzo yanayotolewa na program hii yanawezesha kujiamini zaidi katika utawala na alitoa ushauri kuwa  kuna haja ya kuwa na programu nyingi za aina hii ili ziwafikie wanawake wengi popote walipo nchini ili wasibaki nyuma katika utawala kwenye sekta mbalimbali.

“Ili wanawake wengi kutobaki nyuma silaha pekee ya kuwakwamua ni elimu na ninaposema elimu simaanishi kupata shahada za juu  pekee bali ni kujifunza mambo mbalimbali na kupata maarifa, kuungana na kushirikiana ambapo watapata fursa ya kubadilishana uzoefu wa masuala mbalimbali,kupeana moyo na kupanga mikakati ya kutatua changamoto zinazowakabili”.Alisema Mwangomole.

Naye Noela Mataro alishukuru Barrick kupitia mgodi wa North Mara kwa kumpatia fursa ya kupata mafunzo haya ya utawala na kuongeza kuwa anavutiwa na sera ya kampuni ya kuwapatia nafasi za uongozi wanawake katika vitengo mbalimbali ambapo wanaendelea kufanya vizuri na kudhihirisha kuwa ujuzi hauna jinsia.

Mshiriki mwingine kutoka Barrick, Patricia Vullah, alisema Mpango wa kuwapatia wanawake mafunzo ya utawala ya Female Future Programme ni moja ya jukwaa la kuwanyanyua wanawake wa Tanzania na kuwafikisha kwenye nafasi za juu za uongozi na kutoa maamuzi.

Kwa upande wake Elda Mahenda alisema kupitia Programu hii alisema wanafundishwa masuala mengi hususani utawala wenye kuleta ufanisi kwa makampuni, kujiaamini na jinsi ya kushiriki na kuchangia mawazo katika vikao vya juu vya bodi za makampuni “Mtaala wa kufundishia unaotumika ni mzuri na ndani ya kipindi cha muda mfupi unaweza kumbadilisha mtu kuwa na maarifa na upeo mkubwa na kujiamini”, alisema.

Kampuni ya Barrick nchini imekuwa mstari wa mbele kutekeleza sera imara ya kukuza usawa wa kijinsia kwa kuwawezesha wanawake kushika nafasi za uongozi na kiufundi katika migodi yake ya Bulyanhulu,North Mara na Buzwagi ambao uko katika mchakato wa kufungwa pia inazingatia ushirikishwaji wa wanawake, mafunzo, na programu za ndani na nje zinazolenga kukuza vipaji vyao ili kuongeza uwakilishi katika ngazi za maamuzi.

Katika kuadhimisha Siku yaWanawake Duniani, Kampuni inatumia siku hii kama jukwaa la kutathmini na kuendeleza juhudi za wanawake kazini, kusaidia jamii zinayozunguka migodi na Kuchochea wanawake kuingia katika sekta ya madini ambayo awali ilitawaliwa na wanaume.

Baadhi ya wahitimu wakifuatilia hotuba mbalimbali katika siku hiyo ya mafahali yaliyofanyika jijini Dar es Salaam

Juhudi hizi za uwezeshaji wanawake zinaendana na sera ya serikali ya kuongeza ushirikishwaji wa Watanzania (Local Content) na kuimarisha uwakilishi wa wanawake katika mnyororo wa sekta ya madini.

Mwisho