The Central Committee of Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, held a meeting on March 11 and 12, 2025, under the leadership of Tundu Lissu, where it appointed a team of directors and various experts to form the party’s Secretariat.
According to a statement issued by Apolinary Boniface Margwe, the Assistant Director of Communications and Publicity, the appointments were made in line with Article 7.7.16 (b) and the selection of experts at the party’s headquarters was based on Article 7.7.17 (e) of the 2019 CHADEMA Constitution.
The appointees include former CHADEMA Youth wing (BAVICHA) Chairman John Pambalu, who has been named Director of Organization, Training, and Elections. John Kitoka, a long-time expert in civil society organizations (CSOs) and an international affairs analyst, has been appointed Director of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora. Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania Gaston Garubindi, a long-standing party cadre, will serve as the Director of Legal Affairs.
Another appointee is Brenda Rupia, a CHADEMA member who has held leadership positions in the party’s women’s wing (BAWACHA) at various levels. She will serve as the Director of Communications and Publicity. Additionally, Titho Emmanuel Kitalika, who was appointed as Director of Finance and Economy in the previous CHADEMA Central Committee meeting, remains in his position.
Political analysts view this reshuffle, which introduces new faces into CHADEMA’s executive leadership under Secretary-General John Mnyika, as a fresh start for the party.
Political and international affairs analyst Thomas Kibwana noted that it is strategic and wise for any political leader to surround themselves with a team that shares their vision and direction. However, he suggested that CHADEMA appointments might be seen as a reward for those who supported Tundu Lissu in his chairmanship campaign.
“We have witnessed many old faces stepping aside for new ones, which could indicate that Tundu Lissu is distancing himself from the legacy of his predecessor, Freeman Mbowe, and instead building his own leadership identity,” Kibwana remarked.
“As a young person, I will closely monitor the performance of the new directors, especially young leaders like John Pambalu, the former BAVICHA National Chairman, and Brenda Rupia, the former BAWACHA Secretary for Kinondoni. Through their work and that of others appointed, we will understand the future direction of their party,” he added.
The CHADEMA Central Committee also confirmed five regional secretaries, including Ashura Masoud for the Central Zone, Benjamin Ntele for the Coastal Zone, Totinan Ndonde for the Northern Zone, Edgar Malimusi for the Southern Zone, and Habibu Hamis for the Pemba Zone.
Lukelo Francis, Associate Editor, contributed to this report.
