Training for Village Chairpersons in Mufindi DC
On Good Governance Principles
The participants of the good governance training in a group picture, each holding a book on good governance for local authorities.
The Civic Education Forum in Tanzania (CETA), in collaboration with Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), conducted good governance training for Village Chairpersons in Mufindi District Council in July, 2025. The training was delivered in two groups, held from 3rd–4th July and 5th–7th July 2025, respectively. The training focused on application of the principles of good governance and legal responsibilities of local government authorities (LGAs) in Tanzania.
A total of 120 participants were drawn from 121 villages in Mufindi District Council. The first group consisted of 70 participants (4) females and (66) males while the second group included 50 participants, comprising (4) females and (46) males.
In her opening remarks the District Human Resource Officer (DHRO) for Mufundi District Council Ms. Balbina Matemu urged the Village Chairpersons that “this training is meant for all village leaders; hence the knowledge gained must not stop with you,” She emphasized the need for participants to share the insights and experiences gained from the training with their fellow village leaders and community members during their Village Council meetings as well as village assemblies, since many members of the Village Council have not yet had access to such capacity-building opportunities in Mufindi District.
Prior to the actual training, the key government officials both at the District and Regional level were well engaged in terms of the training contents and expected outcomes. At both levels, the government officials were pleased with this intervention and they supported its implementation. Among the members of the Regional Secretariat (RS) for Iringa who participated fully in the process were. Ms. Saida Mgeni who is the Regional NGO Coordinator and Ms. Sifael Kivamba who is the Regional Local Government Officer. Besides, the ruling party (CCM) at the District level was represented by Mr. George Kavenuke who is the (CCM) District Chairperson.
The training aimed to strengthen participants’ understanding on local government structures, good governance principles, legal frameworks and power limits. Key topics included relationship between of central and local government, policy and legal frameworks on local government in Tanzania, Decentralization by Devolution (D-by-D), legal responsibilities of Village Chairpersons, conflict resolution mechanisms at Village level.
The training concluded by emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, improved service delivery and increased citizen participation in decision-making process. Participants were urged to apply the principles of good local governance in all their endeavors.
