President Zuma in Tanzania for Magufuli's inauguration

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has joined other African Heads of State in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for the inauguration of that country's newly elected president.

President Zuma is accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

President-elect John Magufuli will take over the high office after he was elected last month in a highly contested election.

The 56-year-old is a former school teacher, industrial chemist and outgoing works minister. He replaces incumbent President Jakaya Kikwete, who is stepping down after serving his two five-year terms.

Magufuli’s party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) won the elections by about 58% of the overall votes.

The ruling party CCM, which has been in power for more than 50 years, faced stiff competition from a coalition of four opposition parties led by CHADEMA.

The challenges Magufuli, who is known as “The Bulldozer”, will face in office include fighting corruption, which he will need to tackle head on.

He will also be under pressure to create jobs for Tanzania’s youth, provide free education - which he promised will be available for children from crèche to secondary school - as well as instituting constitutional reforms. - SAnews.gov.za