CCM leaders need to understand that they hold temporary roles once one’s term ends others will come in to take up the function. It is essential for young members and all party followers to understand this and remain grounded, the party chairperson has declared.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed this sentiment when officiating at a foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of the new CCM headquarters in the capital yesterday.

It is crucial for leaders to remain close to the people and treat them with respect, she said, citing a remark from Abeid Amani Karume, the first president of Zanzibar who once said that for a party to endure, it must be visible, audible and respected.

A party is defined by its symbols—its offices, flags and presence in the hearts of the people, she said, reminding members that the party is a platform for the people to decide their future.

“CCM has always been a people’s party. We must uphold that identity. As outlined in our election manifesto, the party should act as a bridge between government and citizens.”

She cautioned that good leadership is not defined by grand infrastructure or luxurious offices, but by the effectiveness of the party’s work, urging party leaders to demonstrate humility and integrity in their service to Tanzanians, as the rightful owners of the party.

Party offices need to be used as spaces for listening to the public and relaying their concerns to the government for appropriate action, he said, elaborating that

CCM offices should serve as learning spaces, especially for youth, to grow in leadership and ethical responsibility.

“The offices are meant to host meetings, holding discussions, training and policy decisions that ensure the party remains active, respected and heard,” she specified.

She encouraged members to stay innovative and uphold integrity as it has long defined the party’s legacy. “The new headquarters marks a new chapter for the party,” she said, inviting CCM members and supporters to contribute voluntarily to its construction, with 34bn/- projected up to its completion.

The party is undertaking similar construction projects for party offices at various levels throughout the country, she said, expressing confidence that the main building will be completed in time for marking the party’s 50th anniversary in February 2027.

Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, the party secretary general, said that the five-storey headquarters will be entirely funded by revenues generated from enterprises run by the ruling party.

The previous headquarters at Chimwaga, constructed in 1992, was later repurposed to support the establishment of the University of Dodoma, now the largest university in Tanzania by student population, he pointed out.

The new headquarters building is expected to cost 34.13bn/-, with an initial 8bn/- already secured, he said, while Mainland vice chairman Stephen Wasira said that laying the foundation stone marks the fulfilment of a long-standing desire for CCM to have permanent and iconic headquarters.

Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi commended the national chairperson for leaving a legacy, not only through national projects but also within the party.

CCM is today set to begin its two-day special national conference on the implementation of the 2020–2025 election manifesto, and deliberate on proposed amendments to the party constitution, while unveiling the 2025–2030 election manifesto, he added.