THE government has directed 34 municipalities, towns, and district councils to ensure their employees participate in the ongoing Local Authorities Sports Federation (SHIMISEMITA) Games, currently taking place in Tanga.

Deputy Minister in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Governments, Zainab Katimba, ordered while officially opening the 40th edition of SHIMISEMITA Games in the city on August 23. 

The games have attracted 150 councils out of 184 in the country.

Earlier, SHIMISEMITA Games’ National Secretary, Henry Kapella, urged authorities to take disciplinary measures against councils that failed to sponsor their employees, saying such actions deny workers their right to participate in and enjoy sports.

Kapella stressed that the development of sports in the country must be reflected in adequate budget allocations that enable councils to finance sporting programs in their respective areas.

Zainab emphasized that sports are vital for physical and mental health, noting that several government leaders at different levels have previously instructed councils to ensure their staff take part in SHIMISEMITA Games.

“For that reason, I am directing the 34 councils that have not funded their employees to make sure their sports teams arrive in Tanga and participate by next week,” she ordered.

She underscored that workers’ involvement in sports promotes fitness, resilience, discipline, unity, teamwork, trust, and positive relations both in the workplace and with the community.

“That is why the government continues to insist that its employees nurture their talents through participation in competitions, tours, and sports training at both national and international levels,” Zainab added.

She further instructed Regional Administrative Secretaries (RAS) and Directors of cities, towns, and districts to adhere to government directives aimed at strengthening Tanzania’s workplace sports culture.

Zainab said this goal would only be realized if directors set aside sufficient funds in their monthly budgets for sports, arts, and cultural activities.