Christmas not on cards

TANZANIAN officials will not be allowed to send out the usual government printed Christmas and New Year cards this year as part of belt-tightening measures by the new president.

John Magufuli has implemented a series of austerity steps since being sworn in on November 5, including cancelling independence day festivities and restricting foreign travel by officials.

Last week, Magufuli ordered that $ 100 000 ( R1.4 million) which had been set aside for a party to mark the opening of parliament should be used to buy hospital beds. – Reuters