March/April, 2012

Waliomeremeta

Issue No. 201 February, 2021

MCT enlightens Govt officers on ATI

News News News EA media body TLS appeal Death of constitution on covid -19 Maalim Seif endorsed loss to media Page 5 Page 7 Page 11 MCT, WINNER OF 2003 IPI FREE MEDIA PIONEER AWARD EDITORIAL MCT, Govt working relations should be strengthened ll along, the Media Council of Tanzania has cherished its cooperation and working relations with the government. Despite challenges, the Council has made Aimmense contributions to crucial decisions and advanced media industry views in processes which culminated in enactment of legislation. Though at times things are not plain sailing, still the Council has maintained its position of cooperating with the authorities. The implementation of the Access to Information Editorial Board Act 2016 stands out in reflecting the Council stance in Kajubi Mukajanga promoting good working relations. MCT The Council had presented to the government proposals EXECUTIVE SECRETARY for the law at the very initial stage and discouraged the authorities’ early position of having a combined legislation for media services and access to information. Hamis Mzee Following spirited efforts by the Council and EDITOR stakeholders, the government relented and split the planned legislation into two – Media Services and Access to Information. While the Council and stakeholders are having strong issues resisting the several articles and clauses of the Media Services Act which was also enacted in 2016, it takes ATI as a positive piece of legislation. A study by the Council established several challenges in implementing ATI and approached the government with a proposal to train government information officers on the importance of the law and its usefulness in facilitating public access to public interest information held by authorities. These efforts paid off at last when government information officers from four regions attended a consultative workshop on ATI organized by the Council Government information officers who in mid-February 2021. attended a consultative workshop The fact that the government allowed its officers to organised by the Media Council of attend the workshop is major step in promoting ATI and Tanzania (MCT) pose for a group photo with the Executive Secretary of the working relations with the Council and media stakeholders. Council, Kajubi Mukajanga. (Photo by It is pertinent that this spirit is nurtured and strengthened. Ziada Kilobo)

2 February 2021

News

Some of the Government information officers who attended a consultative workshop organised by the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) attentively follow instructions from the facilitator Advocate Jebra Kambole (not in photo).. of its existence but had never gleaned it. Against this backdrop, the Coalition on the Right to Information (CoRI) which is chaired by MCT engaged the government MCT enlightens offering to train and enlighten government information officers on ATI, its benefits and to stir readiness on part of information holders to respond to requests by the public. Govt information The process to attain this has been long but not arduous. Initially a CoRI delegation met the then Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs , Palamagamba Kabudi and later the officers on ATI Minister met with CoRi chairperson Kajubi Mukajanga at a separate meeting in By MW Reporter including the Media Council, it was a Lushoto where Council officials were on landmark achievement. a working retreat. hen the Access to A study on the efficacy of the law In both occasions, Minister Kabudi who Information Act (ATI) carried out by the Council established that has since moved to the Foreign Ministry 2016 was enacted, it was there was a lot to be done. There were had welcomed the offer for training a progressive step for the challenges on the part of the public as the government information officers on ATI. flowW of information in the country. majority were not aware of their rights to So when 18 government information The move was well received especially access information of public interest from officers from Dodoma, Arusha, Manyara by those who had been pressing for it for the government and other information and Kilimanjaro regions attended a a long time despite resistance from those holders. The study also established that consultative workshop on the ATI 2016 in authority. even some government officials were not organised by MCT, it was a major boost To proponents of the legislation aware of the law, while some were aware Continues on page 4

3 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

News

The Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania, Kajubi Mukajanga, opens the consultative workshop organized by the Council for government information officers. MCT enlightens Govt information officers on ATI From page 3 Councils in the four regions. face challenges as most of them explained for the CoRI initiative. CoRI chairperson The facilitator of the workshop that they do not have authority to release Mukajanga was upbeat stating that it was Advocate Jebra Kambole who has information as they are not the official was a harbinger to more engagements specialized in Human Rights. He broadly spokespersons. with government information officers elucidated on the Access to Information Some said they are misunderstood throughout the country. Act and its Regulations. MCT programme at times as deliberately withholding The workshop held in Arusha on officer, Paul Mallimbo, presented the information but the required information February 18, 2021, was also attended by findings of the study on the efficacy of the may be subject to decisions of official editors of some media outlets. law. meetings which have not taken place. Opening the workshop Mukajanga The benefits of the Access to Their engagement with journalists is spoke at length on the importance, Information Act 2016, Kambole sometimes torturous due to budgetary benefits and challenges of ATI and why said, include ensuring prevalence of constraints. They claimed to ensure events it was pertinent information officers are accountability and uprooting corruption. are well covered, money should exchange enlightened on its usefulness, their roles He told the information officers to hands. Without money, coverage is elusive. and responsibilities. initiate regular arrangements of providing Responding on the issues of reporters Mukajanga said the Council had taken and releasing information. Such as press soliciting money for coverage, some several steps to ensure the law is easily conferences and releases would ensure editors who attended the one-day understood by the majority including the that the public is always informed of workshop held at Palace Hotel, Arusha publication of a popular version of the law crucial developments and public interest on 18 February advised the government through use of caricature. information in their areas. officials to have regular and direct contacts Most of the participants to the In the course of discussions, it with media outlets. Photo spread workshop were drawn from the District emerged that the information officers pages 12 and 13.

4 February 2021

News

The Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania, Kajubi Mukajanga presides over a zoom meeting for the formation of a regional association for East Africa media councils. Constitution for regional media association endorsed By MW Reporter accommodated changes advanced to media cooperation within the improve the document. block, ensure security for media Mukajanga, who is also the practitioners and serve as platform he interim leadership of the Executive Secretary of the Media for meetings of the media councils proposed Association of Council of Tanzania, said at the end of to advance and harness professional East African Media Councils the meeting it was a great and tangible pluralism, diversity, professionalism has endorsed the body’s achievement. and progress in the region. constitution.T He said the meeting was a success The idea to set up the regional The endorsement was made during as it came out with the proposed association for media Council was a zoom meeting held on February constitution which will formalize the initiated and discussed during a 19, 2021. Interim chairperson, Kajubi establishment of the media councils’ meeting held in Kisumu, Kenya in Mukajanga presided over a four-hour association. 2019. meeting from Palace Hotel in Arusha. He congratulated the Kenyan The zoom meeting was held after Representatives of the Media counterparts for producing the zero a physical one could not be held as a Council of Kenya (MCK), Uganda draft which the meeting worked on. result of the prevailing conditions and Media Council (UMC), and Rwanda They are expected to finalise situation of covid-19. Media Commission (RMC) fully and the constitutive document in the The interim leadership of actively participated in the meeting. next few days by incorporating the the proposed media association The draft constitution which agreed on modifications and the chaired by Mukajanga includes the proposed the organizational structure, interim leadership will convene a final Executive Secretary of Rwanda Media leadership and name of the regional meeting to check and endorse the Commission, Emmanuel Mugisha media council was prepared by MCK. final document to proceed with the who serves as Treasurer, MCK The meeting went through the registration process of the association. Executive Director, David Omonyo various articles and sections of the Mukajanga told reporters after is Secretary, and the Vice Chairman draft constitution, approved some of meeting that the objective the East is the Secretary of the Uganda Media them as proposed in the draft and Africa media body is to promote Council David Kasanga.

5 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

Guideline on Covid-19 MCT GUIDELINES ON REPORTING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Following reported cases of victims of the coronavirus pandemic respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing. Always in the country early last year, the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. developed a set of guidelines for local journalists on reporting • Wash your hands regularly with hot water and soap. Use anti- the outbreak. bacterial gel or wipes if hot water and soap is not available, but As the new wave of the pandemic is claiming many lives and always follow this up with a hot water and soap wash as soon afflicting many people, we decided to publish again the guidelines as possible. as the Council is mandated to oversee that journalists in Tanzania • Maintain a ‘safe’ distance when interviewing anyone showing adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards in order symptoms. to ensure that the media conducts itself appropriately during the • Consider your mode of transportation to and from the crisis period. assignment. Avoid traveling on public transportation at rush hour and make sure to use alcohol gel on hands when The guidelines are as follows: disembarking. • While not downplaying the gravity of the situation, contribute • Use directional microphones from a safe distance rather than to the efforts geared at reducing fear and panic among the clip mics. public. • Use protective gloves if working in or visiting an infected site • Seek to understand plans and strategies being implemented such as a medical treatment facility. Other medical personal to address the outbreak and its social and economic impact. protective equipment (PPE) such as a bodysuit and full face • Talk to as many different people as possible. Do your best to mask may also be necessary. capture the different realities people are living in during the • Equipment such as cameras, recorders and microphones which outbreak to help authorities get feedback so they can plan are widely shared amongst staff must disinfected using fast appropriate interventions. • Strictly adhere to professional acting microbial wipes, before and after every use and their conduct, using credible sources of information such as medical operators required to wear gloves. doctors, Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation • Always ensure your hands are washed thoroughly with hot (WHO). water and soap before, during, and after leaving an affected • Be aware of misinformation. Strive to establish the truth so area. that you do not become part of the problem of disseminating • If you develop symptoms, especially fever or shortness of false information. breath, seek medical treatment. If you are in a heavily infected • Treat the victims of the corona virus with dignity and respect area, you may risk encountering COVID19 infected patients at their right to privacy. Minimize interviews with them, photos crowded treatment centres, therefore increasing your chances of victims should be avoided and their names excluded from of exposure. stories to minimize unnecessary exposure, unless the subjects • Always follow the local health authorities' guidance and themselves want to be known and share their experience. instructions. • Visual reporting on the crisis is valuable, but it needs to be • WHO and Ministry of Health are in agreement that it is not carried out responsiblyReporters should make sure their necessary for people without symptoms to wear masks, images accurately portray what’s going on. unless you are told to by the local authorities; or you are in • Focus on reporting, not analysis unless it is through expert a high-risk area such as a hospital; or you are taking care of a opinion. person with suspected COVID-19 infection. • Watch your headlines. With a high volume of information, and • Those who have reported from active outbreak areas may be the fast pace of social media, many people get their news from required to stay away from the office or interacting with news headlines alone. sources, family members and others for a period 14 days. • Use statistics and graphics accurately and in context to avoid • Programmes that require studio audience presence should causing panic. be discouraged. If necessary then guests must be seated at • Avoid racist tropes –do not encourage stereotypes or least one meter from each other. This protocol also applies to inadvertently promote racist interpretations. the distance between the anchor/host and the nearest guest. • Regularly check the status of any event you plan on attending, Anchors/Radio hosts must wash their hands before and after taking into account there is a ban on public gatherings above their show and avoid touching their faces at any time. a certain number of people. • Sanitisers must be put at all entrances to the media houses • Always take into account the possibility of being grounded in with special consideration being given to studio entrances. a quarantine/lockdown zone. Guests and anchors must clean their hands before entering • Consider the potential psychological impact of reporting from the studio. Crew must wash hands with water and soap before an area affected by COVID-19, especially if reporting from a and after each production and where necessary put on masks medical or isolation facility, or quarantine zone. and gloves. • Ensure you have a contingency plan in place, taking into • Editing benches, computers, mixers in the gallery and other account that certain areas, specific regions, and/or entire equipment must be disinfected before and after every countries can be locked down and quarantined with little or production or editing session. These draft considerations have no notice. been adopted from several local, regional and international • Avoid close contact with anybody showing symptoms of best practices

6 February 2021

News

The President of Tanganyika Law Society, Dr. Rugemeleza Nshala, reads out a statement issued by TLS on the deplorable and serious situation on the surge of Covid-19 in the country. TLS appeals to media to inform public on covid-19 cited two clauses of the Constitution of and using sanitiser. By MW Reporter the United Republic of Tanzania to be TLS also emphasized the importance of religiously considered - clause 14 which trusting and respecting scientific research deals on the right to life and clause 18 on by Tanzanian experts and by experts in n view of the reported increase of the right of people to be informed. other countries. fatalities following the surge of Covid- 19 cases, the media has been urged to For journalists, the TLS statement Of late there is no information given be on the forefront in informing the points out that they have the right to seek, by authorities on corona cases in Tanzania. Ipublic on the disease. to receive information and to impart The last official report was made on 29 In a statement by Tanganyika Law Society accurate reports on Covid 19. April last year. (TLS) on the disease, the Mainland bar It appealed to journalists to raise various In a rare case, the late First Vice association made a wide ranging appeal reports and provide opportunity to health President of Zanzibar Seif Shariff Hamad to the general public, the government , the experts to take part in debates on fighting announced that he has contracted the virus clergy and religious institutions, National the virus. when he was hospitalized at Mnazi Mmoja Assembly, Judiciary and media on the The media should carry messages Hospital in Zanzibar, before he passed on. challenges of the disease which has spread to educate the public on how to fight Most cases which are reported in the all over world. the disease including taking protective hospitals these days are those of severe TLS said so far it has lost over 20 measures such as wearing of face masks, pneumonia which some observers see as members mostly due to the disease, and washing hands with soap in running water a euphemism for Covid-19.

7 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

Opportunities SADC LAUNCHES THE 2021 MEDIA AWARDS COMPETITION The Secretariat of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2021 SADC Media Awards competition in the four categories namely: Photo, Print, Television and Radio Journalism. The SADC Media Awards were established in 1996 to recognise best media work in disseminating information on SADC to support the process of regional co-operation and integration in the region. The Public Relations Unit of the Southern African Development Community SADC Secretariat supports public participation in the community as outlined by the SADC Declaration. In line with the SADC Treaty, it is responsible for the promotion of SADC and is therefore the lead executor of SADC corporate communications, including public and media relations, public affairs, protocol and special events management, thus the custodian of communications, branding and promotional strategies.

Award Information • The first prize winner in each category receives US$2,500 and the runner-up receives US$1000.

Eligibility Criteria • The SADC Media Awards are open to journalists from the SADC Member States.

For more information, visit https://www.sadc.int/news-events/news/sadc-launches-2021- media-awards-competition/

8 February 2021

Orbitury

The late Muhammed Seif Khatibu, The late Fred Jim Mdoe The late Vedasto Msungu

2007 focusing on coverage of sports, entertainment and culture. A year later the paper was renamed Taifa Huru Zanzibari media and increasedits coverage to economy and social issues to attract the broad mainland audience. The late Khatib was multi-talented with immense linguistic knowledge of Kiswahili and had been contributing owner Khatib articles and poems to newspapers. He was also a renowned composer of taarab songs and author of several Kiswahili books whose titles are Fungate ya Uhuru , Chanjo, dies Wasakatonge, Vifaru weusi, Utenzi wa Ukombozi wa Zanzibar and Taarab l Veteran publisher Mdoe Zanzibar. Among the ministerial dockets that and TV presenter Msungu the late Khatibu held was Minister for Information. also passed on Meanwhile two prominent media practitioners – veteran publisher and By MW Reporter Taifa Huru. He also owned Zenj Radio journalist Fred Jim Mdoe and Vedasto and Zenj Digital Television. Msungu presenter of Independent Rashind Omar Kombo who served Television (ITV) died within a span of ohamed Seif Khatib, a as chief editor of the newspaper under two days. Zanzibari media owner Khatib’s Zanzibar Media Corporation, While Mdoe former BBC radio has passed on. He died in describes the late Khatib assomeone presenter and publisher of Fahari Zanzibar on February 15, who was far sighted with a strong newspaper died on February 15, M2021. passion for media. Msungu who had specialized on Khatib who served as Minister Kombo says the late Khatib’s media coverage of the environment died on in several phases of the Union house had employed scores of young February 17. Government turned into a media people who would otherwise remain Msungu died at the Morogoro owner- initially running a newspaper unemployed. Referral Hospital where he was -Asumin which later on was renamed Asumin newspaper was launched in admitted for treatment.

9 9 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

Analysis

childhood and no wonder he had many when he was a good footballer, composer and singer of taarab while taking his studies seriously. Despite the hurdles and setbacks Muhammed Seif which faced children from poor families, he successfully struggled to be recognized as a respected politician, columnist and Swahili language maestro. At the time of his death he was running Khatibu was Zenj FM, was a regular columnist of Uhuru, a CCM daily and Chairman of the Zanzibar Swahili Council. Heavily influenced by Hija Saleh , a onetime good teacher, footballer, composer of taarab multi-talented songs and later a diplomat, Muhammed acquired a reputation for crafting elegant, By Salim Said Salim 1950’s when he played soccer in the small humorous and psychologically complex open spaces and narrow streets of the suburbs characters. of the Zanzibar town. He composed love ballads which expressed He was good at making friends from his suffering of people who had been betrayed in uhammed Seif Khatib, a seasoned love. After being groomed in the political arena politician, musician, Swahili guru by the Afro-Shirazi Party and later CCM he and a famous sportsman who wrote essays and books about life before and also helped to rejuvenate an after the Zanzibar Revolution. Muninspiring media in Zanzibar through his In all his songs, as well as in newspaper first private radio station (Zenj FM) is columns and books, Muhammed no longer with us. preferred to use words, proverbs He died on February 15 at Al and riddles with Zanzibari dialects, Rahma Hospital in Zanzibar some of which were not in the town. He was 70. vocabulary of people outside His life story has a lot the Islands. of inspirations for the Once a friend of mine young generation to who is also a journalist learn that hard work, told me: “Sometimes you motivation and will- had to know Muhammed power helps one to personally to understand succeed in life and what he meant in some of leave behind a land his writings”. mark which will always Muhammed had a be respected and long and promising career cherished. in soccer, music and I knew journalism ahead of him Muhammed Seif when he gave it up to Khatiba who was write novels. born in a peasant Later he took more family at Umbuji, interests in politics through about 40 kilometers the Afro-Shrazi Youth League south of Zanzibar and became the CCM Youth town, way back in Chairman, Uzini MP for three the mid terms and held several ministerial portfolios in the Union government, including home affairs, union affairs and information and sports. Two decades back when he told me that he was planning to open a radio station (Zenj FM) I told him I always wondered why he did not Continues on page 14 The late Muhammed Khatibu.

10 February 2021

Orbituary

turmoil which was in Zanzibar after the 2020 elections it required extra ordinary courage Passing of Maalim for him to lead his party, the ACT Wazalendo which had earlier said the polls were rigged to agree to be partners of the GNU. The move has helped to end politics of hatred and animosity in the Islands and the Seif: Media has lost divisive politics which has cost lives and limbs. The people of Zanzibar and outside learn about what he did and his achievements in decades and identify him as a role model, a trusted friend a patriot, peace maker, champion of press freedom and one who always fought for By Salim Said Salim unity. The Tanzania press has lost one of the great champions of freedom and liberty, anzibar is just recovering from and a true and reliable friend who was mourning following the loss always humble when he was in the last month of one its patriots, government or the opposition. friend of the people and Hailing from a farming community Zthe media whose career was marked of the small Mtambwe beach village, by dramatic reversals and stunning near the town of Wete in Pemba, rebounds, the Maalim Seif, started out first as a First Vice President Seif Sharif teacher and later a charismatic Hamad. politician who considered a Popularly known as Maalim leadership position as entering (Teacher) Seif he was one of the best a contract of serving the people media friendly politicians who looked rather than being their master. at journalist as partners, worked The way he fought for his with them in a friendly atmosphere principles and sometimes emerged and showing high respect to press victorious against all odds stands as freedom. an example to the young generation He was tolerant and the word that there is no glass ceiling that revenge was not in his vocabulary and Continues on page 14 he once told me: ”I strongly believe as a Muslim that vengeance is not mine, it is for God to decide who was right”. In a nutshell his legacy is one of a politician who served his country well, and a few months before his death on February 18 took courageous step of joining President Hussein Mwinyi to form a Government of National Unity (GNU). Bearing in mind the political

The Late Maalim Seif Shariff Hamad.

11 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter February 2021

Workshop Workshop Consultative Workshop on ATI in photos

Advocate Jebra Kambole facilitates during the consultative workshop organized by the Media Council of Tanzania for Govermnet information offiers. Photos by Ziada Kilobo

12 13 Media Council of Tanzania Newsletter

Orbituary Media has lost a trusted friend From page 11 and respected media practitioners in When he had an agenda, like more can't be shattered. Tanzania described Maalim Seif after the autonomy for Zanzibar within the union, At a time when many Zanzibaris lost announcement of his death as a strong he came in the open to argue his case and hope for peace and stability he helped to institution which could not be taken for a always gave his opinion openly rather than restore it with confidence and pride. ride. There are those who say, and I fully doing so behind the curtain or using agent At the time of his death, he was agree with them, that one cannot talk of provocateurs. To him transparency was the Zanzibar’s longest serving leader, with a Zanzibar politics after the 1964 Revolution basis of good governance. vision of caring about both the young and and the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar Maalim Seif is no longer with us old and always full of humour, especially without mentioning Maalim Seif Sharif physically, but will always remain in the when he met the media. Hamad. hearts of many Tanzanians who will His style of life, in and outside politics, He was a good teacher in the classroom remember and admired him with love and shows that the word revenge was not in and later in the political arena, both in gratitude because he has left behind a rich his vocabulary. For example, one leader political parties and in the government. legacy worth to inherit and cherish. who once held a top leadership position The media in Tanzania also have also lost who was his main rival in the Isles politics a good and trusted friend who was always The author is a veteran used to call him a crazy goat and lackey of ready to be questioned even on issues of Zanzibari journalist. He has the colonialists. Maalim Seif would reply by privacy and remained calm when provoked. worked for the Daily News, addressing him as brother. He has several times come forward to served as Press Secretary to Chief I remember Maalim who was also a good raise his voice for both Zanzibar and the Minister Seif Sharif Hamad. He orator once said insults are the last resort United Republic of Tanzania to have new is a correspondent for DW Radio of insecure people with a crumbling position constitutions which would guarantee free and columnist for newspapers in trying to appear confident. Their behavior is press, freedom of expression and the right East Africa and abroad and media not different from the last kicks of a dying of information. trainer in the region. He has also horse. To him without a free press there is no served as Board member of the No wonder some political analysts freedom in the country. Media Council of Tanzania.

Muhammed realized that learning is an important pathway to improve quality of life. Muhammed Seif Khatibu Those who knew him well or followed his life were not surprised when he became the first PHD graduate of the University of Dodoma was multi-talented Born on January 10, 1951, Dr Khatib held From page 10 interventions and contributions the position of national chairman for the become a full time journalist since he had the during the training some of the participants youths’ wing of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) skills and talent of the profession? said they did not know their boss was so from 1978 to 1983. He smiled and told me since the time much conversant with the profession and Between the year 2000 and 2002, he he used to be at the Daily News offices at wondered why he did not do part of the served as Minister of Home Affairs when Maktaba Street in Dar es Salaam in the 1970s, training. His response was simple, but with a Benjamin Mkapa was President. he didn’t like it because he found life in a lot of wisdom. He said: “I know a little about Dr Khatib later served as Minister of State newsroom pale in comparison to working in journalism and I couldn’t train because I in the Prime Minister's Office responsible for the political arena. neither have newsroom nor field experience”. Information. This is also evident in one his books The words of homage paid by politicians, When he named his first cabinet on titled Fungate ya Uhuru (The Independence artists, Swahili experts, authors and journalists January 4, 2006, President Jakaya Kikwete Honeymoon) and some of his political paid to the late Muhammed Seif Khatib speak picked Dr Khatib to be the Minister for analyses. volumes. Information, Culture and Sports. Subsequently, In some political platforms the book In my assessment of the more than he was named Minister in the Vice-President's became a focal point for discussion and debate six decades I knew him, played soccer and Office for Union Affairs on February 12, 2008. about the political history and on events after marbles and worked with him, Muhammed Now that Muhammed Seif Khatib is gone, independence. It is a book worth reading to was a brave, courageous and confident man. he will always be remembered for his role know where Tanzania came from. He used to exhibit readiness to challenge in life, his efforts to r unite the people of Muhammed once invited me to conduct and confront entrenched opinion on anything, Zanzibar t and end years of politics of hatred a week-long training for his young reporters regardless of the impact he might make, be in and animosity, as well as in promoting Swahili, and producers of Zenj FM at Jambiani, south taarab or politics. taarab and the media. of Zanzibar. While I was not surprised with his Alongside this, throughout his life May his soul rest in peace.

14 February 2021

News

Journalists at work Ileje district commissioner detains information officer By MW Reporter for journalists and not a reporter, he argued. Looking at the other side of the issue on To a curious observer on media matters, part of journalists in the District how did the detaining a government information officer DC know that they were not being informed he District Commissioner for for not informing journalists of official events of the crucial district events? Ileje, Joseph Mkude recently is quite interesting. It is pertinent that journalists should ordered the information officer Basics require journalists to have a nose practice journalism and should avoid rubbing of the district, Daniel Mwambene for news as referred to in professional shoulders with officials for public relations Tto be detained for failing to mobilize parlance. So, it appears the entire press stories. journalists to attend important government corps in the district lack that basic quality of Experience in the regions is that most meetings. what it takes to be a scribe. reporters depend on financial support of He also ordered the district director to The action by the DC raises a sticking news sources. change the system of inviting journalists to question – how in hell can a government This is a serious problem which government functions. official reflect such magnanimity to media outlets which use the regional Speaking to journalists, the district newsmen? correspondents should take steps to resolve. commissioner said he was surprised by their The answer could be that he was simply The growing tendency in reporting especially absence at crucial district meetings like the hankering for positive publicity. Were from the regions is to centres on leaders one held on that particular day. journalists pursuing an investigative story, and officials who are the news sources The Information officer is a coordinator would they be accorded such welcome? leaving out the wananchi.

Complaints or inquiries should be addressed to: Executive Secretary, Media Council of Tanzania, P.O. Box 10160, Dar es Salaam, Tel.: 022-2775728, 15 022-2771947 Cell: 0784 314880 Fax: 022 2700370 E-mail: [email protected] www.mct.or.tz