Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has urged leaders and government officials to remove bureaucracy in the issue of access to information to enable journalists to obtain accurate information and carry out their work effectively.
“Government leaders and officials should adhere to the Access to Information Act of 2016 and remove bureaucracy in the issue of access to information so that journalists can obtain accurate information and carry out their work with high efficiency,” he said.
He made the call on (Friday, May 3, 2024) while speaking to journalists and other stakeholders at the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day held at the Jakaya Kikwete Conference Center in Dodoma.
Regarding the access to accurate information, the Prime Minister also urged heads of institutions to create a conducive environment for journalists to enable them to adhere to professionalism and facilitate access to important information at all levels of society.
He also called on the media to establish special desks to coordinate climate change issues. “These desks should seek funds to implement a training program for journalists on professionally writing about climate change issues and its effects on society and the nation. This issue should be completed so that there is a report on its implementation at next year’s commemoration,” he emphasized.
Regarding investigative journalism, the Prime Minister said that this type of journalism requires sufficient financial resources for training and to carry out the work itself. “I urge all key stakeholders including institutions, civil society organizations, and various local and international organizations to collaborate with the media in facilitating research and investigative journalism and to assist the media in growing professionally and economically.”
Touching on the challenges facing female journalists, the Prime Minister called on the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Information Technology and the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, the Elderly, and Children to ensure the completion of the second phase of the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children (NPA-VAWC II). “This step will help address the challenges of physical attacks on female journalists,” he said.
He took the opportunity to urge all journalists to prioritize patriotism, professionalism, and ethics of the journalism profession by making a positive contribution to society, as failure to do so may undermine development and even jeopardize national peace, unity, and solidarity.
At the same time, the Prime Minister said that the media plays a significant role in promoting the country and creating a positive international image, commending journalists for their work in informing the public.
“The media has played a significant role in promoting investment, advertising tourist attractions, and contributing to the growth of our nation’s economy. On behalf of the Government and all the people of Tanzania, I commend our media for the great work they do in serving the public.”
Emphasizing the importance of the media, the Prime Minister said that they have a significant role in promoting citizen participation in government activities and the implementation of government plans as well as important national campaigns.
“Journalists have the power to amplify the voice of the community regarding ethical decay, environmental effects, exposing corruption and negligence, and supporting solutions that will promote sustainable development and resilience in key areas.”
The theme for the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day for 2024 is: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”
Earlier, the Minister of Information, Communications, and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye, said that the state of press freedom in the country has improved compared to the past.
“The state of press freedom in the country continues to improve. We have not yet reached where we want to go, but certainly we are not where we were yesterday. We have reached here due to the efforts of His Excellency the President; we have implemented the 4Rs of His Excellency the President, and that is why we are where we are,” he said.
The meeting was attended by various stakeholders including ambassadors from the United States, Switzerland, representatives from the United Nations, UNESCO, Civil Society Organizations, Representatives from the Union of 28 Tanzanian Journalists’ Clubs (UTPC), Editors Forum, and students.”