Arusha

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in collaboration with the Media Aid for Indigenous and Marginalized Communities (MAIPAC) and the Tanzania Information Services (Maelezo), is developing a specialized guidebook for journalists and digital content creators operating in areas inhabited by marginalized groups.

The guidelines aim to help media professionals and content creators navigate the ethical landscape, cultural values, and traditions of indigenous communities—specifically the Hadzabe, Maasai, Datoga, and Akie—before producing or disseminating any content related to them.

MAIPAC Executive Director, Mussa Juma, announced the initiative yesterday during a panel discussion held in Arusha to commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD). The session focused on the impact of digital content creation and the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing professional journalistic standards.

Juma noted a rising trend of both local and international content creators visiting these communities, particularly the Hadzabe, and publishing material without proper consent or in ways that violate cultural ethics and dignity.

“In response to these challenges, MAIPAC, UNESCO, and the Information Department are drafting a specific manual for working with these communities. This will ensure that media activities are conducted ethically and with full respect for the dignity of these people,” Juma stated.

In addition to the guidebook, MAIPAC is partnering with UNESCO, Maelezo, and SAVVY Media to provide digital literacy training for these communities. The project aims to empower them to use social media effectively, understand their digital rights, and benefit economically from the information and advertisements generated about their way of life.

“We will build their capacity to use digital platforms for their own benefit and help them recognize their digital rights, which will ultimately uplift their local economies,” Juma added.

During the discussion, digital creators and officials from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) emphasized that AI and digital tools should be embraced as transformative aids for youth and community development rather than being viewed as a threat.

Mdindi Samboga, Chairman of the Hadzabe community in the Eyasi Valley, Karatu District, expressed gratitude for the initiative. He remarked that while his community has gained significant fame on social media recently, they rarely see any tangible benefits from the exposure.

“People come to take our pictures and interview us. We hear that we are very popular in the cities, but we don't benefit from it at all—sometimes we are only given alcohol. We are now asking for assistance so that we can benefit fairly from our own image and culture,” Samboga said.

 

Mwandishi wetu, Arusha 

Mkurugenzi wa Taasisi ya Wajane Tanzania (TAWIA), Rose Sarwatt ametembelea Ofisi za Taasisi ya Wanahabari ya usaidizi wa jamii  za pembezoni (MAIPAC)  kufanya mazungumzo juu ya maandalizi ya maadhimisho ya siku ya Wajene Tanzania ambayo yatafanyika Mkoa wa Kilimanjaro June 23 mwaka huu.

Siku ya Wajane Duniani inatambuliwa na umoja wa mataifa na Tanzania imekuwa ikiadhimishwa Kwa ushirikiano WA TAWIA na Serikali.

Akizungumza katika ofisi za MAIPAC jijini Arusha, Leo April 3, 2026, Sarwatt amesema maandalizi muhimu ya maadhimisho ya siku ya wajane yameanza.

Amesema maadhimisho Kitaifa yatafanyika Moshi mkoa wa Kilimanjaro na maadhimisho ya kidunia yatafanyika nchini Uingereza.

"Nimekuja MAIPAC kama mmoja wa mashirika ambayo yamekuwa yakifanya kazi na Wanawake wajane hasa kutoka jamii za pembezoni hivyo ni muhimu kushirikiana "amesema 

Amesema TAWIA tayari imekuwa na ushirikiano na Wizara ya Maendeleo ya Jamii, Jinsia na Makundi Maalum na ofisi ya Mkuu wa Mkoa Kilimanjaro kufanikisha maadhimisho hayo.

"Ingawa tutashirikiana na Serikali nimeona kuna muhimu wa kushirikiana pia na  CSOs ambazo zimekuwa zikisaidia Wanawake kama nyie MAIPAC na wengine katika kufanikisha maadhimisho haya"amesema

 *Amesema katika maadhimisho ya mwaka huu, licha ya kuwepo kongamano Maalum pia wajane watapanda mlima Kilimanjaro, wengine watatembelea hifadhi nyingine za Taifa"amesema.*

Amesema bado TAWIA inaomba wafadhili wajitokeze kuwezesha maadhimisho haya ya kihistoria ambayo yatakutanisha zaidi ya wajane 500 toka nchi nzima.

Mkurugenzi Mtendaji wa MAIPAC, Mussa Juma Siwayombe amesema  wapo tayari kushirikiana na TAWIA katika maadhimisho hayo.

Juma amesema MAIPAC imekuwa na miradi ambayo imeshirikisha Wajane katika wilaya za Monduli, Longido na Karatu hivyo kushiriki katika maadhimisho haya ni jambo muhimu.

"MAIPAC tunakuhakikishia ushirikiano mkubwa ikiwepo pia kushirikisha vyombo vya habari vingi katika maandalizi na maadhimisho ili kuongeza uelewa wa siku ya Wajane"amesema

Naye Afisa Utawala wa MAIPAC, Andrea Ngobole amesema MAIPAC ambayo inawanachama wanahabari Zaidi ya 100 nchi nzima itatumia maadhimisho hayo kuhamasisha haki za Wajane na kuelezea umuhimu wa kuandika Wosia Kwa wanafamilia ili kupunguza mgogoro baada ya mmoja wa wanafamilia kufariki.

By Prosper Makene 

Tanzania has made history by securing two coveted spots in the ranking of Africa’s Top 10 busiest airports, as of July 2025. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) ranked ninth with an average of 92 flights per day, while Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam ranked tenth with 84 flights per day. This milestone places Tanzania alongside continental heavyweights such as Johannesburg, Cairo, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi.

A critical catalyst in this growth has been President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s bold tourism diplomacy, particularly the production and global promotion of The Royal Tour documentary. By personally inviting the world to experience Tanzania, President Samia placed the nation’s natural and cultural treasures on the global stage. The result has been a surge in international awareness, leading to record-breaking tourist arrivals in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, which in turn has driven demand for flights and boosted airport traffic.

The recognition of both Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam airports among Africa’s busiest is more than a matter of prestige — it is an indicator of economic growth and global connectivity. Zanzibar’s rise reflects its status as one of Africa’s most sought-after holiday destinations, with increased flight traffic translating into higher tourist arrivals, foreign exchange earnings, and job creation across hospitality, transport, and cultural industries. Dar es Salaam, as the country’s main commercial hub, benefits from improved connectivity that facilitates cargo, business travel, and investment opportunities, particularly with East African neighbors and global partners. Collectively, this strengthens Tanzania’s national brand and global positioning.

Behind these achievements lies the regulatory role of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). As the country’s aviation regulator, TCAA has been ensuring compliance with international safety and security standards, streamlining licensing and certification of operators, and coordinating with airport authorities and airlines to support sustainable growth. At the same time, operators such as airlines, ground handlers, and airport companies have invested in improved services, fleet expansion, and customer experience, helping position Tanzania as a rising aviation hub.

With Tanzania’s airports now firmly on Africa’s aviation map, the challenge will be to sustain and scale this growth. This calls for continued investment in airport infrastructure, enhanced regional connectivity to cement Tanzania’s place as a hub for East and Central Africa, and stronger public-private partnerships to expand capacity and maintain world-class service.

Tanzania’s entry into Africa’s Top 10 busiest airports is both a symbol and a signal: a symbol of how far the country has come in aviation, tourism, and economic development; and a signal of the limitless opportunities that lie ahead. With the visionary leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the guidance of TCAA, and the commitment of aviation stakeholders, the nation’s skies have never looked brighter.

On July 22, 2025, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa continued his official visit to Belarus with a tour of key industrial sites aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation between the two nations.

While in the capital city of Minsk, Prime Minister Majaliwa visited the Belmedpreparaty factory, a leading facility known for the production of human pharmaceuticals. The visit offered a firsthand look at the advanced medical technologies and high production standards used in the Belarusian healthcare manufacturing sector.

The Prime Minister also toured the Minsk Tractor Plant, a major manufacturer of modern agricultural machinery. The Tanzanian delegation had the opportunity to witness cutting-edge technologies employed in the production of tractors and farming equipment—an area of particular interest to Tanzania’s efforts to modernize its agricultural sector.

Speaking during the visit, Prime Minister Majaliwa emphasized the importance of the partnership:

"We are here to build sustainable collaborations that will directly benefit our people, especially in the critical sectors of health and agriculture."

Accompanying the Prime Minister was Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Cosato Chumi, who added:

"This visit marks a significant step in diversifying Tanzania's international partnerships and tapping into Belarusian expertise in industrial innovation."

In a moment of solemn respect, the Prime Minister also laid a wreath at the Belarusian National Heroes Monument, honoring the country’s legacy and its people’s resilience.

This visit is part of Tanzania’s broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen global relations in ways that deliver tangible development benefits. The focus on health and agriculture highlights the government's commitment to improving service delivery and food security through international cooperation and technology transfer.

By Prosper Makene 

Dar es Salaam has embraced traditional Chinese culture on Saturday with its annual celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival, making a splash in Tanzania's commercial capital.

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Duanwu Festival, traditionally falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. It was celebrated this year on May 31.

During the festival in Masaki area in Dar es Salaam, people enjoy activities such as eating Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) to commemorate Qu Yuan, a revered Chinese poet and statesman of the Warring States period (475 B.C.-221 B.C.).

Speaking at first edition, organized by CRJE (East Africa) Ltd in Dar es Salaam, CRJE Director Jiang Yuntao said that the event was also meant to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Tanzania.

“As you see this event has attracted a large number of Tanzanians and foreign friends, who gathered to experience the unique charm of the Festival,” he said.

“This Festival is also known as the “Duanwu Festival”, is one of our four major traditional festivals, with a history of over 2,000 years. It was established to commemorate the patriotic poet Qu Yuan from the Warring States period of China. On the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar each year, the Chinese celebrate by making and eating zongzi (rice dumplings), racing dragon boats, wearing sachets, and hanging mugwort leaves, all of which are believed to bring good health, ward off evil, and prevent disease,” he said.

He added: “In 2009, the Dragon Boat Festival was included in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming an important window for the world to learn about Chinese culture.”

However, other nationals who attended the festival described the event as "overwhelming" in the best way. "It's possibly the most awesome thing that we've seen. And it's absolutely fantastic," a Tanzanian John William told reporters at the event.

He emphasized the festival's role in bridging cultures. "It's possibly one of the greatest opportunities to just allow other people and different cultures to interact and show what we have in common, which is a lot more than what we have as a difference," said William.

Reflecting on the broader significance of the event, he said, "I think the way we have conducted the event, which is intertwined with Chinese culture, has really facilitated a fantastic dialogue with Chinese culture in Tanzania, and an understanding of how things are different and similar between the two different cultures."

More than 500 stakeholders are expected to gather in Arusha from June 2 to 6, 2025, for Civil Society Week (AZAKI Week), a flagship national event that brings together actors from civil society, government, the private sector, and development partners. The week aims to foster inclusive dialogue, innovative thinking, and strong partnerships to support Tanzania’s transition toward an inclusive and high middle-income economy.

This year’s event, organized by the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) and its partners, is particularly significant as it comes at a time when Tanzania is preparing to launch the Tanzania Development Vision (TDV) 2050 — a strategic roadmap to guide national development over the coming decades.

With a theme that calls on civil society organizations to align vision with action, the 2025 Civil Society Week will focus on inclusive growth, civic participation, and the strengthening of democratic governance.

Speaking during a press briefing in Dar es Salaam, Justice Rutenge, Executive Director of FCS, said:

“The Tanzanian civil society community is fully committed to shaping our development future. Through this year’s Civil Society Week, we aim to build strong partnerships to ensure the promise of development is fulfilled for every Tanzanian.”

Rutenge emphasized that this year’s sessions will feature high-level discussions on TDV 2050, with a strong focus on human capital development and building a skilled, innovative, and inclusive workforce.

“Civil society has played a critical role in interpreting the vision and contributed meaningfully to the development and approval of the Long-Term Development Planning Framework,” he added.

The event will provide a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices, as well as advancing discussions on civic participation, accountability, and inclusive policy-making.

Nesiah Mahenge, Chairperson of the AZAKI Week Steering Committee and Director of CBM Tanzania, emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration:

“As a Steering Committee comprising 26 civil society organizations, we’ve built strong partnerships to support the successful delivery of Civil Society Week 2025,” said Mahenge.

She highlighted that this year’s key issues include amplifying youth voices and strengthening inclusive governance systems.

Mahenge also extended gratitude to the development partners supporting the event, including the European Union (EU), Ford Foundation, Wilde Ganzen, TradeMark Africa, UK International Development, and the Embassy of Switzerland in Tanzania.

Ismail Biro, Deputy Executive Director of Tanzania Bora Initiative (TBI) and a member of the Steering Committee, stressed the significance of youth engagement:

“This year’s Civil Society Week must foster youth-led innovation, promote gender equality, and ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities. We are committed to amplifying youth voices, advocating for inclusive policies, and influencing governance in ways that reflect the realities of marginalized communities,” Biro said.

He further added:

“As Tanzania stands at a critical juncture in its development journey, Civil Society Week 2025 is expected to be a transformative platform — not only promoting democratic engagement but also positioning civil society at the heart of shaping our long-term national vision.”

Doreen Dominick, Head of Public Sector, Business, and Commercial Banking at Stanbic Bank Tanzania, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting community-centered development initiatives:

“This marks our fourth consecutive year partnering with Civil Society Week, and we remain committed to supporting Tanzania’s development. Our efforts include empowering youth and women entrepreneurs through our business incubator, promoting financial literacy, and enhancing financial inclusion,” she said.

Civil Society Week 2025 is poised to be a landmark event — offering a space for meaningful dialogue, collective problem-solving, and renewed commitment to ensuring that Tanzania’s Vision 2050 becomes a shared journey for all.

By Prosper Makene, Dodoma

Tanzania has celebrated the National Donkey Day in Chambalo village, Chemba District, Dodoma while urging citizens, especially livestock keepers, to ensure that donkeys are given their rights like other animals.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Abdul Mhinte said if these animals are protected and cared for they can bring more economic benefit to the communities.

The event that took place on Saturday May 17, 2025 was sponsored by Brooke East Africa, through INADES-Formation Tanzania and the Arusha-based Arusha Society For the Protection of Animals (ASPA), in collaboration with the government through the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and was participated by various other organisations from within the country.

Gracing the event,  Mhinte said it was important that donkeys are given their rights just like any other animals because they were the lifeline to most villagers through various works.

“Donkeys are used for many purposes of transporting various items and also for farming activities. This lessens our work and so we need to protect him by giving food, water, shelter and other necessities,” he said.

He said the community need to ensure that donkeys welfare by giving them food and water on time and ensure they are free from pain, injury and disease and are not required to work beyond their capacity.

For his part, the Managing Director of INADES-Formation Tanzania, Mr. Mbarwa Kivuyo, said the education provided to the citizens during the National Donkey Day will help them to raise the animal for their own benefits by considering donkeys are of economic benefits.

He said the team of experts in the three camps of Chambalo village, Gwandi village and Kambi ya Nyasa village had vaccinate donkeys to prevent worms that weaken them, treatment of hoofs and injuries resulting from whipping.

"A donkey is an animal that is intelligent because it can easily be taught and directed . it is not therefore necessary to use sticks and whips,” he said.

He said the team also provided education on how to tie a rope when doing agricultural activities, putting a blanket on its back to prevent injuries when carrying loads.

According to ASPA Managing Director Mr. Livingstone Masija herders need to be gentle with donkeys if they want to profit from them.

He said at least 400 donkeys had been reached during the vaccination, hoofs and wounds treatment exercise.

The Director of the Department of Livestock Services from the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Benezeth Lutege, said African heads of state met in Dar es salaam in previous years to promote donkeys rights and instituting a ban on donkey trade and their products in their previous meetings.

According to him, data showed by 2021, the Africa was estimated to have a total of 53 million donkeys even as  5.9 million donkeys are being slaughtered every year, thus threatening the animal's extinction in the world.

OUAGADOUGOU, BURKINA FASO – The Former President of Tanzania and Special Envoy of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has delivered a special message to the leader of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, during a high-level meeting held in Ouagadougou 17th of April 2025. 

The occasion was witnessed by senior officials from both countries.

The message conveyed the importance of strengthening social and economic cooperation among African nations as a key strategy for the continent’s self-reliance, especially in a time when aid from Western countries has significantly decreased.

Among  the high-level  ,  delegation from Tanzania Prof. Mohamed Janabi a candidate for the position of WHO Regional Director for Africa, who has been officially endorsed by the government.

The candidate, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH), is among five contenders whose names have been shortlisted for the election scheduled to take place on May 18 this year.

Prof.  Janabi is the only candidate from Sub-Saharan Africa, while the other four contenders hail from West African nations.

The position became vacant following the sudden death of Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, the former Tanzanian Minister of Health and then Director-Elect for the WHO Africa Region, who passed away in November 2024.

Prof.  Janabi is also a renowned researcher and medical expert, currently serving as a Lecturer at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) since 2000, and a faculty member at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in the United States since 2003. Additionally, he is an Associate Lecturer at the American College of Cardiology (EACC) and a certified Aviation Medical Examiner accredited by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Since 2005, he has also served as the Chief Physician to a former President and was a leading specialist at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) from 2015 to 2022. 

Prof.  Janabi currently serves as the Medical Director of a U.S.-based NGO, African Doctors Association.

Over the years, he has conducted extensive research and published more than 80 scientific papers, many of which have contributed to advancements in global and African health care.

 

Dar es Salaam, February 18, 2025 – Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa held discussions today with the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Grau, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Magogoni, Dar es Salaam.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Majaliwa reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to enhancing trade and investment relations with EU member states.

"It is very encouraging to see the growth of trade and investment between Tanzania and the European Union. The EU has invested approximately three billion euros in Tanzania, which has significantly contributed to job creation and tax revenues," he stated.

He emphasized that Tanzania will continue to create an enabling investment environment to attract private sector participation in development activities.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Majaliwa acknowledged the EU’s substantial support in funding various development programs in Tanzania.

"Between 2021 and 2027, the EU has allocated 703 million euros to support various development projects in Tanzania. We are grateful for your dedication to strengthening this partnership," he said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Majaliwa also met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Ahn-Eun-Ju, who highlighted the longstanding trade relations between Tanzania and South Korea.

"Tanzania and the Republic of Korea have enjoyed strong trade relations for many years. In 2023, the trade volume reached 672.7 million dollars, compared to 280.4 million dollars in 2022," the ambassador stated.

"We recognize that South Korean companies have invested in various sectors in Tanzania, including manufacturing, transportation, and construction, thereby contributing to the development of our nations. We highly value these investments," she added.

Prime Minister Majaliwa urged Ambassador Ju to explore ways to facilitate employment opportunities for Tanzanian youth in South Korea, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

"On our part, we will ensure that Tanzanians meet the necessary qualifications required to work," he affirmed.

In response, Ambassador Ju assured Prime Minister Majaliwa that during her tenure, she would actively promote and enhance investment initiatives for the mutual benefit of both countries.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Innocent Bashungwa, has instructed the management of the Ministry of Home Affairs to strengthen the unit responsible for handling complaints submitted to the Ministry, its institutions, and security agencies. He emphasized the need to address these complaints effectively and provide timely feedback to citizens.  

Speaking on December 12, 2024, during a meeting with department and unit heads at the Ministry's headquarters in Mtumba Government City, Dodoma, Bashungwa stressed that providing accurate and timely information is essential in reducing unnecessary grievances.  

"Some complaints arise because there is no accurate information or because the information is delayed. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure complaints are addressed, and feedback is given," said Bashungwa.  

The Minister also called on the communication and public information units of the Ministry, security agencies, and affiliated institutions to improve public communication systems. He highlighted that every Tanzanian has the right to timely and accurate information.  

Furthermore, Bashungwa urged all Ministry staff to work collaboratively with him and other leaders to fulfill President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan's vision of delivering quality services to the people.  

On his part, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Daniel Sillo, welcomed Bashungwa to the Ministry and assured him of full cooperation in executing the Ministry’s mandate.  

PRIME MINISTER Kassim Majaliwa has called on leaders of political parties participating in the upcoming Local Government Elections to be at the forefront of protecting peace and condemning any signs of disturbances.

“Encourage your members to participate in this election while ensuring the preservation of the existing peace. All citizens registered on the voter list for the Local Government Elections should come out in large numbers to cast their votes at their respective polling stations on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. That day will be a special public holiday dedicated to the election,” he said.

He made this call today (Sunday, November 10, 2024) while representing President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan at the General Assembly and Conference on the Importance of Peace Ahead of the Local Government Elections, held in Dar es Salaam. 

“President Dr. Samia has urged Tanzanians and religious leaders to continue promoting peace within and outside the country,” he added.

At the conference, which is organized by the Shia Muslim Community of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa emphasized the importance of political leaders encouraging their members to participate in the election while prioritizing the significant matter of maintaining peace.

Majaliwa underscored that every eligible Tanzanian should come forward to vote and choose their leaders, including village chairpersons, street chairpersons, sub-village chairpersons, and members of village governments and street committees.

“Remember, voting is both a constitutional duty and a right of every Tanzanian,” he stated.

Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted that the government recognizes, respects, and values the important work done by religious institutions. 

Beyond providing spiritual teachings, these institutions have consistently supported various government efforts in delivering social services to the citizens.

On his part, the Chairman of the Reconciliation Community of Tanzania, Alhad Mussa Salum, praised the Shia Muslim Community of Tanzania for its efforts to ensure the continuous growth of peace and stability in the country. 

“I am a testament to the initiatives undertaken by the Shia to maintain and strengthen the peace and security of Tanzania,” he noted.

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has observed an increase in the effectiveness of its initiatives aimed at promoting professionalism in the broadcasting sector. 

This was highlighted during a seminar for media stakeholders from radio stations and broadcasters in the Northern region, aimed at reminding them of the importance of adhering to broadcasting license laws and regulations.

John Daffa, the Director of Licensing and Monitoring at TCRA, stated, “The purpose of this seminar is to remind stakeholders of their responsibilities and to gather their feedback, ensuring that the media sector upholds professionalism to maintain peace in the nation.” 

He further emphasized the impact of these seminars, saying, “These seminars have proven beneficial in helping stakeholders self-evaluate and produce balanced reports, eliminating bias that leads to hatred and disruptions of peace.”

Daffa urged journalists to adhere to the principles of journalism to prevent the country from descending into unproductive political turmoil, especially as the nation approaches local government elections and the general elections in 2025.

Engineer,  Francis Mihayo, the TCRA Manager for the Northern Zone, noted that the seminar aimed to remind participants about the legal, regulatory, and ethical standards of broadcasting. 

He stated, “We have identified violations of broadcasting ethics, particularly regarding content disseminated online.” 

He also emphasized the need for awareness regarding election-related broadcasting regulations, urging, “It is crucial to understand the guidelines for balanced reporting during the upcoming elections.”

He warned, “What has started to emerge is that individuals are broadcasting misleading content and using inappropriate language, contrary to the conditions of their broadcasting licenses.” 

He concluded by stating that TCRA would take serious legal action against those who violate their licensing terms.

Betty Mkwasa, a member of the TCRA Content Committee, raised concerns about the erosion of ethics among journalists, contrasting the current situation with past standards. 

“There has been a significant decline in the moral integrity of journalists compared to when we ensured balanced reporting,” she said. 

She highlighted the challenges posed by unqualified broadcasters, stating, “Currently, there are broadcasters spreading falsehoods and failing to adhere to standards, using media to defame individuals. This is unacceptable, even if the goal is to gain viewers; one must respect the rights of others.”

Mkwasa urged stakeholders to protect the integrity of the media at all costs to prevent the profession from being compromised by misinformation. 

She also called for journalists to dress appropriately for their work environments, noting, “It is essential to avoid appearing unprofessional.”

Saida Mukhi, another committee member, encouraged journalists to focus on writing that promotes societal development. 

She observed, “Many journalists are now more concerned with gaining followers rather than producing comprehensive stories, leading to significant repercussions as they deny the accused a chance to respond.”

Lulu George, a journalist from Tanga, commented on the decline in investigative rigor among reporters. “Journalists have become lazy in conducting research compared to years past,” she stated.

MC Msilu from Manyara also emphasized the importance of ethical standards, urging journalists to avoid accepting gifts from politicians that could compromise their impartiality.

The seminar concluded with a collective commitment from participants to uphold the highest standards of journalism to enhance the integrity of the media sector.