Dar es Salaam. Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on Monday, February 13, 2024.
Clash of Generations: Veteran journalists question media integrity of young peers
Veteran journalists have accused new generation of journalists of being responsible for the deterioration of quality in the Tanzania newsroom. This was during the two-day annual broadcasting conference which started yesterday, February 13, 2024, at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention in Dodoma. The conference is organized by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA
In a bid to fight back against the violation of media ethics and falling journalistic qualities, veteran journalists formerly employed by the public broadcaster Radio Tanzania have formed their association which consists of about 256 members.
The veterans have criticized almost everything ongoing in the current media setup from the language used, prevalent topics, and etiquette in newsrooms to media leadership. They advocate for increased government oversight as a means to address these issues.
In her reflection, the Former Director of Radio Tanzania, Eda Sanga unveiled the veteran mission in trying to shape journalism, “We will not allow for this profession to be buried while we are alive,” said Sanga who underscored that trust in media has reached it’s lowest for the lack professionalism. Read the full story here.
Parliament Resolution: Government should purchase new plane for leaders
The Tanzanian Parliament has resolved that the Government should consider acquiring new aircraft to serve the country’s top leaders.
The statement was issued today, February 13, 2024, by the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Governance, Constitution and Legal Affairs, Joseph Mhagama. He explained that the resolution stems from the Government Aircraft Agency’s inability to adequately serve top leaders when multiple trips occur simultaneously.
According to Mhagama, his committee has found that there are currently three aircraft serving government leaders. One aircraft is designated for the President of Tanzania, while the other two cater to the Vice President, the President of Zanzibar, the Prime Minister, the First and Second Vice Presidents of Zanzibar, and other national leaders.
“This situation causes delays in the Government Aircraft Agency fulfilling its duty to serve leaders when their trips coincide,” Mhagama said.
“Therefore, the Parliament resolves that the Government recognizes the importance of procuring additional aircraft to enhance the provision of air travel services for top national leaders.”
The statement from parliament has drawn wide criticism online with many people citing the current difficulties faced including power shortage, and an increase in the price of essential goods.
In what appeared to be a response to this criticism, the Chairperson of the committee issued a clarification saying, the proposal is not for luxury but for the safety of the leaders.
“Contrary to some opinions that these are luxurious goods; they are not always a liability but an asset when it comes to administration,” said Mhagama.
“Some say the money will be better spent in healthcare, in building dispensaries, but for all of this to be done we must ensure the safety of our leaders and ensure they can travel fast to implement their duties effectively,” added Mhagama.
CHADEMA, Police agree on the planned demonstration in Mwanza
Mwanza Police have issued their response regarding the planned demonstration by the opposition party CHADEMA. In their response, Police have cautioned CHADEMA to adhere to the law and follow the planned route to avoid disturbance to other road users.
The demonstration is expected to be held tomorrow, February 15, 2024. The planned route is Kenyatta Road starting at Buhongwa center and passing to Mkolani, Nyegezi, Butimba, Mkuyuni,Igogo, Nyamagana, and Isamilo. The other route is the Igoma center passing Mhandu, Mabatini, Nata, Nyerere Plaza, and Nyamagana.
The CHADEMA Chairperson said that they will use the demonstrations to also remember the late Edward Lowassa who passed on February 10, 2024.
CHADEMA demonstrations are for calling on the government to lower the cost of living as well as to oppose what the party has called cosmetic reforms in the electoral process.
CHADEMA believes the three bills that were passed on February 02, 2024, which include the National Electoral Commission (NEC) Bill, 2023, the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Elections Bill, 2023, and the Political Parties Affairs Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2023 do not provide needed space to allow for a free and fair election.
The party wants the stalled constitution process to be revived. This will be a second demonstration following the Dar Es Salaam demonstration on January 24, 2024.
This is it for today, and we hope you enjoyed our briefing. Please consider subscribing to our newsletter (see below), following us on X (Twitter) (here), or joining us on Telegram (here). And if you have any questions or comments, please drop a word to our editors at editor@thechanzo.com.
One Response
The veteran journalist should instead advocate for increased media freedom and not government oversight (interference, control). If anything, it’s the government’s so called oversight that has undermined the quality and press freedom in the country.