Dar es Salaam. Information, Communications and Information Technology (MICIT) Minister Dr Ashatu Kijaji assured members of the media fraternity yesterday that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration will not condemn anyone – but will train rather partnerships for the general good of the country.
“We have to work as a team… We will get the views of all stakeholders on how to move forward together…. Alone, we survive; but together we thrive, ”Dr Kijaji – who was appointed Minister of Information, Communications and Information Technology by President Hassan last month – told editors in Dar es Salaam.
Prior to his appointment, the role of information fell to the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports. But, following calls from stakeholders – and after careful analysis – President Hassan moved it to what was once known as the Ministry of Information, Communications and Information Technology. .
Dr Kijaji stressed that President Hassan’s government is committed to building partnerships with stakeholders in different sectors to strengthen inclusive efforts for national development.
“There will be no conviction, because there is no reason to do so. We are all Tanzanians and we must work together for the general good of our nation, ”she said.
During the discussions, media players raised several issues that they asked Dr Kijaji and his ministry team to work on.
The problems include the repeal of repressive laws that allow the government to ban newspapers and the poor remuneration of journalists.
With journalism being one of the least rewarding jobs, the minister said the government recognizes the need to find a solution.
“We have to look at the financial situation in the media because without it one can be bought even with a simple Sh500,” said Dr Kijaji.
The minister also focused on investments in the media industry, including access and affordability of equipment, an issue which was also highlighted by chief government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa.
Senior journalist Abubakar Liongo pointed out that taxes on media equipment are unbearable, making it difficult for young people who wish to engage in the collection, processing and dissemination of information. In this regard, Dr Kijaji suggested that media staff submit recommendations to the government for consideration when preparing the budget.
“When the government starts the tax review process in December, I urge you to bring it forward – and also involve the ministry so that we can also support you,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communications and Information Technology, Dr Zainabu Chaula, and the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Dr Jim Yonazi, were also present at the meeting. Like Dr Kijaji and Mr Msigwa, the two also touted the need for the media fraternity to work together for the general good of Tanzania’s development.
Earlier, the president of the Tanzania Editors’ Forum (TEF), Mr. Deodatus Balile, said the media had seen a change in the administrative approach in recent months and management now seemed positive.
“We appreciate the efforts made to bring professionalism back to the sector,” he said.
Mr. Bakari Machumu, vice president of TEF and general manager of Mwananchi Communications Ltd, said the partnership between government and media should be maintained with dialogues to cement the exchange and sharing of ideas.
“I urge that the spirit of dialogue be maintained, we should meet at least twice a year to take stock of the progress made and the way forward,” said Machumu, who is also vice president of TEF. .
