MISA expresses its sincere appreciation to the president's administration in support of media freedom and promoting journalists.
(MISA/IFEX) – 10 May 2012 – The National Governing Council of the Tanzania Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Tanzania) appreciates the efforts done by His Excellency, president Jakaya Mrisho Kiwete to recognize the work done by media practitioners in the development of this country.
During his government shake-up this week, president Kikwete named 70 new District Commissioners (DCs), among them six journalists. This adds to an already existing number of other media practitioners who have been serving as DCs. The number has been going up since president Kikwete’s tenure started in 2005. We believe this shows the respect and trust the president has for the media profession.
We, MISA-Tanzania, on behalf of the media fraternity in this country, would like to express our sincere appreciation to the president’s administration in support of media freedom and promoting journalists. This administration has not only recognized journalism for its role as the fourth estate of the government but in its support it has also shown its commitment towards establishing new media laws enshrining freedom of expression.
MISA-Tanzania believes that the appointment of the new DCs was based on a demonstrated capacity in their performances. It is as well our sincere hope that the president will take further steps to promote access to publicly available information by members of the public as a step towards promotion of open governance and public accountability.
The information on socio-economic issues facing people in the rural and urban areas founded in each district of Tanzania is important to enable them to overcome challenges of life. Poverty eradication, access to loans, district plans and environment are the current topics the information of which need to be promptly provided rather than wait for requests.
We take this opportunity to congratulate the newly appointed DCs in their totality but the journalists in particular.