The National Governing Council of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)
Tanzania Chapter appreciates the efforts done by Tanzanian President
Jakaya 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 up to an
already existing
number of other media practitioners who have been serving as DC’s. The
number has
been going up since tenure started in 2005. This shows the respect and trust the
President has for this profession.
We, MISA-TAN, on behalf of the media fraternity in this country, would
like to express
our sincere appreciation to H. E. President, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho
Kikwete’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 shown its commitment
towards establishing
new media law enshrining freedom of expression.
MISA TAN 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
H.E. 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
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 DC’s in
their totality but
the journalists in particular. We ask them not to let the president
down by showing that
the President was right appointing them to these new duties.
Signed by;
Mohammed Tibanyendera
Chairperson
MISA- Tanzania Chapter
Africa Matters
