By Prosper Makene
Tanzanian
journalists interested in tax-related reporting issues have every
reason to smile following formal registration of their umbrella body
dubbed “Tanzania Tax Writers’ Network (Tawnet)”.
Speaking at a press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Tawnet’s Managing Director, Judica Tarimo described establishment of the network as "an important step" in the country’s strategies geared to improve tax reportage.
Tarimo also said that Tawnet, brainchild of seasoned journalists and membership based non-governmental, non-profit organisation, is formed by scribes who have solid interest in reporting issues related to taxation. Already, according to the director, the network has registered 40 members representing 21 different media outlets operating in the country.
“It’s a professional network initiated by journalists who are determined to broaden scope of operation for journalists, recruiting a cadre of media professionals who would specialize in writing tax issues, a link that is missing in our country,” he said.
“Tawnet provides a platform for the would-be-tax writers to extensively cover tax stories,” he added.
He said, the network aspires to provide a vibrant forum for extensive reporting on tax issues, enabling its members to collect and disseminate (through their media outlets) information of public interest on tax, pursue investigative stories on tax, encourage tax compliance by writing educative stories for the public, publicising and recognising the best taxpayers in order to encourage others to do the same.
“Other objectives include building the capacity of writers interested in tax reporting in order to enhance their competence in the tax field and capable enough to monitor good governance aspects in the sector –including exposing tax evaders, conduct investigative stories related to tax and taxation, and provide proper accounts to the public through professional understanding of those subjects and shaping opinion,” he added.
“And this is achievable because we have a strong and extensive network of 40 members who are currently working day and night countrywide for the realisation of these objectives,” Tarimo remarked.
The journalists, who make up Tanwet’s membership base are working (on full-time and part-time basis) with various media houses (print and electronic).
In the course of its operation, Tarimo said, the network will closely work with Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Controller and Auditor General’s Office, small, medium and big taxpayers, auditing firms, tax experts and other tax collection bodies for it to make better accounts of events and happenings within the tax field.
Speaking at a press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Tawnet’s Managing Director, Judica Tarimo described establishment of the network as "an important step" in the country’s strategies geared to improve tax reportage.
Tarimo also said that Tawnet, brainchild of seasoned journalists and membership based non-governmental, non-profit organisation, is formed by scribes who have solid interest in reporting issues related to taxation. Already, according to the director, the network has registered 40 members representing 21 different media outlets operating in the country.
“It’s a professional network initiated by journalists who are determined to broaden scope of operation for journalists, recruiting a cadre of media professionals who would specialize in writing tax issues, a link that is missing in our country,” he said.
“Tawnet provides a platform for the would-be-tax writers to extensively cover tax stories,” he added.
He said, the network aspires to provide a vibrant forum for extensive reporting on tax issues, enabling its members to collect and disseminate (through their media outlets) information of public interest on tax, pursue investigative stories on tax, encourage tax compliance by writing educative stories for the public, publicising and recognising the best taxpayers in order to encourage others to do the same.
“Other objectives include building the capacity of writers interested in tax reporting in order to enhance their competence in the tax field and capable enough to monitor good governance aspects in the sector –including exposing tax evaders, conduct investigative stories related to tax and taxation, and provide proper accounts to the public through professional understanding of those subjects and shaping opinion,” he added.
“And this is achievable because we have a strong and extensive network of 40 members who are currently working day and night countrywide for the realisation of these objectives,” Tarimo remarked.
The journalists, who make up Tanwet’s membership base are working (on full-time and part-time basis) with various media houses (print and electronic).
In the course of its operation, Tarimo said, the network will closely work with Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Controller and Auditor General’s Office, small, medium and big taxpayers, auditing firms, tax experts and other tax collection bodies for it to make better accounts of events and happenings within the tax field.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
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