Mwinyi issues directives in fresh move to promote press freedom

 

Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi speaks during a function to mark World Press Freedom Day in Unguja, where the occasion was commemorated nationally on May 3, 2023. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE

By 

Jesse Mikofu

Summary

·         Dr Mwinyi also commended the efforts that have been made by the media in exposing evil acts that were not reported in the past.

Unguja. Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi yesterday issued five directives, including the need for

World Press Freedom Day to be an opportunity to put greater emphasis on freedom of expression within the general agenda of human rights.

Dr Mwinyi also directed that the day be used to organise events that highlight the relationship between press freedom and freedom of expression.

 He issued the directives when World Press Freedom Day was marked at the national level in Unguja, Zanzibar, where he was the chief guest.

 “This day should involve all parties for the purpose of protecting press freedom, strengthening freedom of expression and keeping in mind that human rights are at the centre of decision-making at international, regional and national levels,” said Dr Mwinyi

The Zanzibar leader also said it is good to celebrate the day by fulfilling the promises made by each member state of the United Nations in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Dr Mwinyi also said the community and stakeholders need to celebrate the day by joining organisations that promote environmental issues, women’s rights, children’s rights, indigenous rights, digital rights, the fight against corruption and other things.

 He said both the Union and Zanzibar governments value and respect freedom of the press that has continued to grow in both sides of Tanzania.

He said until February 20, 2023 there were 312 registered newspapers in Tanzania Mainland, whereby after the Independence of Tanganyika, there were only 10 newspapers.

According to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), Dr Mwinyi also said, until February, 2023, a total of 218 radio stations, 68 TV stations, 8 online radio stations, 391 online TV stations, 73 blogs and platforms including 53 cable operators had been registered in Mainland Tanzania, whereas reports after independence show that Tanganyika had only one radio station.

 On the part of Zanzibar, he said there has been a high speed of new registrations of media outlets, especially electronic media through the Zanzibar Broadcasting Commission.

He said the Commission’s statistics show that a total of 21 conventional TV stations and 38 online TV stations have been registered including a total of 27 radio stations and FM and community radio stations.

Dr Mwinyi also commended the efforts that have been made by the media in exposing evil acts that were not reported in the past.

The evil acts, according to the president, include sexual violence, the killing of old women and people with albinism, the misleading beliefs of hiding children with disabilities.