CCM pledges to strengthen media economic capacity

RUVUMA: RULING CCM Secretary General Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi has pledged to incorporate the strengthening of the media’s economic capacity into the party’s upcoming election manifesto, acknowledging its vital role in promoting national development.

Dr Nchimbi made the remarks yesterday while addressing the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) special general meeting in Songea, Ruvuma Region.

He underscored the importance of bolstering the media in critical areas such as training and capacity building “I strongly support the idea of further enhancing media institutions in all key areas, particularly training and capacity building. Let me assure you that we have already drafted the first version of our election manifesto and we are considering including the economice mpowerment of themedia. We will ensure that this is reflected in the CCM manifesto,” said Dr Nchimbi.

Dr Nchimbi also highlighted the continued improvement of media freedom in the country, particularly under the sixth phase government.

He referenced international press freedom reports, noting that Tanzania has risen by over 50 positions in the past three years. He also cited the 2022/2023 report from the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), which conducted a study on the state of media in the country and shows significant progress in both media freedom and freedom of expression.

“We are committed to ensuring that media freedom continues to be strengthened. The media is the fourth pillar of the nation. A country without media freedom is incomplete,” he said.

The ruling party’s top administrator note further that it is through the media that the three branches of government—parliament, judiciary and executive can reflect on themselves and assess whether they are on the right path or not. The media helps identify areas in need of change.

The CCM Secretary General also urged the media to continue fulfilling its responsibilities by providing accurate and reliable information, particularly during the election period.

“It is crucial for the media to act responsibly, especially during elections, to preserve national unity and prevent divisions. History shows that many conflicts and deaths during elections in Africa are triggered by irresponsible media reporting.

Our media must challenge any politician, whether from the ruling party or the opposition, who makes provocative statements that could lead to violence, disrupt harmony, or harm citizens,” he stressed.

Dr Nchimbi further said that not a single individual, organisation or party has the mandate to prevent the election from taking place.

“ While it is both unconstitutional and illegal to force the opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), to participate in the elections, it is equally unconstitutional to support the party in blocking the election from taking place.

“When the time for elections arrives, no one can claim that elections should not take place not even the President or the Prime Minister. It is a constitutional requirement,” he said, adding that citizens need not to worry, as the 2025 General Election will take place as planned.

“Even if it becomes a one-party election, it will proceed, and the decision of those who choose not to participate should be respected,” he noted.

The Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Mr Hamis Mwinjuma, also addressed the meeting, underscoring the media’s critical role in fostering democracy, community development, and public accountability.

He encouraged participants to use the forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the media industry, so as to continue strengthening the sector to fulfill its duties.

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Mr Mwinjuma acknowledged the economic challenges faced by the media and stated that the government is taking progressive steps to address these issues.

On his part, the TEF Chairman Mr Doedatus Balile, called on the government to help strengthen the economic viability of the media, emphasising its essential role in national development.

“The media’s economic situation is extremely difficult. We urge the government to look upon us with compassion, as the media is crucial for the country’s development,” he said.

Mr Balile also commended the government for its efforts in strengthening media freedom, which has allowed the media to operate more effectively.

The special TEF meeting will also feature elections for the forum’s leadership, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and members of the Executive Committee, who will serve a four-year term.