ZANZIBAR’s Minister of State- Second Vice-President (Policy, Coordination and House of Representatives) Mr Hamza Hassan Juma has commended members of the Zanzibar Press Club (ZPC) for being a link between the government and citizens.
In his address to the media practitioners at the Iftar dinner held at the Golden Tulip Hotel- Airport, Mr Juma, who graced the function on behalf of the Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, said the government was impressed by the media coverage, highlighting development projects and also challenges.
“We promise to further improve the working environment for the media including legislation. Your freedom and work remain important in achieving development goals.
“The government has been doing a lot for its people and this is where the media is playing its good role,” Mr Juma said at the Iftar organised by the ZPC with support from a businessman Mr Saleh Mohamed Saidi.
The minister said that implementing his duties as the minister has been easier due to the growing responsible journalism; the prevailing peace; and political stability in the country.
After winning the 2020 general election, President Hussein Mwinyi formed the Government of National Unity (GNU) by including ACT-Wazalendo party in his government as backed by the Zanzibar 1984 constitution (amended in 2010) and the political goodwill of the parties’ leaders, aimed at ending hatred which had existed among followers.
ZPC National Chairperson Mr Abdallah Abdulrahman Mfaume said that the head of publicity and ideology department of CCM Mr Mbeto Khamis Mbeto and his counterpart from ACT-Wazalendo party Mr Salum Bimani were invited to join journalists at the Iftar which significantly prove that the political hostility no longer exist in Zanzibar.
“The media Iftar gathering was meant to bring journalists and other people together to reflect, meet and greet, engage in conversation and enjoy the traditions of hospitality that are an important part of the Muslim community, while also promoting political reconciliation under GNU,” said Mfaume.
On his side Mr Mbeto said: “We are happy with the media so far! The good work by President Mwinyi as regards to development in health, education, social needs and the welfare of public workers are well covered by the media for people to understand the efforts being taken by their government.”
Mr Bimani commended the good pace in developing Zanzibar.
