Media fraternity harbour hope in Matinyi

TANZANIA : THE media fraternity has welcomed the appointment of Mr Mobhare Matinyi, as the new Director of Information Services, MAELEZO and Chief Government Spokesperson, with many expressing optimism that his experience in the media industry will continue to transform the sector.

Reacting to the appointment on Monday, they wished him well and pledged to cooperate with him in carrying out his duties for improvements of links between the media and the government.

However, they urged him to concentrate on improving the sector by addressing challenges facing it.

On Sunday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan appointed Mr Matinyi to the position. Prior to the latest appointment, Mr Matinyi was the Temeke District Commissioner in Dar es Salaam.

In reaction, Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Nape Nnauye wrote on his X handle (formally twitter account) that Matinyi was the right choice for the position he was appointed to serve.

“Matinyi is the right choice for the right position and at the right time. I thank President Samia for this appointment, I congratulate Matinyi, I welcome him back home and wish him every success!” Minister Nape said.

On his part, former Chief Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, who is currently the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Sports pledged to cooperate with Mr Matinyi, whenever he would require his advice.

“Congratulations to my brother Matinyi (Mobhare) for being appointed as the Director of Information Service and Chief Government Spokesman. I wish you all the best in the implementation of your duties and I pray to God to protect you always,” Mr Msigwa wrote.

Mr Msigwa added, “I will always be ready to give you cooperation whenever you need it and I believe all media stakeholders in the country and abroad will be ready to give you cooperation as well.”

The Chairperson of Media Owners Association of Tanzania (MOAT), Samwel Nyala, said that he expects his support in addressing challenges in the media industry, especially the economy of the media and other problems in general.

“We welcome him and we believe we will work well with him and we will get cooperation from him… We believe we will cooperate in addressing challenges we have in the industry, especially the economy of the media and other problems in general,” Mr Nyala said.

Equally, the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) through its Chairperson Deodatus Balile expressed satisfaction at Matinyi capability, saying they will advance any support he would require from them.

He added: “We thank President Samia Suluhu Hassan for appointing Mr Matinyi (Mobhare) to the post. The Chief Government Spokesman is the Chief Adviser on information affairs in the government; we believe he will do this job with utmost skills and professionalism.”

Commenting, Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA) Chairperson, Joyce Shebe said the appointment of Mr Matinyi will bring more productivity to media sector as he has a lot of experience in the media industry.

“TAMWA congratulates Mr Matinyi, in our fraternity as journalists; we have no doubt(s) with him because we have worked with him a lot in the media… We believe he will work in collaboration with the media and help the government in achieving its goals,” she pointed out.

Similarly, Ms Joyce asked Mr Matinyi to support the improvement of the media, by dealing with the challenges facing the industry so that the sector runs in accordance with the rules and laws of the country.

On his part, Tanzania Sports Writers Association (TASWA) Secretary General, Mr Alfred Lucas noted that with Matinyi at the position, the information sector will definitely improve in the country.

“Matinyi who is professionally a journalist and a skilled diplomat once taught at the Dr Salim Ahmed Salim Centre for Foreign Relations at Kurasini in Dar es Salaam. He also once served as the Chairman of TASWA…this implies that he has understanding and capacity to transform the media industry,” read part of the statement.