Sharpening the watchdogs: Training Zanzibar journalists on parliamentary reporting

ZANZIBAR: JOURNALISTS covering Zanzibar’s legislature gathered at the House of Representatives conference hall in Chukwani on February 14, 2026, for a one-day intensive seminar designed to strengthen their understanding of parliamentary reporting and legislative procedures.

The training, organized by the Office of the Baraza la Wawakilishi la Zanzibar (House of Representatives), aimed to equip reporters with deeper knowledge of the structure, terminology, and constitutional mandate of the House, so that they can inform the public with greater accuracy and professionalism.

Opening the session, the House Chairperson, Ms Hudhaima Mbarak Tahir, underscored the vital role of journalists in a democratic society.

She said the media serve as a bridge between elected representatives and the citizens they serve. “Journalists are a crucial pillar of our community,” she said.

“You have the responsibility to educate and inform the public about issues that affect their lives, both within and outside the country.” Ms Hudhaima, one of the two chairpersons assistants to the Speaker, noted that the 11th House held its second meeting, following extensive committee work by members.

She stressed that timely and accurate reporting on debates, committee findings, and representatives’ activities is essential for strengthening public trust in democratic institutions. He also cautioned against misinformation, especially in the era of social media.

While acknowledging that digital platforms have expanded communication, particularly among youth, he warned that some content circulating online lacks credibility and fails to uphold human dignity.

“It is your duty as professional journalists to ensure that citizens receive correct information,” she said, urging participants to use the training to enhance their skills and creativity in reporting parliamentary affairs.

The seminar followed a structured timetable that blended presentations and interactive discussions.

After registration and welcoming remarks by the Clerk of the House, Ms Raya Issa Msellem, the first session focused on the structure of the 11th House and the specialized terminology used in legislative work.

Participants were introduced to parliamentary vocabulary terms that carry specific meanings within legislative practice.

These include “Mswada” (Bill), “Hoja” (Motion), “Kamati” (Committee), and “Order Paper,” the official daily agenda of the House.

Understanding such terms, facilitators emphasized, is essential for reporters to avoid misinterpretation and to communicate proceedings clearly to the public.

The session explained that the life of the House lasts five years from its first sitting, unless dissolved earlier under constitutional provisions.

It also clarified the roles of key actors, such as the Speaker, the Clerk, committee chairpersons, and the Leader of Government Business.

Special attention was given to the Hansard, the official verbatim record of debates, which serves as a permanent public archive of parliamentary discussions and decisions. The second presentation delved into the constitutional and legal framework governing the House.

Established under the 1984 Constitution of Zanzibar, the House holds legislative and oversight authority over non-Union matter. Facilitators including Ms Nasra Awadhi Salmin, and Mr Othman Ali Haji outlined its four core functions: enacting laws; debating and approving the government budget; questioning the government; and overseeing the implementation of development plans in line with the approved budget. The law-making process was explained step by step.

A Bill may originate from the government, a committee, or an individual member. Once debated and passed by the House, it is sent to the President of Zanzibar for assent before being published in the Government Gazette and becoming law. The budget process, conducted annually between May and June, was another focal point.

ALSO READ: JAB warns unaccredited journalists, initiates crackdown

The Minister responsible for finance presents expenditure estimates, which are scrutinized and debated before approval through the Appropriation Act. No funds may be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund without authorization by the House.

Journalists were also guided through the procedure for asking questions to ministers, a central oversight mechanism.

Members must submit questions in writing at least 21 days in advance. Supplementary questions may follow, provided they relate directly to the original query. Such exchanges, trainers noted, often generate headlines and require careful, contextual reporting.

Committee oversight emerged as a key theme. The House operates through sectoral committees that monitor ministries and public institutions, including committees on tourism, economy, infrastructure, and social welfare.

Three cross-cutting committees, Public Accounts (PAC), Budget, and Rules and Subordinate Legislation—review government expenditure and regulatory instruments.

Through these committees, much of the detailed scrutiny of public spending and policy implementation takes place.

Journalists were encouraged to follow committee work closely, as it often reveals critical insights into governance and accountability.

The final session turned the spotlight on practical reporting skills. Led by Mr Himid Haji Choko, the Head of the Information, Communication and Public Relations Unit, the discussion focused on sourcing, verifying and framing parliamentary stories.

Participants were reminded that while the House grants journalists access to plenary sittings and designated media areas, the Speaker retains authority to impose conditions if inaccurate reports are published.

Accuracy, balance and respect for procedure are therefore not only ethical obligations but also professional necessities.

Interactive discussions allowed reporters to raise questions about access to documents, interpretation of standing orders, and the handling of sensitive debates.

The atmosphere reflected a shared commitment to improving collaboration between the legislature and the media.

In closing the seminar, the Clerk Ms Raya, thanked participants for their active engagement and reiterated the institution’s commitment to supporting journalists in their work.

The training ended with a renewed sense of purpose: to strengthen the quality of parliamentary reporting in Zanzibar.

As the Speaker had earlier observed, misusing parliamentary terminology or misrepresenting proceedings can erode both public understanding and the credibility of media institutions.

By investing in journalists’ knowledge of legislative processes, the House signalled its recognition that transparency and accountability depend not only on elected representatives—but also on a well-informed, professional press corps capable of telling the nation’s democratic story with clarity and integrity.