DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Jerry Silaa, has reiterated President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directives and commitment to uphold press freedom in the country.
He said that the Head of State has continuously reminded him to oversee and maintain press freedom, while also ensuring that the boundaries for that freedom are respected to protect patriotism and the country’s image.
Mr Silaa expressed the government’s commitment during a courtesy call meeting with the Coalition on Right to Information (CoRI) and media stakeholders held yesterday in Dar es Salaam.
“I will continue to reiterate the directives that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has consistently given, including on July 26th this year, when I took oath of office at the State House in Dar es Salaam. She continued to emphasise that I should oversee freedom of the press, while also stressing that there is no freedom without limits,” said Mr Silaa.
He added, “These limits are not negative, they are meant to protect patriotism and safeguard our nation’s image. We must ensure that our actions fulfill our responsibilities, while also protecting our nation, which is the only one we have as Tanzanians.” He expressed the government’s commitment to continue supporting the media industry and maintaining the right to access information.
“We will continue to implement President Samia’s 4Rs philosophy (Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform and Rebuild), which have included lifting bans and restoring licences to some media outlets, including online television, just two weeks after she assumed office. “These media outlets, apart from informing the public, also create jobs.
With advancements in technology, especially ICT and the digital Tanzania economic strategy launched by President Samia, online media outlets are employing a number of young people,” he said.
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Minister Silaa further stated that his ministry will continue to implement the President’s vision to ensure that the media industry and journalists fulfill their duties to inform the public objectively without crossing boundaries.
Mr Silaa assured stakeholders that he is committed to working closely with the media industry, emphasising that his ministry operates on an open-door policy and that anyone wishing to reach out for discussions and understanding should not hesitate to contact his office.
For his part, the Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) and CoRI Chairperson, Ernest Sungura, noted that the meeting was a way to familiarise with the government as they prepare to discuss about the right to access information, which strengthens the media to oversee democracy, good governance and accountability.
“Since Minister Jerry Silaa was appointed to lead this ministry, we as media stakeholders, felt it was important to meet, so he could understand our roles and how we work, as well as share challenges and successes in advancing our media sector in the country,” he said.
