TSN board tasked to expedite the transition from state-owned to the Media corporation

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi, has called on the newly appointed board of the Tanzania Standard Newspapers (TSN) to closely oversee the company’s management to implement plans for expanding its printing facility and enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in the publishing industry.

Speaking today in Dar es Salaam during a brief inauguration ceremony of the new board, Prof. Kabudi emphasized that the move is essential to ensure TSN becomes a strong, financially self-sustaining institution while continuing to deliver quality services to the public.

The event was attended by various officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa.

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In his remarks, Prof. Kabudi instructed the board to expedite the review of relevant legislation that would allow TSN to transition from a government-owned company into a full-fledged state media corporation—an upgrade that would expand its operational and competitive capabilities.

On her part, TSN’s Managing Director, Ms. Asha Dachi, highlighted several challenges facing the company, including a lack of working tools for staff and delays in the completion of a new state-of-the-art printing press. She noted that the delays have forced TSN to rely on expensive private printing services.

“Despite these challenges, we are very optimistic about this new board. With strong collaboration between the management and the board, we believe these issues can be addressed effectively,” Dachi said.

Regarding government dividends, Dachi admitted that TSN has not previously been among the institutions contributing returns to the government. However, she assured that efforts are underway to change that reality.

“The government has invested around  33bn/- in the printing plant. We must ensure our operations become profitable enough to provide dividends. Although we contribute in other ways—such as through special publications like ‘Election 2025’—we still want to ensure our contributions are also reflected through tangible financial returns,” she added.

Outgoing TSN board chairman, Abdi Mkwizu, stated that one of the key achievements during his tenure was ensuring TSN underwent audits by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG). Initially, the company received adverse audit opinions, but improvements have now led to clean audit reports.

“I urge the new board to maintain this momentum and remain committed to TSN’s mission, vision, and values. TSN plays a crucial role as a bridge between the government and the people,” Mkwizu said.

Incoming board chairman, retired Inspector General of Police Said Mwema, pledged that the board will view existing challenges as opportunities for growth, emphasizing that well-managed challenges often pave the way for major successes.

Members of the New TSN Board Include: Dr. Chisugilie Salum Khadudu – Lecturer, National Institute of Transport (NIT), Ms. Joseline Jonathan Kamuhanda – Head of Marketing, CRDB Bank, Dr. Ayub Rioba Chacha – Director General, Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), Ms. Elimbora Abia Muro – Chief Internal Auditor, Tanzania Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA), Mr. Deogratius Charles Kwiyukwa – CEO, Tanzania Investment Bank (TIB), and Ms. Zamaradi Rashid Kawawa – Assistant Director of Information Services, Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports