Summary
Journalists as essential partners in national development, thus efforts to improve their working conditions form a key part of a wider strategy to strengthen the media industry.
ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of journalists by strengthening infrastructure and fostering a supportive working environment to enhance professional performance.
Deputy Minister, Mr. Ali Abdulgulam Hussein made this pledge in the House of Representatives while responding to a question posed by Wawi Representative Mr.Bakar Hamad Bakar.
The lawmaker had inquired about the government’s plans to enhance journalists’ welfare and the timeline for introducing a standardized payment guideline for journalists in both the public and private sectors.
The Deputy Minister outlined several ongoing initiatives, including the upgrading of media facilities, equipment, and working tools.
He also emphasized efforts to ensure journalists receive adequate transport support, fair salaries, allowances, and training opportunities both locally and internationally.
Mr. Hussein noted that the welfare of journalists is being integrated into broader public service reforms, with the government collaborating closely with stakeholders to uplift media practitioners across state and private institutions.
He described journalists as essential partners in national development, underscoring that efforts to improve their working conditions form a key part of a wider strategy to strengthen the media industry.
He highlighted that under the eighth-phase government of President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, media institutions such as the Zanzibar Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), the Broadcasting Commission, and the Newspaper Corporation have been prioritized, with significant improvements already made to allowances and benefits.
However, Mr. Hussein acknowledged that some organizations employing journalists still fall short of meeting required remuneration standards.
In response to proposals submitted during a meeting with journalists on January 28 this year, the ministry is now developing a formal framework to establish standardized payment guidelines.
When questioned by Tunguu Representative Simai Mohammed Said regarding state honors awarded to journalists during Revolution Day celebrations, Hussein confirmed that such recognitions are in practice but noted that specific statistics on the number of journalists honored were not immediately available.
About The Author
