CHADEMA responds to Tendwa’s remarks

THE main opposition party, CHADEMA has backfired remarks by the registrar of political parties in the country John Tendwa which he uttered on Friday this week in retaliation to let the party boycott the government’s subsidy issued through his office. Tendwa’s remarks have come amid failure by the Chadema party which for unknown reason did not attend the meeting which he organized in Dar es Salaam despite of an invitation sent to them. The Friday’s forum brought together all political parities, police force, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and other stakeholders to deliberate on the national political situation with a view to explore the role of political parties and other players in building national peace ahead of the 2015 general elections. Speaking in an exclusive interview over the phone last week in Dar es Salaam, Chadema’s Director of Finance and Administration Anthony Calista said that, his party would never boycott the government’s subsidies as this is the taxpayers’ money aimed at facilitating party’s operations according to the law. Chadema’s response comes amid anger expressed by the registrar when he addressed his audience on his Friday’s meeting which he had organized and after having noticed the attendance of the party, remarked that if he would decide to cut off subsidies they receive from the government what will they say? When asked to clarify on this, he noted that, those are mere threats that the registrar is perpetrating. Basing in accordance with the laws, he had no the audacity to cut off such a subsidy as this was introduced by Act of Parliament.  “Could it be that, there was any kind of misappropriation of such fund within the party, and then he could have claimed to see financial reports on its expenditure.

The registrar of the political parties in Tanzania, Mr. John Tendwa insisting a point in one of the press meetings in Dar es Salaam.

But since he is like a clerk in the office, he is therefore obliged to disburse as the law requires him to do so” he said. However, he continued as saying that, Chadema would not be ready to react on any threats as recently reported by the media that, the office of the political parties was planning to deregister the party in claims that it was a cause of all fatal political clashes in the country. In response to the earlier claims raised by the registrar of political parties, he noted that, the registrar was not rightful as he stands on the government’s side to favour  the ruling CCM party whenever an investigation is being carried out to establish the cause of fatal accidents which have occurred in recent political rallies organized by Chadema party. Describing reasons for the boycott of his party on Friday’s meeting, he said that, Chadema party had realized there was no need to attend the meeting as they are fed up with the registrar’s notorious attitude, whom they have also accused of being untrustworthy as he supports law breakers and bears false witnesses against Chadema party. “The registrar Tendwa is not friendly with Chadema as he supports the refusal by the police to issue legal permit to enable us conduct legal public rallies in the country, he is violating the law of which he is supposed to be a custodian in between” he said adding that because of his bad attitude towards the party’s dev elopement they had reasons to boycott his meetings. His voice echoed through a telephone link. The boycott by Chadema comes in less than a month since the party top officials declared that they would not be cowed by any government machineries in pursuing their political agendas. The party was reacting to the registrar’s statement in which he threatened to deregister it if it continued to hold meetings or demonstrations that culminated in deaths. Apparently upset by the boycott, the registrar Tendwa noted that the act only showed how the party’s disrespect the lawful authorities and that it was of arrogance to the electorates who need to be represented in such forums. He added that, this is a clear indication of a party that has failed to live up to democratic standards.

EU Calls for transparency over the killing of a journalist

The European Delegation in Tanzania has called upon Tanzania government authorities to deal transparently with the killing of David Mwangosi a journalist with the Channel ten TV station based in Dar es Salaam who was killed by the police over two weeks ago with a view to establish the circumstances surrounding his death. The European Head of Delegation in Tanzania, Ambassador Filiberto .C. Sebregondi made the call yesterday in Dar es Salaam in an interview when he and his delegation team toured the IPP Media group to see how the company is engaged in the production of newspapers, television and radio news. After a joint interview with both print and electronic media of the IPP Media he issued a statement that extended a heartfelt condolence to the deceased and fellow media professionals who was killed in a cold blood on 2nd September 2012 while covering an opposition event in Iringa town. He said that, the EU Delegation noted that while it is the right and duty of every government to take appropriate measures in order to preserve law and order, it is also the responsibility of the same organ to do so in a balanced and measured manner in order to avoid the use of excessive force and to safeguard the integrity of fundamental rights. However, he noted that, the EU Delegation has praised the government for the initial steps it has taken so far to serve justice over the killing including the arrest of a police officer. In view of this he has also called on the government to make every effort to promote the freedom of press to preserve freedom of expression. Meanwhile, there are three probing commissions already formed to investigate the real course of the death of the deceased journalist. There is a government probing commission of the Ministry of Home Affairs led by the Minister Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, an investigating team from Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) and the police force which is being spearheaded by the Director f Criminal Investigation (DCI) Robert Manumba. Earlier, Ambassador Filiberto and his delegation team composed of over 20 people toured the Guardian Limited newsroom and met with long serving editors of the daily as well as weekly publications such as the Guardian on Sunday and Nipashe Jumapili. He was briefed on how the newspaper production is made from the procuring stage to production level when the newspaper is out.

This is how the police were doing at the time of the killing of the innocent journalist, Daudi Mwangosi who was bruised prostrate down when the police knew he is a journalist and was on duty reporting the anti-police riot who at that time were confronting members of an opposition party. It's very sad to look at

 Apart from the production trend, the delegation team was also briefed of various challenges faced by the media on the course of their operation when they asked in order to get to know various challenges met by the media industry. In reply, the editor of the daily English Guardian newspaper, Wallace Maugo, briefed the delegation that the main challenges the media in the country has been experiencing is the how it’s bound with the Newspaper Act of 1976 saying that, it really haunts the editorial development when it comes to information dissemination. However, he couldn’t elaborate it into details but stressed in brief that, the media in the country has been seeking for the review of the Act but their efforts has ended up in vain. He also talked about the ethical practices and how they handle matters of arbitrations when solving issues related with the defamation or sedition through Media Council of Tanzania (MCT). “We are very much careful with unethical reporting in this profession, unlike others, we are sort of accountable and responsible media organization which cares for professionalism for the society’ he said. Later the delegation moved to the printing section and circulation department whereby the saw the modern machines installed for the printing of newspapers. A bundle of newsprints coiled in rolls of various sizes were seen ready close to the machines though the printing particulars were not yet in place.  The delegation team  also visited the electronic media of the company which deals with the news productions of the radio and television respectively. At the main ITV newsroom, the delegation team was received by the Managing Director in charge of both radio and television Ms. Joyce Mhavile and touring the entire house, were impressed by the way how TV programs are prepared.  They were shown various programs some of which are related with the many activities that the European Union fund for the national development in the country. Such programs are like those discussing about women and children as well as issues that talks about infrastructures such as roads. ‘We are very impressive to see how the programs especially those of women and children are prepared, and others like artists’ programs” said one delegate from Djibouti. After a long tour of the entire industrial production from print and media of the IPP media group, the delegation cooled down for brief discussion with their hosts and exchanged different ideas with the visiting team. The information officer of the EU Delegation office in Tanzania, Emmanuel Kihaule said that, the visiting teams are information and communication officers working in various 25 Southern African countries for which the European Delegation is attached. The came to Tanzania to attend a one week seminar on issues related to the scrutiny of their African social and economic development programs. Tanzania receives Euro 100 million (Equivalent to over 200 billion) per year in its budget report in the country as a contribution from European Union to help facilitate various projects in rehabilitating infrastructure, water, agriculture and protection of natural resources. According to EU Delegation Ambassador Filiberto .C. Sebregondi , the money is used correctly.

Call for mining investors to keep clean local surroundings in the country

THE Chairman of the Tanzania Chamber of Minerals and Energy (TCME) has assured Tanzanians of their continuous firm engagement with the mining investors in the country in order to ensure that they maintain good environment condition to the people living around the mining sites in the country. Speaking in an exclusive interview TCME boss Joseph kahama said that, the move is to ensure members of the TCME to abide by the new mining laws and policies which requires them to keep the local surroundings clean and free from any harmful hazards that might be caused as a result of the continued mining activities. He made the call on Wednesday this week after he had launched the documentary which shows the organization’s development initiatives for its members which took place at Geothe Institute in Dar es Salaam. The documentary is divided in four part series that highlights most significance areas such as how mining works, the environmental and mining’s effects, Mining and the local community and lastly the expanding the transfer of knowledge and skills. In the first episode which  showed how mining works is the story behind how large scale mining works from exploration to final product and where money goes. The second episode follows Tanzanian mining employees as they discussed the innovation and technology employed in environmental management, while in the third episode Tanzanians discussed how the industry delivers every day benefits. In the fourth episode, the job creating effect of mining in Tanzania showed how this is investigated and employees at Tanzanian mines discusses their jobs and how mining has improved their lives. According to TCME Chairman, the series is part of a wider communications initiative by the TCME to build the actual understanding of the mining sector, its impacts on communities, environment and its economy in the country since the activities took place over a decade ago “This is the beginning, over the next year we will roll out several initiatives aimed at driving deeper understanding of the mining sector tom inform the national debate on how best to enhance its benefits” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that, the environmental impact of our activities is minimized whilst the environmental benefits are maximized”, he said adding that his organization is directly committed to the sustainability of the mining operations and the strict adherence to all relevant environmental laws and regulations.

Tanzanite mineral gemstones are mined in Arusha, Tanzania only. There are no any places in te world whereby such gemstones are found.

Mining as an industry in Tanzania has brought the biggest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Tanzania to effectively extract resources in a manner that benefits investors, the national economy and the host communities. He noted that, a comprehensive Environmental Management Plans are developed for each mining site to cover all stages of the mining process, and include measures such as bore hole monitoring and topsoil replacement. A number of TCME members also run corporate social investment (CSI) programmes with an environmental focus. Other CSI programs include ensuring water safety from the scoping stage to mine closure, development of an environmental management plan for each individual site and constant monitoring, including annual audits. Others are monitoring bore holes conducted throughout the lifecycle of each mine, replacing topsoil after mine closure to ensure that run-off is limited as well as ensuring TCME members are well informed of environmental sensitivities through consistent engagement and dialogue with environmental groups, and take action to mitigate any negative impacts at the earliest stage. Tanzania is the 4th largest gold producer in Africa after South Africa, Ghana and Mali. Gold production currently stands at roughly 40 tonnes a year, copper at 2980 tonnes, silver at 10 tonnes and diamond at 112670 carats. Minerals that have been identified in Tanzania include gold, iron ore, nickel, copper, cobalt, silver, diamond, tanzanite, ruby, garnet, limestone, soda ash, gypsum, salt, phosphate, coal, uranium, gravel, sand and dimension stones.

Bus owners now plans to meet IGP to solve their woes

UP-COUNTRY Bus owners through their association are underway to plan for a meeting with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Said Mwema with a view to get a lasting solution to the long standing problem which exists between them and the traffic police officers in the country. Sources have said that, they have decided to meet the top boss of the police force in the country on a day yet to be identified following failure by the Chief Traffic Officer, Mohamed Mpinga who for long has been repudiating their grievances. Sources further maintains that, bus owners have long been complaining about the bad attitudes  and malpractice being shown to them now and then by some few untrustworthy police traffic officers who are fond of harassing their drivers at various police check points. Speaking in a telephone interview early this week, the Secretary General of the Tanzania Bus Owners Association (TABOA), Ernea Mrutu said that, one of the serious claims is about the continued habit of some of them who tend to ask for bribes from drivers and sometimes charging them with money for unknown reasons for each bus which passes along. He says, bus owners are quite disappointed by the habit which has turned to be rule and wonders as to why the traffic police headquarter has failed to apply an effective mechanism in order to ward off the phenomenon despite of several warning letters they have been sending. He says, police traffic officers in these control points have in a greater extent tried to legalize their malpractice and have gone to the extent of threatening to take to court those drivers who resists to obey their orders by way of planting a mistake onto their buses as a pretext for the exhibit in order to let them accept their mischief.

Officials of the Tanzania Bus Owners Association (TABOA) in a meetinmg with police force at Traffic police in Dar es Salaam. Standing left is the forner TABOA's Secretary General Mr. Abdullah.

Due to unavoidable circumstances which compels the victims to honor the police crown under the prevailing situation, most drivers do accept to give them money  so as to avoid further harassments, but this is  not at their will but rather as an enforcement for fear of getting a penalty which might be imposed upon their denial. Speaking with anger, one unanonymous bus owner who was met by this writer early this week at Ubungo upcountry bus terminal in Dar es Salaam said that, they are really tired of the police malpractice which he said has been psychologically affecting drivers who sometimes have no money to give them. “We are planning to meet IGP Saidi Mwema and if things would not change then we shall organize for our own to seek for any possible solution to end up the vice” he said without clarifying what decision would they take. According to him, they are fed up by such malpractice, as the police do not realize the fact that,  they are responsible for paying taxes and meet various operational costs such as paying salaries to their workers, while others are trying harder in order to repay back their bank loans. He further says that, the most annoying thing is that there is a wide syndicated network formed by some traffic police bosses in regions through which they pass who supports their traffic officers and deliberately do not take any action. However, the bus owners are surprised to see are numerous control points despite of several promises by the police whom after looking at the issue they had promised to remove the number and remain with few check points but to no avail. According to Mrutu, one of the most troubled route is that one of Tanga from Dar es Salaam whose traffic officers he noted to be so notorious and impervious to reasons an aspect which he said causes detrimental effects in their members’ daily operations. Efforts to contact the Chief Traffic Police Officer, Mohammed Mpinga for more clarification about the matter proved futile as his mobile phone kept on ringing several times without response. However, his aid said he was in upcountry on a special mission when contacted in a landline phone.

Transporters react on Dr. Mwakyembe’s decision

THERE is a mixed reaction over the recent decision by the government it had issued in early August this year during Parliamentary budget discussion for the Ministry of transport against upcountry buses stopping en-route to enable passengers take a call of nature by the roadside. The ban was announced by the Minister for Transport Dr. Harisson Mwakyembe who cautioned drivers to immediately call off this habit with effect from this month onwards, or else stern measures would be taken against them. The reason for the ban, the minister reportedly said, is to honour and preserve an African tradition whereby anyone of the two genders, male and female must not see, hear and or otherwise be cognizant of what someone of the other gender is up to. Reacting over the issue, a cross section of the interviewed drivers have expressed their disappointment over the matter saying that, it wouldn’t be possible to drive all along the way without stopping for a brief to allow passengers and even themselves to run for a call of nature. However, they said that unless the government looks for other alternatives on how to help their passengers bearing in mind that, they usually travel long distances which covers thousands of miles spending between 12 to 15 hours counting for a day’s journey to reach their final destinations. In view of this, however, they have asked the minister to revert his order and look at the whole issue on the humanitarian grounds and judge for himself and see if it’s possible for a human being regardless of age to travel along the way for 12 to 15 hours without attending any call of nature. Hamidu Mkoka (45) a driver with Mwanza bound Zuberi bus service commented on the idea and suggested that, the government should build for them rest houses as it had promised earlier otherwise there is no alternative other than defying the call by the transport minister which he says is impractically impossible. Recalling the idea, one driver Musa Hussein from Singida noted that, the government had once promised to build rest houses along main roads passing along various regions in the country for the sake of helping passengers and drivers who were fond of dodging and hide in bushes for helping themselves. But wonders as to what had caused the project not to start.

Passengers rush to the toilets to attend a call of nature at Singida town when their bus stopped, this follows the government's order that required passengers to attend such calls instead of going to bushesas it was used before, the habit commonly known as 'kuchimba dawa'

However, investigations can establish that, none has yet been constructed despite of the existence of the idea which was planned after having seen the escalating problem was becoming a nuisance causing environmental degradation. Investigation over the matter reveals that, in early 2011, the government had promised that it could build rest houses for upcountry passengers and that a budget for the construction of these houses could have been set aside during the budget for 2011/12 fiscal year, but unfortunately nothing has been done so far. The government through the Ministry of Transport planned the idea of rest houses to be constructed along the main roads countrywide in order to provide lavatory services and other social amenities to cater for the need of passengers traveling along to upcountry regions. The government had seen the move as a permanent solution to a long standing problem which is facing passengers who takes long hours while on their safari, and once in need of going for a call of nature resort to enter in nearby bushes for help, a situation described as “Kuchimba dawa”.  However, the call was made by the then Deputy Minister for Transport Dr. Athuman Mfutakamba when being interviewed in a special report program aired by the Dar es Salaam based Independent Television station (ITV). Dr. Mfutakamba who now has been dropped from the ministerial position in the previous reshuffles made by the President Jakaya Kikwete was required to clarify what steps his ministry takes following a research carried by TV crews through the Dar-Iringa-Mbeya-Tunduma road. Research revealed that passengers on board in a long hour travel receives some difficulties when it comes to the need of helping themselves, and instead resort to go to the bush a situation which has been described to be environmentally unfriendly. Dr. Mfutakamba noted that, his ministry would corporate with the Ministry of Works who undertakes the construction of upcountry roads and deliberate on the possible measures together with setting a special budget a situation which has not been done up to now.

Media told to observe ethics while reporting people’s views on constitutional review process

AS the constitutional review process is taking its stage in the country, an association which stands for advocating social justice and educating the public how to maintain professionalism in the country has urged media industry to observe its ethical roles while reporting people’s views on constitutional change. Tanzania International Fellowship Program Alumni Association (TIFPA) made its concern recently in Dar es Salaam during a one day seminar which it had organized for the media personnel with specific views targeting the importance of the constitutional review process to the people. Two presentations were issued with a view to educate journalists on that aspect in this important and sensitive process which is expected to foresee the future of Tanzanians at large. One of the presentations was issued by a Dar es Salaam based veteran journalist Fili Karashani. Karashani said in his paper presentation entitled, “Towards a new constitution-The role of the media in the constitutional review process” that, there are some journalists in the country who do not observe ethics as required and instead ends up in purporting information to the general public. He said up to this era of science and technology there is a specified number of journalists who are still working without specialisation in the field of journalism a situation he said they end up reporting negative ideas that might bring detrimental effects such as chaos in the country. Speaking on the grounds of media professionalism when it comes to the issue of national constitution, he has however cautioned journalists to be sensitive and observe the most sensitive areas of their reporting such as sourcing, balancing, and stick on clarity. He said the three elements are the key areas to be observed when reporting which brings a well balanced news reporting and if observed properly would enable the ideas and opinions given by the people during the process of collecting views over the matter to be fair and well balanced. Karashani has also warned journalists not to misuse technical words without seeking for clarification from the concerned professionals for their correct meaning when constructing sentences. However, he insisted journalists to be careful on punctuations and spellings in constructing a sentence to highlight their facts about the story.

A vateran Tanzanian journalist Mr. Fili Karashani.

On his part, the Chairman of the TIFPA Charles Mkude has stressed the need of the media in covering people’s views in this process of national constitution review without interactions from any political party. However, he said this would be less provocative and will not lie on one side view. He said that there has not been any constitution amendment made with the involvement of people’s participation since independence. In view of this, he is therefore suggesting there should be a special form of mechanism that would outline advocacy skills concerning with the implementation of action plan. He said that, technical skills must be used so that all the details given should be scanned, monitored and reviewed prior to be made workable to the people to ensure that, what is laid down is correct. Mkude is on the view of the fact that, there are some important human aspects which he termed as dilemma for which are not given the priority it deserves, and if left unattended would cause the negative impact of the people’s life in the country. In that sense, he stressed the idea of patriotism for every citizen is the most leading factor that must be put forward. Commenting on behalf of practicing journalists in the country, a member of the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) Ansbert Ngurumo said that, most journalists in Tanzania needs to be kept abreast with in-depth knowledge on media professional training especially in the areas of information dissemination. Ansbert who has a long experience in the field with about 16 years of work experience ushered his concern before fellow journalists some of whom he accused are lured by little tokens the so-called ‘Mshiko’ which according to him, has paralyzed the good conduct of journalism profession. In view of this fact, he has also blamed some media owners whom he said do not pave a good working environment for their journalists in some media houses in the country. “This is a factor which drives some of them into committing unprofessionalism”, he affirmed. TIFPA is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) which was established in the country in 2006 and its members compose an alumni group who were sponsored by an International Fellowship Foundation known as Ford Foundation. The organization plays the role of realizing social justice, advocating and educating the public while upholding professionalism and integrity.

DC warns police force in Tarime district

FEW days after the death of a Channel Ten reporter in Iringa town, Daudi Mwangosi who was killed by the police in a cold blood during their excessive operational move, Rorya district Commissioner in Mara region Elias Goloi has warned against bad attitudes being practiced by few police officers in their move to minimize chaos within his district. DC Goloi issued a warming last week in Tarime town in a ceremonial occasion for which he was the guest of honor during which some police officers and few traditional elders of the Kurya tribe were honored for their contribution that helped restore peace and harmony in the district. In his speech, the DC said that, there are some few police officers who are fond of asking bribes while carrying out their duties an aspect that tarnishes the good image of the police force in the country. However, he has warned them to desist from such malpractice. The occasion which was organized by Rorya/Tarime special police zone is an annual event aimed at taking measures to curb with the escalating chaos which have occasionally been emerging in Tarime and Rorya districts respectively.  A total of 19 police officers including traditional elders were awarded with cash prizes and certificates by the police force as their contribution has greatly helped the police to minimize chaos.

Rorya District Commissioner in Mara region Mr. Elias Goloi presenting cash prize and a certificate to one of the police officers for his contribution in the fight against crime in the district.

In the occasion also there were some organizations which were also honored alongside for their contributions in one way or another as they had volunteered in financing operational activities when required. They were awarded by certificates only. The organizations were Anglican diocese of Tarime town, Tarime Teachers Training College, African Gold Mine of Nyamongo, CMC Motors and Mantrac (T) Ltd. These organizations were honored for their corporate responsibility work and their effective participation. Various officials of the district levels attended the occasion who included Tarime District Commissioner, John Henjewele, Director of Tarime district council Fidelis Lumato. Others were the two Regional Police Commanders for special zone and for the region, RPC for Mara region SACP Absalome Mwaylasone and RPC for special police zone ACP Justus Kamugisha. Together with other things, the DC noted various challenges faced by the police force in the district as insufficient budget allocation to enable run the operational activities, lack of working facilities and many others. In view of this, he has thanked the organizations for their moral support and asked them to continue giving help as they are serving Tanzanian people and nobody else.  Reports shows that in the past there were tribal clashes among members of the Kurya tribe which have been occurring now and then and the sources of these clashes was related with the different ethnic clans who were fighting over cattle rustling. Either the history tells that, there have been sporadic fights and clashes which occur after ten years’ time that involves between bigger communities against those small ones. In view of this, in 2009, the government decided to transform Tarime/Rorya districts into special police zone in efforts to stop the clashes and rampant cross border cattle rustling in the area a move that has proved successful.