Dar es Salaam
The creation and dissemination of quality content aimed at educating the public and promoting Tanzania through digital platforms, in collaboration with public and private institutions, remains a key commitment of the Tanzania Bloggers Network [TBN].
TBN Chairman Beda Msimbe made the remarks during a special meeting between the Network's leadership and a delegation from the Public Service Social Security Fund [PSSSF].
The meeting was held at the TBN Headquarters in Kijitonyama, Dar es Salaam, where PSSSF officials paid a working visit to hold discussions with the network.
Msimbe stressed that the time has come for positive development stories to be given greater prominence in the digital space.
He said their importance has become even greater at a time when artificial intelligence technology has made it possible for information to be searched for, accessed and disseminated faster than ever before.
“It is unfortunate that the information dominating digital news platforms and spreading across the world about Tanzania is often based on online gossip and sensational events rather than important development stories,” Msimbe said.
He cited the launch of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project as an example.
“When President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan was launching the project, which is of great benefit to the nation.
"Some of the stories that gained the most attention online in Tanzania were not about the significance of the project, but rather the private lives of film and music stars,” he said.
Msimbe said the situation demonstrates the importance of institutions, media organisations and other stakeholders working together to ensure that the country's development achievements are given the attention they deserve online.
“TBN is ready to collaborate with various institutions to increase the volume of positive information across digital news platforms.
“We must ensure that Tanzania is not known only for stories about people's private lives, but also for its major economic and social achievements,” he said.
Msimbe expressed his appreciation for PSSSF's commitment to working with TBN to expand public education on social security, pension schemes and the Fund's investments.
He explained that TBN has more than 200 members based both within and outside the country, with the capacity to reach a large number of people through various digital platforms.
“We are ready to use the capacity, experience and wide reach of our members' platforms to provide accurate information about the activities, services, investments and various schemes managed by PSSSF,” he said.
TBN Trustee Issa Michuzi said the Network has a long history in the development of digital media in Tanzania.
“We are proud to have members with professionalism, experience and a strong capacity to reach the public,” he said, adding:
“TBN was established with the commitment to ensuring that Tanzania builds a positive image in the digital space by disseminating accurate, beneficial information that contributes to the country's development.”
Michuzi said TBN is ready to collaborate with PSSSF to ensure that social security education reaches citizens through digital platforms in simple, accurate and easily understandable language.
TBN Secretary Rahel Pallangyo said the Network is ready to use its skilled journalists and its members' platforms to ensure that citizens receive accurate and reliable information.
She said such information would enable citizens to better understand their rights and responsibilities, as well as the opportunities available through social security schemes.
Pallangyo said collaboration between TBN and PSSSF could serve as an important bridge connecting the institution with citizens.
“This is particularly important at a time when digital platforms have become among the main sources of news, education and knowledge,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of PSSSF, the Head of Delegation, Abdul Njaidi, said the visit was part of the Fund's efforts to build closer relationships with stakeholders in the media sector and strengthen public education.
Njaidi assured TBN leaders that all the requests, recommendations and issues presented during the meeting would be addressed.
He said PSSSF's commitment is to ensure that citizens gain a broad and accurate understanding of pension and social security matters.
This also includes investments undertaken by the Fund for the benefit of its members and the nation as a whole.
The PSSSF delegation was led by Abdul Njaidi and included Regina Kumba, Grayson Mgunda and Doreen Lyimo.
On the TBN side, the meeting was attended by Chairman Beda Msimbe, Secretary Rahel Pallangyo, Communications Specialist Cathbert Kajuna and Trustee Issa Michuzi.
Chapisha Maoni