Tanzania Journalists Brave Threats and attacks: Twaweza report Unveils Alarming Realities.

By Adonis Byemelwa

In the heart of Tanzania's journalistic landscape, where stories unfold and truths are uncovered, a stark reality casts a shadow over the profession. Imagine a world where every headline comes at a cost – a cost that 50% of Tanzanian journalists willingly bear.

 In the pursuit of uncovering the untold, facing threats, harassment, torture, and attacks has become an unsettling norm.

Picture this: two out of ten journalists find themselves behind bars or in the clutches of authorities, while an equal number navigate the treacherous waters of gender-based harassment and the confiscation of their indispensable work tools. Welcome to the challenging tapestry of journalism in Tanzania, where the pursuit of truth is not without its harrowing battles.Top of Form

These findings were released by Twaweza in collaboration with MISA-TAN, Jamii Forums, UTPC, and TAMWA in a research journal titled "Voices of Journalists: Experiences and Opinions of Tanzanian Journalists."

The journal presents statistics on the experiences and opinions of journalists in Tanzania. The opinions were gathered from 1,202 media professionals, including journalists, editors, and bloggers.

 The journalists were identified through membership databases of various media associations, including the Union of Tanzanian Press Clubs (UTPC), Tanzanian Women Journalists Association (TAMWA), Media Institute of Southern Africa Tanzania Chapter (MISA-Tan), and Jamii Forums.

The interviews were conducted via phone between September 23 and November 7, 2023. Many journalists have precarious and non-permanent employment. Two out of ten (20%) claim to have permanent positions, compared to six out of ten (60%) who describe their jobs as temporary, and two out of ten (18%) who are called to work only when needed.

Half (50%) have signed contracts. A significant number of journalists (63%) find it difficult to earn a living wage through journalism, while a few (5%) do not consider it a problem. One in three journalists (36%) has additional income from sources other than journalism.

Only two out of ten journalists (19%) would prefer their children to follow in their footsteps and become journalists. Journalists' experiences of workplace hazards are significant, with half (50%) reporting having been threatened, tortured, or attacked while on the job.

Journalists largely accuse government officials as the main source of threats; more than half (56%) say government officials are the primary source of threats, more than any other group.

 A majority of journalists (86%) claim corruption exists in the sector, including 36% who say corruption is widespread. The most prevalent forms of corruption are payment for publishing (55%) or not publishing (53%) specific stories.

Almost all journalists (95%) admit to accepting money from individuals or institutions involved in news, with 23% accepting regularly and 72% having accepted on multiple occasions. One in ten (10%) reports receiving gifts or money "always" to manipulate content, and half (53%) say they have done so at least once.

Furthermore, journalists feel that media outlets in Tanzania have limited freedom to work without control or interference. Six out of ten journalists do not feel free to report on corruption (60%) or issues related to law enforcement and security forces (61%).

In the intricate tapestry of Tanzanian journalism, the indispensable role of journalists in shaping the narrative cannot be overstated. Aidan Eyakuze, CEO of Twaweza, passionately underscores their pivotal contributions – from informing and educating citizens to entertaining and holding those in power accountable. Yet, beneath the surface of this noble endeavor lies a harsh reality.

Journalists, the unsung heroes of truth, grapple with an unfriendly working environment, facing threats and abuse in their relentless pursuit of transparency. Many endure unreliable and insufficient income, highlighting a dire need for fair and well-benefited employment contracts. It's a plight echoed in a recent study by the online media outlet, The Chanzo, revealing journalists' vulnerability to low pay, lack of contracts, and the ominous presence of brown envelopes that eclipse their professionalism, jeopardizing their very livelihoods.

The struggle extends beyond financial constraints, as The Chanzo's investigation sheds light on the disturbing prevalence of sexual abuse faced by female journalists. Senior editors exploit their positions to coerce these journalists, compromising their integrity for the sake of publishing stories.

Reinforcing this storyline, Hoyce Temu, Tanzania's Deputy Head of Mission in Geneva, Switzerland, sheds light on a troubling reality in her doctoral thesis examining gender equity in media firms. The results glaringly reveal the systematic marginalization of women based on gender within these organizations.

In championing the cause of journalists, Eyakuze's call to protect and empower them becomes even more imperative. It's a collective responsibility to fortify the pillars of journalism, ensuring that these truth-seekers are shielded, respected, and able to thrive in an environment that honors their dedication to truth.