By KPC Reporter in Arusha
Tanzania’s former presidents Mwalimu Nyerere and Hassan Mwinyi were today honoured at the Pan-African Media Councils Summit in Arusha, in recognition of their foundational roles in shaping the country’s media landscape and championing press freedom across Africa.
The awards, presented to the duo posthumously during the Media Council of Tanzania’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, highlighted Nyerere’s strategic use of media in liberation movements and his legacy in conservation.
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Mwinyi was celebrated for ushering in media pluralism and enabling the establishment of private media and independent regulation.
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi received the award on behalf of his late father, while Madaraka Nyerere accepted the honour for the Nyerere family.
The ceremony was officiated by Tanzania’s Vice President Dr Philip Mpango, who opened the day’s proceedings on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Mpango reaffirmed the government’s support for private media and called on journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in the face of emerging challenges such as artificial intelligence and digital disruption.
Delegates from countries including Kenya, Rwanda and South Africa gathered at the Arusha International Conference Centre to explore the theme “Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa.”
The summit has become a continental platform for dialogue on media self-regulation, innovation, and policy reform.
Adding depth to the day’s discussions, Nancy Booker of Kenya moderated a lively panel featuring Tanzanian ministers Jerry Silaa and Palamagamba Kabudi, who addressed the intersection of technology, ethics, and governance in the media sector.
The summit enters its third day tomorrow, Wednesday at Lush Garden Hotel on the outskirts of Arusha City.
Participants will continue to engage in high-level sessions aimed at strengthening journalism’s role in democracy and development across Africa.
