Africa-Press – Tanzania. OVER 40 reporters who are members of Kagera Press Club (KPC), are at risk of being removed from the register for failure to pay outstanding membership fees.
KPC Chairman, Mr Mbeki Mbeki revealed this during an extra-ordinary KPC meeting held yesterday in Bukoba Municipal Council.
“During the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC) held in Dar es Salaam, it was unanimously agreed that each press club should strive to have reliable sources of revenue…paying membership fees is among the requirements,” he said.
Elaborating, he said in December 31st, 2019, about 24 members paid their membership fees which is equivalent to 40 per cent compared to 2020 where only 17 members paid the fees.
He added that last year (2021), at least 11 members paid their membership fees (equivalent to 18.3 per cent) while this year only nine members have paid, which is equivalent to 15 per cent.
Mr Mbeki explained that the defaulting members had been given one month until January 31st, 2023 to clear their outstanding membership fees or risk being removed from the register.
He explained that several committees have been established to streamline activities of the press club. He listed the committees as Projects Management Committee (PMC) comprising six members namely Arbogast Mutayoba, Respicius John, Denice John, Jane Lwomire, Peace Damian and Mariam Mlama.
The Ethics Committee (EC) comprises of four members, namely Advovate Dastan Mjaki, Rev. Fr Processius Mutungi, Dean Remigius Lwankomezi and Ms Winifrida Simon.
The Committee for Social Responsibilty comprises seven members, including Ashura Jumapili, Lameck Richard, Restuta Damian, Benson Eustace, Diana Deus and Anord Kailembo.
KPC members observed a one-minute silence to remember two journalists, including the late Nicolas Ngaiza who was a TV reporter with Azam TV and Raymond Owamani, a freelancer with Radio Free Africa.
Mr Mbeki cautioned reporters to avoid being easily misled by politicians who want cheap publicity. “Always stick to professional standards. National interest should be a priority. The media and journalists have a vital role to play,” he remarked, reminding them to strictly observe impartiality, objectivity, truth and patriotism.
He also challenged them to work hard and advance themselves, noting that the world was moving very fast.
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