By Godwin Jaha Semunyu
As The Citizen celebrates its 20th anniversary, it is more than just a milestone—it is a testament to the enduring legacy of a publication that has continually shaped the narrative of Tanzania’s development.
Over the past two decades, The Citizen has not merely been a newspaper; it has been a steadfast pillar in the media industry, championing journalistic excellence, integrity and proffessionalism.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, where social media often dominates the dissemination of information with its immediacy, The Citizen has stood tall.
It has navigated through the turbulent waters of changing market dynamics and external pressures, all while staying true to its core mission: delivering reliable, in-depth, and impactful news that resonates with the lives of Tanzanians.
Reflecting on my personal journey with The Citizen, I find myself deeply connected to its mission.
Every morning, without fail, I turn to its pages. Sometimes staying up until 11 PM to get my online copy before the next morning. Savoring the depth and professionalism that define its reporting.
In an age where social media often prioritises speed over substance, The Citizen provides the context, analysis, and thoroughness that only seasoned journalism can offer.
This habit has become more than a routine—it’s a commitment to providing news as trusted source that values accuracy and depth that sets them apart.
Throughout my career in the PR and Mareketing of banking sector, I have had the privilege of working closely with the talented team at The Citizen.
One memory that stands out vividly is from June 2016. At the time, I was serving as the PR Manager for my previous employer, and we were launching our first subsidiary in Bujumbura, Burundi.
It was a significant event, and I was determined to share our success with the world. However, we faced severe internet challenges in Bujumbura that day.
Despite these obstacles, I managed to send out the press release in bits and pieces via SMS to my correspondences. My hope was slim, but to my astonishment, The Citizen not only received my fragmented messages but also featured our story prominently on the front page the next day.
It was a proud moment, immortalized by the headline I had suggested: “Proud Moment as Tanzanian Bank Opens Doors in Burundi.”
This experience epitomizes the dedication and partnership that The Citizen brings to every story it covers. It is this commitment to journalistic integrity that has enabled The Citizen to remain relevant in an era where news consumption has drastically shifted.
While the rise of social media has introduced new challenges—where speed often compromises accuracy—The Citizen has maintained its commitment to delivering well-researched, balanced reporting that goes beyond the surface.
Moreover, The Citizen has consistently upheld its editorial independence, navigating the complex landscape where external influences often threaten to overshadow journalistic freedom.
Its steadfast dedication to presenting unbiased, comprehensive reporting has earned it the respect and trust of readers from all sectors of society.
I commend the expertise and precision with which The Citizen covers business news, a service that has become indispensable to many investors and stakeholders across the nation.
As a dedicated follower, I have particularly appreciated The Citizen’s insightful coverage of the banking sector, where their quarterly, half-year, and annual analyses are not only thorough but also enriched with balanced perspectives from industry players.
This level of detailed scrutiny plays a crucial role in driving the performance of banks, ultimately benefiting customers and contributing to the overall economic stability of our industry.
Moreover, The Citizen has consistently demonstrated its commitment to thought leadership, particularly through its impactful forums.
By partnering with key stakeholders, they have successfully provided a platform for disseminating vital information across various sectors, including agriculture, investement, mining, Finance, and climate action, to name a few.
These forums have gone beyond mere reporting—they have fostered awareness, stimulated value chains, and driven positive change.
Indeed, The Citizen, alongside its sister publication Mwananchi, has proven to be much more than a source of news. Through their leadership in thought forums and in-depth industry analyses, they have positioned themselves as a driving force for informed discourse and sectoral advancement.
Their contributions have not only empowered the industries with relevant information, but have also empowered masses to make informed investment decisions.
As The Citizen celebrates two decades of excellence, it is clear that its journey is far from over. The challenges of the future are inevitable, but so is the newspaper’s commitment to the highest standards of journalism.
In a rapidly evolving world, The Citizen continues to be a trusted source of news and an integral part of Tanzania’s media fabric.
Here’s to 20 years of The Citizen—20 years of telling our nation’s stories, helping investment decisions, voice for the voiceless and contributing to the social and economic development of Mama Tanzania.
May the next 20 years be just as impactful, continuing to uphold the values that have made The Citizen a beacon of journalistic integrity in Tanzania. Hongereni sana.
Godwin Jaha Semunyu Is the Head of Corporate Affairs ant NBC Bank and an adent reader of The Citizen. These are his personal views
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Tanzania: Samia Hands Over NBC’s 354m/ – Crop Insurance Compensation to Farmers Affected By Hailstorms
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has handed over a cheque of 354m/- from the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) as compensation to tobacco farmers, who were affected by hailstorms during the previous farming season in various regions across the country.
Handing over the cheque in Dodoma, the compensation is part of the crop insurance service provided by NBC in collaboration with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
Furthermore, President Samia has also handed over health insurance coverage to members of the Lindi Mwambao Cooperative Union based in Lindi Region, through the Farmers’ Health Insurance service provided by the bank in partnership with Assurance Insurance Company.
While visiting the bank’s pavilion at the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition and being received and briefed by the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Theobald Sabi, she said: “This crop insurance is one of the crucial solutions in ensuring farmers have a reliable income, without fear of challenges such as natural disasters, including hailstorms.
“I call upon all farmers in the country to make the best use of this important opportunity by accessing these kinds of insurance services. I also highly commend NBC and all the stakeholders participating in this programme.”
Elaborating further on the crop insurance service, the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, stated that it will help to recover the loss farmers incurred, especially in various calamities beyond their control.
Citing them as floods, fires, and hailstorms, which have significantly affected the well-being of farmers and caused some to be reluctant to invest in the crucial sector, Mr Bashe added: “However, our President, this step by NBC is just the beginning, as this is the second year since they started offering this service, and the results are already visible.
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“As the government, we promise to continue supporting the wider implementation of this service, with the goal of ensuring that this crop insurance service reaches more farmers.”
ALSO READ: NBC participates in TFF 2023/24 awards, promises to enhance competition
On his part, Mr Sabi said that the farmers who benefited from the compensations are from 23 primary cooperative unions in the regions of Shinyanga, Geita, Tabora, Mbeya, Katavi, and Kigoma.
He added: “In addition to these insurance services, as a bank, through this exhibition, we have continued with our programme of providing financial education and various banking opportunities to farmers, alongside offering them various loans, including loans for agricultural equipment, particularly tractors, to eligible farmers.:
At the NBC booth, President Samia also had the opportunity to be briefed on the various services offered by the bank to the farmers namely crop insurance and health insurance services.
There, the President had the chance to speak with some of the beneficiaries of the services, including the Vice-Chairman of the Lindi Mwambao Primary Cooperative Union, Mr. Hassan Mnumbe, whose union has been provided with a health insurance card from the bank.
Source: allafrica.com
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Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.
While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher
Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).
“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.
Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.
The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.
“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.
She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.
“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.
Cross-border transmission
The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.
The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.
Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”
The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.
The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Transparency urged
Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.
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“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.
WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.
“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.
The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Source: allafrica.com
