Tanzania: Concern over NGO suspension
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) - Tanzania chapter is concerned about the suspension of local NGO HakiElimu for allegedly "disparaging the image of our education system and the teaching profession of our country through his media promotion of self created caricatures masquerading as teachers and pupils and has repeatedly failed to conform with directives given to him by the Ministry of Education and Culture both in writing and verbally".
MEDIA INSTITUTE OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
TANZANIA CHAPTER (MISA-TAN)
P.O. Box 78172, Phone: 2137547/8, Fax: 2137548, E-Mail:
[email protected],Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Ref: MT/LC.65/05
9th October 2005
STATEMENT ON THE SUSPENSION OF HAKIELIMU
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) - Tanzania chapter is
concerned on the suspension of HakiElimu to undertake its activities in
Tanzania Mainland by the Ministry of Education and Culture as indicated
in the circular referenced ED/OK/C.2/4/IV/5 of September 8, 2005.
The circular signed by Chief Education Officer of the Ministry, R. A.
Mpama orders Regional Administrative Secretaries, District Administrative
Secretaries, Executive Directors for
Districts/Towns/Municipalities/Cities, District Education Officers,
District Chief Inspectors of Schools, Principals Teachers' Training
Colleges, Head Secondary Schools in Tanzania Mainland, the Executive
Director of HakiElimu and his organization to stop from undertaking and
publishing articles/studies regarding Tanzania Schools, (preprimary,
primary, secondary both O' Level and A' Level and Teacher Education) for
allegedly "disparaging the image of our education system and the teaching
profession of our country through his media promotion of self created
caricatures masquerading as teachers and pupils and has repeatedly failed
to conform with directives given to him by the Ministry of Education and
Culture both in writing and verbally".
It directs Zonal and District Chief Inspectors of Schools to take stern
measures against any school/college, which does not adhere to these
directives.
MISA-Tanzania challenges this move and sees it as another weapon designed
to deliberately undermine the spirit of the progress made in recent years
towards advancing the course of good governance and rule of law. It is
also in gross contravention of freedom of expression as enshrined in
article 18 of Tanzanian constitution as amended in February 2005.
The action also contradicts the recent efforts by government to promote
development of its citizens through Poverty Reduction Strategy and the
Primary Education Development Strategy.
We therefore challenge the move as harsh, undemocratic and unacceptable
and a violation of the right to access information and freedom of
expression in our country. The order itself is a violation of human
rights because it intends to discourage publication of articles/studies
regarding Tanzania schools. The order did not take into consideration the
fact that education is crucial to our country thus it needs continuous
follow-ups.
MISA-Tanzania understands that HakiElimu has been assisting the
government to bring accountability to civil servants and management of
Tanzania schools. The studies and articles published by the NGO were
calculated to enhance openness and transparency in Tanzania thus
reduction of corruption.
In view of this, we join all human rights activists and Civil Society
Organizations in condemning this negative development and call for the
ministry to lift its suspension as soon as possible.
Wilhelmina Balyagati
Chairperson
MISA-Tanzania
Ends