Tanzania’s Media Services Act of 2016 leaves no room for sympathy towards individuals engaged in journalism without meeting the minimum academic qualifications, a board official has emphasized.
Speaking today, April 28, 2025, Mr. Mgaya Kingoba, a Member of the Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB), made it clear that the law requires anyone practicing journalism to hold at least a diploma in journalism from a recognized institution.
Responding to a question from Bruno Bomola, a presenter at Radio Tumaini, who inquired about the fate of unqualified media workers, Mr. Kingoba said the legislation is unambiguous.
"The law does not give us discretion to consider such individuals. It explicitly states that the entry point is a diploma in journalism. Without it, you are not permitted to work in the media industry in this country. It means one must either return to school or find an alternative career path," Mr. Kingoba stated.
He explained that the law grants the Accreditation Board the authority to issue accreditation, maintain journalists’ records, and collaborate with media employers and journalism training institutions — a structure designed to easily identify and monitor practitioners without the necessary qualifications.
Mr. Kingoba also shared an important update regarding the registration process for journalists. According to Acting Chief Executive Officer, Advocate Patrick Kipangula, the digital registration platform will be fully operational by the end of April or early May 2025.
"We are transitioning away from paper forms. Registration and issuance of accreditation cards will now be done digitally. Journalists will fill out forms online, and all procedures will be conducted through the digital system," Mr. Kingoba emphasized.
Established in September 2024 under Section 11 of Chapter 229 of the Media Services Act, the Journalists Accreditation Board is a professional body mandated to enhance the standards and professionalism of journalism practice in Tanzania.