ZANZIBAR – The Treasury Registrar’s Office of Zanzibar, in partnership with the Institute of Public Relations Tanzania (IPRT) and the Department of Information (Maelezo), has launched the inaugural Zanzibar Communication Excellence Awards (ZCEA). The initiative aims to honour journalists and empower communication professionals while promoting transparency and national development.
🗓 Awards Ceremony Scheduled for July 5
The ZCEA 2025 ceremony will take place on July 5th and is open to participants from Zanzibar, Mainland Tanzania, and beyond, provided that submitted entries focus on Zanzibar-related topics, particularly those aligned with developmental efforts.
The launch event, held at the Treasury Registrar’s office in Maisara, also unveiled a dedicated awards website, offering detailed information, participation forms, and submission guidelines for potential applicants.
🎯 Driving Development through Strategic Communication
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Waheed Ibrahim Sanya, Treasury Registrar of Zanzibar, outlined the core objectives of the awards:
- Encourage in-depth media coverage on the achievements of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
- Recognize the role of journalists in promoting transparency and national progress.
- Build communication capacity within public institutions by training journalists and government officers in strategic communication and good governance.
“The awards will serve as a platform to showcase socio-economic development, attract investors, and promote Zanzibari culture,” Mr. Sanya emphasized.
🧭 Enhancing Media Competence and Public Engagement
Dr. Titus Solomon, Director of IPRT, noted that the awards aim to strengthen the competence of media practitioners across the country:
“This initiative promotes collaboration, transparency, and improved public service delivery by recognizing excellence in journalism and information management,” said Dr. Solomon.
He highlighted that ZCEA will encourage journalists to address community-level challenges, enabling the government to take timely and informed action.
🔍 Promoting Best Practices and Ethical Journalism
Mr. Lufunyo Mlyuka, Programme Coordinator from IPRT, explained that beyond recognition, the awards aim to:
- Promote best practices in strategic communication.
- Inspire journalists to adopt analytical and impactful storytelling.
- Elevate the standard of ethical and effective media reporting.
🤝 Corporate Support and Stakeholder Endorsement
Mr. Juma Mmanga, Public Relations Manager at Takaful Insurance (ZIC)—the main sponsor—reminded journalists of their vital role:
“Educate, inform, and entertain while ensuring accuracy and quality in every piece of communication,” he said.
Ms. Mwantanga Juma, from Maelezo Zanzibar, encouraged all journalists and communication officers to participate actively, emphasizing their role in raising public awareness and supporting development initiatives.
🗣 Media Veterans Hail the Initiative
Veteran journalist Mr. Salim Said Salim praised the launch as a milestone for journalism in Tanzania, urging media professionals to produce impactful, investigative stories that drive community and national transformation.
He also encouraged radio and TV journalists to uphold the dignity of Kiswahili and promote its proper usage as per the National Language Act.
🌐 For More Information
Visit the official ZCEA website to learn more about:
- Submission guidelines
- Eligibility criteria
- Award categories
- Key deadlines
