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Dodoma. Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has outlined key achievements delivered by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during her four years in office, ahead of her campaign launch in the Lake Zone on September 7, 2025. Updating journalists on the campaign trail, CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Kinan Kihongosi, said flagship projects in the Lake Zone embody the party’s commitment to lasting development.

He cited the recently inaugurated KigongoBusisi Bridge, also known as the JPM Bridge, which was completed at a cost of over Sh700 billion. “This bridge is a symbol of progress.

It connects people, opens up trade, and stands as a testimony of our promise to deliver,” said Mr Kihongosi. He further noted investments in Lake Victoria’s transport and trade infrastructure, including the purchase of an ambulance boat to enhance healthcare services and a clean water project aimed at serving communities for generations.

Highlighting the fishing industry as a key economic driver for the Lake Zone, Mr Kihongosi said CCM’s manifesto commits to further initiatives over the next five years to benefit thousands of households. “Fishing is life for many families.

We have laid out concrete plans to boost the sector and secure better livelihoods,” he said. Providing statistics on the campaign so far, he revealed that 21 regions have hosted rallies, with 77 campaign meetings attracting more than 14.6 million participants, and a further 31.6 million people following online.

“The turnouts are impressive. They reflect the trust and confidence Tanzanians have in our presidential candidate.

We now call upon the people of the Lake Zone to come out in great numbers and hear directly from President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” said Mr Kihongosi. He praised the peaceful nature of the campaign, commending CCM supporters for their discipline and unity.

“Since the start of our campaign, our candidate has demonstrated dignity and responsibility. We must all safeguard the unity and peace that define our nation,” he stressed.

Mr Kihongosi reiterated that peace and harmony remain at the heart of CCM’s message. “Where there is peace, there is progress.

Choosing Samia means choosing peace, unity, love, and solidarity. That is what CCM stands for,” he affirmed.

He also emphasised the importance of educating younger generations about the nation’s development journey. “Many young people were born into an era of roads, schools, and services, but they may not understand the struggles it took to reach this stage.

We have a duty to teach history and remind everyone of our journey,” he said. Calling upon Lake Zone residents, he urged: “We invite everyone to be part of these historic campaign launches.

Together, we can protect our peace and strengthen our path of development.” .

Meatu. Residents of Sakasaka Ward in Meatu District, Simiyu Region, have expressed fear and distress following repeated elephant invasions from Maswa Game Reserve, which have endangered lives, destroyed property and caused injuries and deaths.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi on October 5, 2025, locals said the problem has persisted for years, forcing some families to relocate to avoid attacks. Samson Mathias, a resident of Sakasaka village, said elephants often cross the reserve’s boundaries, raiding homes and farms.

“Elephants break houses, destroy crops, and even kill people. Some residents have moved away out of fear.

We urge the government to take urgent action,” he said. Ramadhani Said added that most attacks occur at night.

“We cannot sleep. When elephants invade, they destroy property and eat crops, and we have to chase them ourselves to reduce damage, which is dangerous,” he explained.

Mathias Nghumbu suggested erecting specialised fences to prevent elephants from entering settlements and recommended keeping bees around the reserve’s perimeter, a method proven effective elsewhere due to elephants’ fear of bees. CCM council candidate for Sakasaka Ward, Emanuel Maliganya, said elephant attacks have caused four deaths in the past five years.

“If elected for a second term, I will work with the government to find a permanent solution. Wildlife ranger posts are already being built, and local youth have received training to manage elephants safely,” he stated.

The Tanzania Wildlife Authority (Tawa) confirmed measures are underway, including increasing ranger patrols and installing equipment to track elephants leaving the reserve. Speaking on behalf of the Maswa Reserve warden, Omary Khalid, said: “We recognise the challenges facing Sakasaka residents.

We plan to increase patrols and strengthen collaboration between wildlife officers and neighbouring villages. We also encourage elephant-friendly methods, such as beekeeping and chilli farms.

” Tawa urged residents to report early signs of elephant movements so rangers can intervene promptly and reduce damage. Humanelephant conflict remains a major challenge in areas bordering reserves and wildlife conservation zones, with experts emphasising community involvement and wildlife-friendly prevention strategies as key to reducing clashes.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian journalist Julius Maricha of The Citizen newspaper has been named second runner-up in the African Growth Story category at the 2024 Sanlam Group Awards for Excellence in Financial Journalism.

The prestigious ceremony took place in South Africa on October 2, 2025, celebrating Maricha’s outstanding storytelling in portraying Africa’s evolving economic landscape. A certificate signed by Sanlam Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Paul Hanratty, commended Maricha’s “vibrant journalism,” noting that it plays “an instrumental role in telling the story of economic growth and development on the African continent.

” Established in 1974, the Sanlam Awards mark their 50th anniversary this year, honouring exceptional financial journalists across print, broadcast, and online platforms throughout Africa. With a total prize pool exceeding R700,000 (approximately Sh105 million), the awards recognise excellence in reporting on business, economic challenges, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.

Jointly sponsored by Sanlam and Santam, this year’s awards attracted entries from across the continent, celebrating journalistic excellence that highlights Africa’s resilience and innovation. Maricha’s achievement places him among a select group of journalists capturing both the opportunities and challenges shaping Africa’s growth story.

At The Citizen, a leading English-language daily known for its robust business and development coverage, he has gained recognition for crafting compelling features that connect local experiences to continental trends. This latest honour adds to Maricha’s growing list of accolades.

In May 2025, he was recognised at the inaugural Samia Kalamu Awards, organised by the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (Tamwa) in partnership with the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA). President Samia Suluhu Hassan personally presented him with the National Special Award for Best Journalist in Clean Cooking Energy Reporting, acknowledging his reporting on sustainable energy solutions benefiting rural communities.

Reflecting on his recognition, Maricha said: “To be honoured by Africa’s longest-running financial journalism awards is a profound privilege. Being recognised in the African Growth Story category carries deep patriotic meaning–it highlights Tanzania’s economic and business progress on an international stage.

” Mwananchi Communications Limited Executive Editor Mpoki Thomson congratulated him, saying: “Maricha’s recognition reflects our dedication to impactful journalism that addresses issues of public importance across multiple sectors. We are proud of his achievements and confident he will continue to shine beyond Tanzania.

” Maricha, who covers business, clean energy, lifestyle, politics, and gender, is also nominated for Best Tanzania Global Journalist at the Lecturer Awards Tanzania (November 2025) and Journalist of the Year Africa at the MVAA Awards in Nigeria on October 11, 2025. .

Media shapes our understanding of the world. It tells stories, highlights events, and frames narratives that influence how we see ourselves and others.

Yet, amid the constant flow of news, entertainment, and social media, certain voices are consistently under-represented or worse, invisible. These are the faces you don’t see, the communities and individuals whose stories rarely make it to the headlines, screens, or trending feeds.

Representation, or the lack thereof, is not just a cultural issue it is a societal one. Representation in media matters because it validates existence.

When people see themselves reflected on screen, in print, or online, it sends a powerful message: “You belong. Your story matters.

” Conversely, absence from media narratives can contribute to marginalisation. In Tanzania, for example, rural communities, persons with disabilities, women in certain sectors, and ethnic minorities often receive minimal coverage unless there is a crisis or scandal.

Their everyday struggles, achievements, and perspectives are rarely highlighted, leaving the public with an incomplete understanding of the society they live in. One critical area where representation is lacking is gender.

Women continue to be under-represented in newsrooms and on-screen roles, particularly in positions of authority or expertise. When women are visible in media, they are often portrayed through narrow stereotypes focused on appearance, domesticity, or secondary roles.

Such portrayals perpetuate limited societal expectations and diminish the contributions women make in business, politics, science, and culture. Representation is not about tokenism; it is about fairness, accuracy, and inclusivity in storytelling.

Youth representation is another concern. While young people are often portrayed as trend-followers, social media addicts, or troublemakers, their active roles in social change, innovation, and civic engagement rarely make it into mainstream narratives.

In reality, young Tanzanians are leading initiatives in entrepreneurship, climate action, and digital innovation, yet these efforts seldom receive consistent media attention. Failing to showcase positive youth contributions not only misrepresents society but also deprives younger audiences of role models who reflect their potential.

Media representation also extends to marginalised groups such as persons with disabilities. Far too often, these individuals are depicted through a lens of pity or charity, rather than as active participants in society.

Stories focus on their challenges but rarely on their achievements, skills, or agency. This lack of balanced portrayal reinforces societal barriers and deepens stereotypes, creating a cycle of invisibility and exclusion.

Cultural and ethnic diversity in media is another area demanding attention. Tanzania is home to over 120 ethnic groups, each with unique traditions, languages, and histories.

Yet media coverage often prioritises urban-centric or dominant cultural narratives. Traditional practices, local art, and rural experiences are under-reported, leading to a skewed perception of what it means to be Tanzanian.

By failing to reflect this rich diversity, media limits public understanding and contributes to cultural homogenisation. The consequences of poor representation are profound.

Media not only reflects society but shapes it. It influences public opinion, policy priorities, and social norms.

When certain groups remain invisible, their needs, perspectives, and contributions are overlooked. Representation is therefore a matter of social justice, giving voice to those who might otherwise be unheard.

The good news is that positive change is possible. Media organisations can take deliberate steps to improve representation.

This includes diversifying newsroom staff, engaging with communities, and actively seeking out under-represented voices. Content creators can highlight stories from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that media is inclusive and reflective of the society it serves.

Moreover, audiences play a role by demanding inclusive coverage, supporting diverse creators, and critically evaluating the narratives they consume, they help drive systemic change. Representation is not merely about filling gaps; it is about creating a media landscape where all members of society see themselves accurately and respectfully.

It is about challenging stereotypes, celebrating diversity, and building a more informed and inclusive public dialogue. The faces you don’t see in media are not absent–they are waiting to be acknowledged, valued, and amplified.

Ensuring their visibility is not just good journalism–it is essential for a fair and equitable society. In conclusion, representation in media is a reflection of societal values.

By addressing who is seen, how they are portrayed, and whose stories are told, media has the power to shape a more inclusive and empathetic society. For Tanzanian media, the challenge and the opportunity lies in bringing those hidden faces into the spotlight.

After all, a society that sees all its members clearly is a society that truly understands itself. Angel Navuri is Head of Advertising, Partnerships and Events at Mwananchi Communications Limited .