The Journalists Accreditation Board [JAB] has said it has started issuing ‘Digital’ identity cards for journalists across the country as everything is ready.
Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Tido Mhando said all the procedures for developing the system are ready and they have already tested it so the Board will start issuing identity cards to qualified journalists who will apply through the board’s special system known as TAI-HABARI.
Mr. Mhando said all qualified journalists and criteria are required to start applying through the ‘TAI-HABARI’ system which is available at this link TAI-HABARI at a cost of Shs. 50,000/- and that the identity card will be valid for two years.
He said the ID card will be digital as it will have the ability to scan using a QR code where after scanning the information of the relevant journalist will appear and added that in order to start applying you must have the qualifications and criteria that are required.
He mentioned the requirements as education from Diploma onwards, phone number and email, scanned certificates, NIDA, Biography and scanned Passport size.
He said that if all the requirements are met, the person concerned will enter the system and apply and if everything is good, he will be returned to his email quickly. Therefore, he has asked journalists to start applying for Press Cards as they will help them be recognized and be able to work without being harassed.
He said the persons who should apply for Press Cards are Editors, Freelancers, Correspondents, broadcasters, photographers, Producers, foreign journalists and students of journalism colleges who are doing practical training.
Mr. Mhando said his Board only deals with journalists, not the media, so even the payment that the journalist has to pay himself through the control number that will be given to him by the media system to pay his journalists is now unacceptable.
He said the advantage of the Digital Press Card is that journalists who have it will be able to be helped when they encounter problems and JAB wants journalists to be respected and work based on professionalism, ethics and media expertise.
“Now journalists who work freely without fear, the Board is there for you and defends and protects you against threats and harassment”, said Mr. Mhando
However, he warned all those who have the habit of forging certificates and that the system can identify fake certificates and if discovered, they will be deregistered, strict action will be taken including banning them from engaging in media matters forever.
