Bakari Machumu’s two decades of legacy leadership at MCL

Dar es Salaam. Today, August 30, 2024, Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) bids farewell to one of the key figures who restored the lost smiles among the company’s community in Tanzania, Mr Bakari Machumu.

Mr Machumu, who holds a Masters in Media Leadership and Innovation from the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communication in Kenya, disclosed that his intention to retire had been in place for a long time and he now believes it is the right time to do so.

The figure stands out, having shaped not just the company but the entire media landscape in Tanzania.

His journey at MCL began in July 2004 when he joined as the first business editor of The Citizen. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become the managing director, a position he held until August 31, 2024, when he’ll be retiring.

His departure marks the end of an era, but his contributions leave an indelible mark on the company.

Read: Machumu to leave MCL after two decades at the company

Reflecting on his time at MCL, Mr Machumu shared his experiences, each a pivotal moment that defined his career and the company’s legacy.

“One of the most significant moments for me was during the 2010 General Election,” he recalls. It was his first time leading The Citizen newspaper as a news editor during such a critical period.

“This is the time I realised how little I knew about the pressures of an election season,” he admits. The challenge was immense: to maintain neutrality and ensure that The Citizen reported the truth, without bias.

The stakes were high, as any misstep could damage the newspaper’s reputation and the trust it had built over the years.

“We knew that our credibility was on the line,” Mr Machumu says.

“The challenge was to be criticised for telling the truth, not for being unfair to anyone.”

This experience was a turning point for Mr Machumu, equipping him with the skills and insight needed to navigate future challenges. By the time the 2015 General Election arrived, he was ready.

Now serving as MCL’s Executive Editor, he managed all of the company’s platforms, including digital, Mwananchi Newspaper, and Mwanaspoti.

“Things went smoothly because I had the experience,” he says, noting how these two elections were pivotal in shaping his leadership approach.

One of Machumu’s proudest achievements was conducting interviews with top leaders, including presidential candidates and, later, sitting presidents.

“It’s a big privilege and honour to have an audience with the heads of state,” he reflects. These interviews were more than just conversations; they were opportunities to connect with leaders on a deeper level.

“The leaders agreed to be interviewed because they saw that I meant well, with good intent,” he says.

Mr Machumu’s approach was simple yet profound: treat the source with respect and sincerity.

“The mistake some journalists make is approaching someone harshly, expecting them to open up,” he explains.

“Leaders may hesitate not because they want to hide information, but because they are unsure of the interviewer’s intent.”

His ability to foster trust allowed him to secure interviews that others might have struggled to obtain.

In the lead-up to the 2020 General Election, MCL, under his leadership, conducted special face-to-face interviews with key figures, including Zanzibar’s presidential candidates, Dr Hussein Mwinyi and the late Seif Sharif Hamad.

These interviews continued post-election, with Machumu once again sitting down with President Mwinyi to mark one year and later three years of his presidency.

Perhaps one of the most challenging periods of Machumu’s career was during the Covid-19 pandemic.

He had just taken over as Managing Director in 2020 when the pandemic hit, disrupting business and the media industry.

“It was a difficult time for everyone,” he recalls. “But we had to find ways to keep going to ensure that MCL stood strong.”

Under his leadership, MCL navigated the crisis, adapting to the new normal and finding innovative ways to continue delivering quality journalism.

“We had to be resilient, to think outside the box,” he says.

His ability to steer the company through such turbulent times is a testament to his leadership and vision.

As this media mogul steps down from his role at MCL, he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, integrity, and innovation. His journey at the company is a masterclass in leadership, one that offers valuable lessons for upcoming leaders in the media industry and beyond.

First, the importance of maintaining credibility in the face of pressure cannot be overstated.

Mr Machumu’s experiences during the elections taught him that a leader’s job is to ensure that the truth is told, even when it’s difficult.

Second, building trust with those you lead and interact with is crucial.

His approach to interviewing top leaders demonstrates that respect and sincerity go a long way in building lasting relationships.

Finally, adaptability is key to survival, especially in times of crisis.

Mr Machumu’s leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic showed that even the most established organisations must be willing to change and innovate to stay relevant.

As he retires, Machumu does so without regrets. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and I’m confident that MCL will continue to thrive, empowered by the values we’ve upheld over the years.”

Indeed, as the company bids farewell to one of its hopeful leaders, it does so with a sense of pride and accomplishment, thanks in large part to the pivotal moments that shaped Bakari Machumu’s career. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide future leaders at MCL and beyond.