Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa to inaugural strategic meeting in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam. The Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (Nimca) is set to convene its inaugural strategic meeting on Monday, September 16, 2024, at the UNESCO offices in Dar es Salaam.

The gathering will bring together Nimca’s technical team and board members to establish the network’s operational framework and plan for the 2025 Nimca conference in Tanzania.

The Nimca Chairperson Mr Ernest Sungura, who doubles as Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), said on Sunday, September 15, 2024 that the full-day workshop will focus on key deliverables, including the creation of fundamental documents and a detailed operational plan.

“It is essential to clearly define our vision, mission, and core values to guide our actions and decisions. This foundational step is critical for aligning our efforts and ensuring a unified direction,” Sungura said.

Among the tasks for the technical team are defining strategic focus areas such as impact, outcomes, and outputs, as well as drafting essential constitution clauses.

These clauses will be central to Nimca’s governance structure, aiming to ensure transparency and accountability.

“A robust constitution is important for maintaining the integrity and credibility of our network,” Sungura emphasized.

The workshop will also involve detailed planning for the 2025 Nimca conference, which is expected to attract media professionals from across the continent.

“The 2025 conference will be a landmark event for Nimca, and we must start planning now to ensure its success,” Sungura noted.

The strategic meeting will be attended by a distinguished group of media professionals and consultants, including the Institutional Sustainability Specialist at MCT and Nimca Secretary, representing Zanzibar, Ziada Kilobo; Press representative from the South Africa Press Council, with expertise in media self-regulation, Izak Minnaar; Chairperson of the Media Self-Regulatory Council of Zambia and Nimca Board member, Kennedy Mambwe and Consultants from Altadvisory.Africa in South Africa who specialize in media consultancy and strategic planning, Michael Power and Wendy Trott.

Also in attendance will be consultants from MCT, Elizabeth Wachuka, Derek Murusuri, Josephat Mwanzi and Bryan Tosh who will be contributing their skills and perspectives as well as the Director of Training at the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), Victor Bwire who will add his expertise in media training and development to the meeting.

The technical team aims to complete a comprehensive workshop report detailing roles, responsibilities, and timelines.

“This workshop is a crucial step in our journey, and I am confident that our team will deliver outstanding results,” Sungura concluded.