The discussion that erupted around the events of October 29 has once again drawn attention to the issue of how politicians' statements affect public perception and the development of national events. Although the official investigation into the causes of the incident is ongoing, experts in the field of management ethics emphasize the importance of analyzing the rhetoric of leaders that preceded these events. According to experts, some political figures have made statements contrary to ethical principles, and in the absence of timely monitoring, this may negatively affect public well-being.
There are calls for the Secretariat for Ethics of Civil Servants to strengthen educational work with officials on issues of professional ethics, as well as to create a mechanism to prevent or quickly condemn statements and actions that violate ethical standards. Experts are considering the possibility that the Secretariat could borrow the experience of other organizations, such as the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties, which responds promptly to violations without waiting for official complaints or serious consequences.
The discussion followed the annual working meeting of the Secretariat for Ethics of Civil Servants and the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF), held in Dar es Salaam, chaired by the Commissioner of the Secretariat, former Judge Sivangilwa Mwangesi. At this fourth meeting, the parties discussed cooperation and exchange of experience within the framework of the Law on Ethics of Civil Servants No. 13 of 1995. Commissioner Mwangesi praised the media's contribution to increasing accountability, stressing that journalists play a key role in identifying ethical issues among leaders.
However, experts point out that current educational measures, seminars and conferences are not enough for profound changes. They propose to develop a communication strategy that includes educational programs on radio, television, in the press and on social networks. As for the media themselves, experts point out that journalists often only broadcast the statements of officials, paying insufficient attention to the analysis and investigation of cases of ethics violations. In their opinion, if the media community had been more active in investigating such violations, many social and political conflicts could have been prevented.
The honesty of civil servants is called the foundation of national development, ensuring a fair distribution of public resources. Lack of ethics leads to discontent, nepotism and inequality, which threatens peace and national unity. Journalists are urged to take a professional approach to covering ethics issues and promptly respond to officials who violate social norms.
The Secretariat for Ethics of Civil Servants, established in accordance with article 132 of the Constitution of Tanzania of 1977, is the body responsible for maintaining integrity in public service. Experts emphasize that close cooperation between the Secretariat, the media and other government institutions is vital for the formation of a society based on the principles of responsibility and ethics for the sustainable development of the country.
