By Alfred Zacharia
The Journalists Accreditation Board (JAB) of Tanzania has warned people against using fake certificates when applying for press cards.
The warning comes as the board launched a new online system on May 19, for journalists to register and apply for digital press cards.
The platform, known as TAI-Habari, is available at https://taihabari.go.tz. Journalists must now use this system to be officially recognized and receive press cards.
JAB Chairman, Mr. Tido Mhando, gave the warning on May 19, 2025, while speaking to editors and journalists at the board’s office on Jamhuri Street in Dar es Salaam.
“This board will now begin the process of accrediting all journalists through an online system and issuing digital press cards,” said Mhando.
Applications, according to him, will be made through the TAI-Habari platform.
"I urge all journalists to be honest and transparent. Anyone caught submitting fake certificates will face legal consequences,” he insisted.
Mr. Mhando said applicants must provide correct and complete information. The required documents include a working phone number, an active email address, a scanned passport-size photo, and a letter of introduction from a media house.
Freelance journalists must also provide a letter showing where they take their work.
Applicants must also submit a copy of their National ID (NIDA) and pay a registration fee of TZS 50,000.
One of the key requirements is academic certificates. These must be scanned in PDF format and approved by the right authorities.
For university graduates, the certificates must be verified by the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU).
For graduates of middle-level colleges, the certificates must be approved by NACTVET.
“Let me emphasize this clearly. Submitting fake certificates is not just unethical—it is a legal offence punishable under national laws. This board will take strict action against violators to preserve the dignity of the journalism profession,” said Mhando.
Mr. Mhando said the new system will help improve services, reduce delays, and promote professionalism in journalism. It will also make it easier for the board to monitor and support registered journalists.
He called on editors, journalists, employers, and media stakeholders to support the board.
“The board is here to improve the quality of journalism. We need everyone to cooperate so that we build a profession that respects ethics and responsibility,” said Mhando.
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In response to some journalists who asked what would happen to people who are working as journalists but do not have journalism qualifications, the board’s Acting Executive Director, Advocate Patrick Kipangula, explained that the law had already given such individuals time to study and get qualified.
“Following the initial five-year grace period, the Minister extended it by an additional year,” said Kipangula.
However, according to him, it has now been two years since that extension, bringing the total to eight years. There will be no further extensions.
He said the board will now require all journalists to meet the legal qualifications. Those who fail to do so will not be recognized.
The launch of this digital system marks an important step in improving journalism in Tanzania. It will help protect the public from misinformation, support credible reporting, and promote ethical standards in the media industry.
With this new platform, only qualified and approved journalists will be allowed to practice, helping to restore public trust in the media and raise the standard of journalism nationwide.