The President of the Tanzania Trade Unions Confederation TUCTA, Comrade Tumaini Nyamhokya, has called on journalists and media practitioners to play a stronger role in educating the public on workers’ compensation rights and labour protection systems in Tanzania.
He made the call in Dar es Salaam during the opening of a training session on workers’ compensation for members of the Journalists Union Working in Media Houses JOWUTA, which brought together media practitioners and experts from the Workers Compensation Fund WCF.
Comrade Nyamhokya said the media remains a key bridge between institutions and citizens, especially in explaining government policies and social protection services that directly affect workers and their families.
He commended the collaboration between WCF and JOWUTA, noting that such trainings are important in strengthening understanding of workers’ compensation systems, particularly for employees who suffer injuries, occupational diseases, disabilities, or death while on duty.
He also thanked the leadership of WCF, through its Director General Dr. John Mduma, for supporting the training, saying it demonstrates the Fund’s commitment to reaching stakeholders and improving awareness of workers’ rights across the country.
According to him, continuous training for journalists is vital because it enables them to report accurately and responsibly on labour-related issues, while also helping the public understand how to access compensation services when needed.
Comrade Nyamhokya said WCF is a national social security institution established under the Workers Compensation Act, with the responsibility of protecting workers in both the public and private sectors.
He explained that the Fund provides a range of benefits, including medical treatment, compensation for temporary and permanent disabilities, support for dependents in case of death, rehabilitation services, and funeral assistance.
“These services are designed to ensure that workers and their families are protected and supported when accidents or occupational diseases occur in the line of duty,” he said.
He urged journalists attending the training to fully engage with experts from WCF and use the knowledge gained to educate citizens, employers, and workers across the country.
He further called on the media to encourage employers to register with WCF, ensure timely payment of contributions, and report workplace accidents and occupational diseases without delay to allow fast processing of claims.
He said timely reporting is critical in ensuring that affected workers and their families receive compensation on time and without unnecessary challenges.
Comrade Nyamhokya also reminded participants of their role as members of trade unions under JOWUTA and TUCTA, saying unity among workers remains essential in protecting labour rights and improving working conditions.
He stressed that the principle of solidarity should guide workers in all sectors, adding that collective strength is key in advancing their welfare and protecting their interests.
He concluded by encouraging participants to use the training as a platform to become ambassadors of workers’ rights, particularly in promoting awareness of compensation services and strengthening cooperation between institutions, workers, and the public.
