Zanzibar — THE government has pledged to work on challenges facing journalists in Zanzibar including low pay and working without contracts.

Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports Ms Tabia Maulid Mwita said that if the proposed 'Zanzibar New Media law' is enacted by legislators, it will help to address most of the challenges facing the cadre.

"It is a disappointing fact that majority of journalists and other employees in the private sector are facing many challenges, including working without contracts," said Ms Mwita in her speech at the opening of a one-day general meeting for Zanzibar Press Club (ZPC).

She assured the journalists that most of the challenges facing them would come to end when the new law will be in place, adding that most of the suggestions from the stakeholders including employee's welfare in the industry have being considered.

Without mentioning the date, she noted that the proposed new media law will be tabled for first reading in the next session of the House of Representative, saying: "Journalists must be recognised for their hard work.

"The enactment of this media law in Zanzibar will help to hold accountable media owners who use journalists without giving them employment contracts, and other benefits."

Equally, Ms Tabia urged ZPC to use the available opportunities to improve the profession which will also enhance press freedom.

On his part, ZPC Chairman, Mr Abdallah Abdulrahman Mfaume, asked journalists to continue executing their duties by abiding by ethics and other laws governing the profession.