Standard Group Deputy News Editor for Swahili News Ali Manzu has cleared the air on reports that have been circulating online claiming that there was an outbreak of syphilis at the media station.
In a statement on Saturday, March 30, Manzu indicated that the information was false adding that there was no outbreak of the disease at the station.
Additionally, he sent his appreciation for well-wishers and friends who reached out to check on him.
“Thanks for your calls, direct messages and even those we met this past week asking about standard group limited syphilis issue. We are all fine. No one has any ‘Kaswende’ (Syphilis), ‘kisonono’ (Gonorrhea) nor ‘mkanda wa jeshi’ (Herpes),” he said.
Also Read: Standard Group Woes Escalate to Parliament; 4 Demands Made
Manzu on the Challenges at Standard
However, the Deputy Swahili news editor at the station decried what he described as disinformation concocted by people who came up with the fake news at a time the company was working hard to remain afloat.
Also, he addressed previous reports of insolvency at the institution, which had already been flagged as fake news.
According to the journalist, the media organization had a young and energetic staff working collectively to make ends meet despite the challenges.
“It’s sad that some people can sit and come up with such fake news of insolvency, yet we are all putting efforts to stay afloat. SGL will not go down; we will get back soon.”
“As much as we have challenges, the young and energetic staff, are striving to make ends meet, collectively. It’s a painful process, but we cannot fall for fake news,” added Manzu.
Also Read: Standard Group Clarifies Insolvency and Mass Retrenchment Reports
Reports of Insolvency
The reports of disease outbreak at the Standard came shortly after the organization refuted circulating reports of mass redudancies.
Standard indicated that the fake memo was a malicious attack, adding that its programs would continue as planned.
“We remain unbowed in our fight against the agents of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news. The Standard Group wishes to assure the public that our services on broadcast, print and digital platforms continue uninterrupted.”
“Further, despite the hostile business environment facing the media industry, caused largely by the problem of pending bills and a slowdown in the overall economy, we continue to transform our business to best serve our customers,” the response read in part.
Senator Orwoba Escalates Woes to Parliament
On the other hand, on Wednesday, March 27, nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba asked the parliamentary committee on labor and social welfare to further investigate the matter, requesting for reports to clear concerns about the financial constrains at the media house.
She asked the committee to ascertain the number of employees at the company and confirm accuracy of claims that employees had not been paid for the last 10 months.
Also, she wants the report to detail measures that had been put in place to support employees affected by the salary delays.
