The Office of Censorship used the media today to inform the Department for Youth, Religion and Community Development, the stakeholders, partners and the general public on what the office wish to achieve by 2015.
The first Press Conference for 2014 follows the recent restructure of the National Censorship Board which has increased the number of staff from eight to twenty five.
The staff under the leadership of Chief Censor Steven Mala, are aiming to achieve the goals described in the five year cooperate plan.
The core function of the Censorship Office is to classify films and publications, prohibit pornographic materials, Sex Enhancement Products and multiple DVDs which are classified as illegal and may have negative effects or contribute to the deterioration or one’s personality or integrity.
Since joining the office in 2007, Mr. Mala is proud to announce that the foundations and the office is ready to move forward. He said the office is better prepared to meet the challenges posed by the modern technology.
In a draft copy of the 2014 Annual Operation Plan, the management and staff have agreed to work together to fulfill the main tasks. These tasks include getting Financial Autonomy from the Department of Finance, Policy Rollout, Amendment of the Classification of Publication (Censorship Act), Internet Filtering System and Database update.
He is planning on delegating some of his power to the ward levels and getting ward councilors to work alongside him.
The Censor is wary of the increased use of technology and the many social issues associated with it. He urged internet users to not engage in illegal activities like downloading pornographic materials/ x-rated films via the internet, copying and distributing these items for general use or viewing.
previous post