The Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi chapter has called on community radio journalists to hold local duty bearers accountable, especially at the grassroots level.
This call was made during a two-day training on Investigative Journalism and Social Accountability, aimed at strengthening local reporting on governance issues.
Speaking at the close of the first day of the training, MISA Malawi Chairperson Golden Matonga emphasized the critical role community journalists play in scrutinizing the use of public funds.
Matonga highlighted the need to bridge the gap in investigative reporting at the local government level, where substantial resources are allocated for development projects.
“This initiative is crucial for empowering journalists to ask critical questions regarding governance structures and the utilization of public resources, especially at the district level. Community journalists must take the lead in ensuring that public funds are used effectively for the benefit of their communities.”
Matonga further stressed the importance of equipping journalists with the skills necessary to investigate and report on governance issues, particularly in resource management.
“These trainings enable journalists to probe not just budget allocations but also the actual utilization of resources intended for community development,” he added.
In an interview, renowned investigative journalist Bobby Kabango commended MISA Malawi for the initiative.
He noted, however, that investigative journalists in Malawi continue to face challenges accessing critical information, particularly at the community level.
“Even though we have access to information laws, obtaining crucial data remains difficult. Corruption is rife, especially in programs like AIP, where funds meant for rural development often don’t reach their intended targets,” Kabango said.
He stressed the need for community journalists to focus more on local structures rather than just national leaders.
Kabango underscored the importance of training community journalists, stating, “These journalists are closest to the people. They have the ability to expose the misuse of public funds that often goes unnoticed.”
The two-day workshop, supported by the Canadian government, aims to equip community broadcasters with investigative reporting skills to enhance transparency and social accountability in local governance.
It has brought together journalists from community radio stations across Malawi.
