Malawi reporters get investigative journalism training in South Africa

The Centre for Investigative Journalism in Malawi (CIJM) and the Journalists Union of Malawi (JUMA) are working together to facilitate training opportunities for local journalists at the Mail and Guardian Centre for Investigative Journalism (MGCIJ) in South Africa.

After Nyasa Times senior news analyst Collins Mtika has been at Mail and Guardian from last year,  this year The Nation newspapers journalist Rex Chikoko has gone to  start  his investigative course from January 2015 to March.

A deal has also been sealed for Voice of America (VOA) correspondent, Lameck Masina who will be doing his course from April to June 2015.

Interns join the Centre from across southern Africa, where MGCIJ also encourages the establishment of further investigative centres.

“We intend to connect as many Malawian journalists to the program so that the levels of investigative journalism in Malawi are improved,” said Nyasa Times senior journalist Mtika, himself a graduate of the program and director of CIJM.

“ There are serious issues taking place in Malawi that require serious investigative skills to uproot. The media is the best and first tool that reveals social, fiscal and other ills before other players in the prevention, protection and prosecution of cases like the police, Anti-Corruption Bureau and others can do their work,” he added.

CIJM and JUMA are also currently facilitating the identification and recruitment of two more journalists to undertake the course from July to September and October to December 2015.

With a motivation essay of 200 words why an applicant wants to join the program, two published story copies within the period 2013 – 2014 will see applicants win the internship opportunity tenable at the M&G’s AmaBhungane Centre

“These courses seek to enhance the understanding of core definitions of investigative tenets, such that those who participate will also be required to provide in-depth insight into story ideas, pursue them from every corner possible, and also ensure their publishing even in a hostile environment. It brings to mind issues of Field York Scandal around 1996 where the media was a trusted source of information and more recently how best the media would have handled the ongoing Cash-gate issue.

“Instead of other stakeholders relying on journalists to dig more to unveil some of the hidden issues around critical issues, we are currently witnessing journalists waiting for press releases, press briefings and Facebook postings to report on otherwise good investigative opportunities. In investigative journalism, this should not be the case. We must learn to dig and inform for action,” said M’theto Lungu, Juma President, adding issues of how investigative journalists can have their welfare taken care of in the course of their work formulate part pf the training packet.

CIJM indicates that applicants must be ready to join the Centre for a set period or to work on set investigative projects. Air tickets, monthly payments and accommodation will be met for successful candidates. Females are encouraged to apply more.

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