Journalists snub ACB transport refunds:  Demand better treatment

Lilongwe based journalists on Friday opted not to receive any transport refunds from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), which had courted them to a workshop in Salima.

Egritta Ndala: No comment
Egritta Ndala: No comment

The journalists, invited through a member of the Bwaila Media Club (BMC) to the ACB workshop on Operations, refused to pocket K1,600 to Salima for minibus and K400 bicycle taxi (kabaza) from Kamuzu Road to Lakeside Hotel.

They however received K34,000 for the two nights out.

One journalist said ACB through the contact asked for valid receipts to be used for transport refunds. He wondered how Kabanza operators would issue such a receipt.

“I think it is more of how most institutions underrate journalists than other professions. Would they do the same to lawyers and doctors? It’s about time we lived up and are treated to our billing,” he said. He said others had used their personal  vehicles and it was an insult to be refunded such a figure.

The Journalists Union of Malawi (Juma) responding to a Nyasa Times interview on the matter said it is pathetic that not even a bus was arranged to take the participants from Salima boma to Lakeside Hotel.

“We are talking of safety here. Riding kabanza such a long distance has a lot of risks. We know how busy and also narrow that road can be, sharing kabanza and cars. Also how was the invitation made? It should have been official letters describing e everything about the workshop including logistics.

“In our view, however, ACB should have cleared indicated this and it was up to employers to come in and ensure the travelling safety of their staff. ACB should also learn to respect the profession. What quality of coverage would they expect from frustrated journalists?

“Institutions must recognise the great contributions journalists make to the country’s development. Risking their lives cannot be condoned. They deserve better. Journalists must not be abused in any way within and outside their duty stations,” said M’theto Lungu, president of Juma.

Juma promotes better work rights of journalists and safety and work hazards is one of the areas of its interest.

ACB public relations officer Egritta Ndala could not be reached for comment.

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Mapwevupwevu
Mapwevupwevu
8 years ago

Hahaha! What is journalism? No writer I know put journalism as his/her maybe be third choice. In fact these scribes chose to be writers after failing to be picked on their first three choices!

Useless characters!

Beatrice Chikaphonya
Beatrice Chikaphonya
8 years ago

matama basi why didnt you arrange before going to salima, mxxiii timakutengani kukulipilan koma nkhani osakalembanso mumanena mwano mumvekere palibe news apa

Chilungamo
Chilungamo
8 years ago

Ma journalist mukusowa chilungamo. You are very greedy and selfish. I am a living example. You need to be professional. You can not write good english. Mispelling. YOU ARE THE ONE WHO IS BRINGING CONFUSION IN MALAWI. Go get another job. Thumbs up ACB. journalists remember TO CUT COST? KKKKKKKK Think before you speak.

Mirella K
Mirella K
8 years ago

Hahah

Myao
Myao
8 years ago

Agreeing with drodo,atombolombowa kubwebwetuka zilizonse, with internet their proffession is now compromised,very much saturated and with lack of creativity hiiiiii ma newspaper tikungogulira ma advert ndi amtchona cartoon bazi. Ma journal munaba ndalama za Super league awards kagwereni uko.

Pochi
Pochi
8 years ago

Why didn’t you refuse to recieve that K34,000 again? Very shameful and thats sign of poverty to you journal.

Chilungamo
Chilungamo
8 years ago

Mukulira chiani suja mumachita matama kumabweza ndalama ku sanjika.Course yopita aliyense ngakhale osaka mbewa

khal drogo
khal drogo
8 years ago

kungoti nobody respects journalist because of your lack of professionalism. the article alone shows how money-hungry you are. you mean 34 grand still wasn’t enough? another thing, every timve and tsala is a journo nowadays which means the profession is flooded. and lastly, the disrespect of your profession starts with your own bosses. they should have organised your transport and allowances to and fro. your job is to report what you see and hear then sell it to the public. the best reports get the most readers therefore the most sales. ma reporter a bbc, cnn ndi sky pano ali… Read more »

Zitsiru
Zitsiru
8 years ago

Yassin Mtecha ukunamatu iwe ndiye ukutukwana ndani?

Mtolankhani
Mtolankhani
8 years ago

Kodi mtolankhani angafanane ndi dotolo ,nurse kapena lawyer?hehehe

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