By Innocent Chunga

Nkhotakota, June 13, Mana: Nkhotakota District Programs Officer for National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE), Queen Mataya, on Wednesday encouraged media practitioners in the district to systematically use investigative journalism skills to uncover truths, expose corruption and hold those in power accountable.

She made the call during a media engagement meeting, aimed at enhancing understanding of governance principles and their role in promoting informed citizenship and democratic engagement by equipping them with knowledge and skills.

Mataya said media practitioners are very good at informing and educating people in various areas including, corruption, democracy, accountability and transparency.

"We believe that the media has the power to disseminate information. We have engaged them to have good relationships with the citizenry, the council members, and politicians, to report and investigate more issues better in the district,” stressed Mataya.

Nkhotakota District Information Officer (DIO), Wongani Mkandawire, who is also the Spokesperson for Nkhotakota District Council, said the council has committed to working together with the media practitioners, considering that they play a crucial role in promoting good governance and democratic values, ultimately contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry in the district.

"They have raised some challenges they face, including Access to Information (ATI) and intimidation when it comes to deep stories. NICE has assured us that they will conduct sensitization meetings on such matters including ATI to both media practitioners and local authorities to assist them in producing their stories daily," said Mkandawire.

Winstone Kaimira, a Zodiac Broadcasting Station (ZBS) reporter said the meeting is an eye-opener to media practitioners in the district and has since asked other organizations to emulate the same and engage and empower the media especially as we head towards elections.

NICE, has been contributing to Malawi's democracy and good governance as well as various areas for 12 years, with financial support from the European Union (EU).