The Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ) has called on journalists to strengthen investigative reporting to help hold power holders accountable for the delivery of public services.

PIJ Editorial Director Gregory Gondwe made the call in Blantyre during a one-day investigative journalism training organised by PIJ in partnership with Hivos for journalists from various media houses.

The training aims to strengthen journalists’ understanding and practical skills in investigative reporting, with sessions covering conventional journalism versus investigative journalism and interviewing techniques for investigative reporting.

Gondwe says investigative journalism is particularly important in addressing governance concerns, including challenges surrounding roads infrastructure, health facilities and the education system.

“As investigative journalists, we are supposed to call them to account. We are supposed to ensure that the people are getting the socioeconomic status that they deserve,” Gondwe says.

He says journalists also have a responsibility to investigate concerns surrounding the alleged misallocation of public funds and theft of public resources.

Gondwe says investigative journalism should not only focus on exposing high-profile figures such as ministers or the President, but should also examine problems affecting ordinary communities.

“We want to take the role of the fourth estate in practice by really serving the public, especially calling out those that are holding power when they deviate from the route that the common person is expecting them to take when it comes to delivering our services,” he says.

Meanwhile, Nyuma Chokhotho of Kuwala FM says the training will help her improve her investigative journalism skills and strengthen her ability to conduct investigative stories.

The training is part of a wider PIJ project being implemented in partnership with Hivos, which has also seen journalists from the Central, Northern and Shire Valley regions undergo similar training.