By Burnett Munthali
Community journalists from the southern region have been called upon to step up their efforts in improving civic engagement by effectively reporting on parliamentary matters. This call was made during a recent Media Engagement Session organized by the Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT), under the Parliamentary Support Program (PSP).
The session, held in Blantyre, brought together community journalists who play a pivotal role in informing and educating the public about the workings of Parliament. CSAT’s Citizen Engagement Manager, Moffat Phiri, emphasized the critical role that journalists can play in enhancing public awareness about parliamentary functions and fostering greater civic participation in both policy and oversight processes. He noted that by improving their reporting on legislative matters, journalists can empower citizens to actively engage in the democratic process.
“Community journalists are in a unique position to bring Parliament closer to the people,” Phiri said. “Through effective reporting, you can help demystify complex parliamentary processes and encourage citizens to hold their leaders accountable.”
Facilitator Alick Ponje further underscored the importance of media in fostering transparency and accountability in government. He highlighted how well-researched, accurate reporting can not only inform but also serve as a tool for monitoring the government’s actions, ensuring that policies and decisions are made with the best interests of the public in mind.
The training session is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of local media, supported by USAID through Democracy International. The initiative seeks to strengthen the role of journalists in promoting good governance and democratic accountability by focusing on parliamentary matters that directly impact the lives of citizens.
As the role of the media continues to evolve, especially in an era of rapid digital transformation, the importance of community journalists in informing and engaging the public remains paramount. This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring that legislative processes are accessible and understood by all, ultimately contributing to a more informed and active citizenry.
