The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Malawi Chapter has underscored the importance of community radio broadcasters in promoting transparency and accountability among duty bearers implementing various development initiatives in the country.
MISA Malawi Programs Officer, Moses Chitsulo, made the remarks on Saturday 31st January 2026 in Chikwawa district during a media training for broadcasters from various community radio stations in the Southern Region on access to information and social accountability.
Chitsulo said community radio stations are uniquely positioned to empower citizens with information that enables them to demand accountability from those in authority.
“Community radios are closest to the people and they play a crucial role in ensuring that citizens understand what duty bearers are doing in their communities,” said Chitsulo.
He urged journalists to professionally follow economic policies and development plans prepared by local councils and other public entities, saying this is key to strengthening decentralisation.
“As journalists, you must closely track how public resources are being used and how development plans are implemented. This is one practical way of promoting accountability and transparency,” he said.
One of the participants, Yohane Mbwera, a journalist from Litala FM, said the training has enhanced his capacity to report on governance and development issues at community level.
“The training has helped us understand how to use access to information laws to demand information from duty bearers and report accurately for the benefit of our listeners,” said Mbwera.
He said community journalists have a responsibility to break down complex policies into simple language that ordinary citizens can understand.
“Most people in rural areas rely on radio for information, so it is our duty to explain development plans in a way that encourages citizens to participate and hold leaders accountable,” Mbwera added.
The training was conducted under the Brave Media Project, which aims to strengthen independent media, being implemented by MISA in partnership with BBC Media Action with funding from the European Union.
