ACB Senior Public Relations Officer Jacqueline Ngongonda has urged Students journalists to play a critical role in fighting corruption by preventing irregular transactions, exposing weaknesses in systems and reporting corruption cases responsibly.
Ngongonda was speaking today during an ACB sensitisation session with students at the Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ), aimed at raising awareness of corruption, its effects on society and the role of journalists in fighting the vice.
She cautioned journalists against publishing unverified information, declaring suspects guilty before trial, sensationalism and relying on a single source.
“The media serves as a watchdog. It is therefore important for student journalists to take a keen interest in covering anti-corruption stories,” Ngongonda said.
MIJ Blantyre Campus Centre Coordinator Sydrick Chavula commended the ACB for conducting the session, saying it would have a lasting impact on student journalists.
Chavula said corruption is a complex issue and urged students to move beyond event-based reporting by applying investigative journalism skills when covering corruption stories.
Fourth-year student Wisdom Yotamu said the session had helped him understand how to report on corruption and prepare for the journalism industry.
The session also allowed students to ask questions and gain a better understanding of how the ACB operates.
