#RISDPDialogue: Bright Kumwenda Honoured for Exemplary Investigative Reporting on Malawi's Social Accountability
An award presentation occurred during a three-day regional dialogue for non-State actors in Lilongwe and other cities, concluding on Friday.
LILONGWE, Malawi — In a momentous celebration of journalistic excellence, Bright Kumwenda, the seasoned journalist from Nation Publications Limited, has been lauded for his outstanding investigative work on critical social accountability issues in Malawi, writes Winston Mwale.
The prestigious accolade was bestowed upon him by Pamela Kuwali, the Executive Director of ActionAid Malawi, who represented both Highway Africa and the Partnership for Social Accountability (PSA) Alliance.
The award presentation took place on Wednesday during a riveting three-day hybrid regional dialogue for non-State actors (RISDP NSA) meeting held in Lilongwe and other cities, which concluded Friday.
Highway Africa, in collaboration with the PSA Alliance, received a multitude of submissions from investigative journalists hailing from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, and Tanzania.
These submissions were a testament to the growing recognition of the vital role journalists play in fostering transparency and accountability in society.
The primary goal of these awards is to acknowledge and inspire high-calibre investigative reporting that revolves around social accountability issues, particularly those concerning HIV, social reproductive health rights, and food security within the Southern African region.
This recognition not only serves as a beacon for aspiring journalists but also underscores the importance of shedding light on matters of critical societal concern.
Bright Kumwenda's exceptional work earned him recognition in the agriculture category, a testament to his unwavering dedication and meticulous reporting in this domain.
Furthermore, two accomplished investigative journalists from Zambia, Christopher Chisi of 5fm Radio Zambia and Bbalewa Zyuulu of Phoenix FM Zambia, also clinched awards in two separate categories, signifying the pan-African nature of this recognition and the commitment to fostering accountable societies across borders.
Pamela Kuwali, who played a pivotal role in presenting the award, commended Kumwenda's tireless efforts in bringing essential social accountability issues to the forefront.
She emphasised the crucial role of investigative journalism in holding institutions accountable and driving positive change in communities.
In his acceptance speech, Kumwenda expressed profound gratitude for the honour bestowed upon him, remarking, "This recognition is a testament to the power of journalism in effecting change. It is a reminder that investigative reporting can catalyse meaningful reforms and promote transparency in society."
Kumwenda's triumph serves as an inspiration for journalists across the Southern African region, emphasising the significance of rigorous investigative reporting in addressing social accountability concerns and advocating for a more just and equitable society.
The award ceremony, held amid enthusiastic applause and camaraderie, has reaffirmed the pivotal role of the media in shaping the discourse around pressing societal issues.
As the sun set on the bustling city of Lilongwe, Bright's accomplishments illuminated the path for future journalists, paving the way for more impactful investigative reporting that seeks to uplift communities and advance the cause of social accountability in Malawi and beyond.
*Additional reporting by Nation Online