At the crossroads of limited access to information, entrenched corruption and the ongoing struggle for a truly free press in Malawi, stands the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ). Established to respond to a glaring gap in the country’s investigative media landscape, PIJ has become one of the few outlets dedicated to rigorous, independent investigative reporting. Their mission is to expose abuse of power, uncover corruption, and bring to light the issues that affect Malawians.
Recognizing the critical role that independent media plays in safeguarding democracy, our Connect, Defend, Act! (CDA!) program recently partnered with PIJ. The program works to strengthen civic space by supporting organizations that promote human rights, transparency, and democratic participation. This partnership matters deeply in a democracy where transparency and accountability are still fragile. And it is precisely this kind of work that connects CDA! to various civic society champions such as PIJ.
Working under scrutiny
For years, PIJ has gone from covering high-profile, multi-country corruption scandals to uncovering a network of scammers operating under the nose of the law while Malawians lose millions. Their investigations have highlighted weaknesses in public institutions, challenged the powerful in society, and brought national attention to hidden injustice
In early 2024, PIJ’s managing director, Gregory Gondwe, published a story alleging that irregular payments approved by a senior government official were made to a businessman linked to previously cancelled contracts. In the weeks that followed, Gondwe was detained by police in Blantyre, and authorities reportedly demanded that he reveal his confidential sources. His electronic devices were confiscated and searched before later being returned. Shortly afterwards, PIJ’s website was hacked, further heightening concerns about the safety and security of independent media platforms.
Unfortunately, journalists and media houses across Malawi have reported similar experiences. Reporters have been charged with cyber-related offences, defamation, and other crimes connected to their professional work. Broadcasting stations have had licenses suspended or revoked by regulators over alleged compliance issues. Legal provisions, including older laws that restrict the publication of information, have been used to justify arrests and interrogations of journalists.
These developments point to a worrying trend. Actions that are framed as law enforcement measures increasingly appear to restrict media freedom and limit the public’s right to know. For organizations like PIJ, continuing to report independently in this environment requires both courage and meaningful support.
Connecting to defend civic rights
Despite these challenges, PIJ continues to work with professionalism and independence, fulfilling the essential role of investigative journalism to defend civic rights. By providing evidence-based reporting, PIJ enables citizens to make informed decisions and encourages institutions to act with greater accountability.
Support for PIJ, therefore, is not simply support for one media house. It is support for the broader fight to defend freedom of expression, protect the right to information, and ensure that power in Malawi can be questioned.
The partnership between our CDA! program and PIJ is aimed at expanding investigative reporting while fully respecting PIJ’s editorial independence. Under it, PIJ will receive targeted support to deepen its investigative journalism while also helping to build the institutional resilience needed to withstand growing pressures on the media sector.
By combining strong journalism with broader civic action, the partnership further aims to build a more informed and responsive society in Malawi.
“This partnership signals stakeholder confidence in PIJ and reflects a commitment to the core functions of the press. We want to hold duty-bearers accountable and safeguard public resources. Beyond uncovering wrongdoing, this collaboration will empower PIJ to strengthen the broader media sector against the challenges of the digital age,” Golden Matonga, co-managing partner at PIJ, said during the launch meeting.
- Golden Matonga of Platform for Investigate Journalism Investigative Journalist of the Year (2022) at the MISA Malawi Award Ceremony
A shared vision for civic space
The inclusion of PIJ in the CDA! program in Malawi reflects the belief that defending civic space requires a wide range of actors. Media organizations, human rights defenders, and community groups all play interconnected roles.
“This partnership with PIJ reflects the core of what Connect, Defend, Act! stands for,” Tisungane Nanthoka, the CDA! Global Program Manager said. “We are strengthening accountability while ensuring civil society actors can work safely and effectively in digital spaces. By combining PIJ’s investigative expertise with CDA!’s focus on digital security and knowledge production, we are building practical tools that empower journalists and activists to hold power to account without compromising their safety.”
As Malawians strive towards a more open and accountable society, partnerships like this one are vital. They create the conditions for truth-telling, encourage transparency, and help ensure that civic space remains a place where citizens can speak, question and act freely.
