CSAT Drills Media On AIT Law Parliamentary Engagement

The Centre for Social Accountabiquality and Transparency (CSAT) with a grant from Democracy International’s USAID-funded Parliamentary Support Program, on Friday, organised a day-long training for journalists in the northern region.

The Parliamentary Support Program Media Engagement Sessions on the Access to Information (ATI) was aimed at finding ways to overcome barriers into Parliamentary information and reporting through AIT in contribution to Malawi’s democratic governance in fulfilling its legislative, oversight, and representative functions.

In his opening remarks, CSAT’s Executive Director, Willy Kambwandira said the Program provides journalists with oversight on technical support to selected Parliamentary committees and caucuses; cross-institutional coordination between parliament and oversight institutions; that facilitates collaboration and coordination between the Parliament, Civil Society organisations (CSO), and the media around public integrity issues.

“The Media engagement session on Access to Information (ATI) is one of the activities to be carried out by CSAT and will unpack the Access to information legislation and zero in its link to democratic governance and how the media can relay Parliamentary information to the general public,” Kambwandira said.

Kambwandira further stated that the sessions being conducted across the country will also focus on the nexus among ATI, citizen engagement and democracy, barriers to accessing parliamentary information and how to overcome them and other things.

The Vice-chairperson of Nyika Media Club, Feston Malekezo hailed CSAT for the continued media trainings that have improved the quality of news writing and the level of parliamentary engagement towards achieving transparency and accountability.

“We always thrive for our presence without a doubt vital for a functioning democracy and the quest for good governance,” Malekezo said.

Recently, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Madalitso Kazombo assured journalists of Parliament’s continued support towards the media.

The Deputy Speaker made the remarks precisely, on Friday, 15th December, 2023 during the opening of the Annual General Meeting of the Zomba Press Club in Salima.

“Parliament will continue to ensure that it puts in place legislation that does not interfere with media freedoms but rather promote such freedoms.” Kazombo said.

The First Deputy Speaker added that Parliament considers media as one of its most crucial partners in enabling the public’s enjoyment of their right to access to information in alignment with Malawi 2063.

On the occasion of commemorating last year’s World Press Freedom Day, President Lazarus Chakwera hosted a breakfast with representatives of the country’s media fraternity at Kamuzu Palace.

During the engagement Chakwera s, tresses that the media is a fundamental institution in consolidating democratic values in society.

“The processing of credible information and relaying of the same to the masses is the currency of any thriving democracy and must be guarded jealously,” Chakwera said.

Through a sub-award from Democracy International, CSAT is implementing the Parliamentary Support Programme.