The CIJM is run by the Secretariat, which acts as the implementing agent, with advisory support from the Board of Trustees and the National Governing Council.Nine senior journalists drawn from the three regions of the country make up the National Governing Council, and three of them are founding members of the CIJM.
Karen Iron Msiska is a versatile communication specialist with over 17 years of experience in journalism, public relations, and behaviour change communication. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, awarded with credit by the University of Malawi in 2006, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Health and Behaviour Change Communication.
Msiska has extensive experience in communicating the National HIV and AIDS Response, having worked with the Malawi National AIDS Commission for seven years. During this time, he ensured the standardisation of communication products, coordinated the communication-focused non-biomedical components of the National HIV and AIDS Response, managed the dissemination of technical HIV and AIDS information, and oversaw the production, pretesting, and distribution of behaviour change communication messages aligned with national priorities.
Before transitioning to public relations—where he also worked with Mzuzu City Council—Msiska established himself as one of Malawi’s most prolific journalists. He served as a news analyst for Nation Newspapers Limited after rising through the ranks at Blantyre Newspapers Limited, a subsidiary of Blantyre Printing and Publishing (now the Times Group), where he advanced from reporter to bureau chief and assistant editor in just over seven years.
In addition to his local journalism work, Msiska contributed articles to international news outlets such as the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN), and Science for Development (SciDev).
Msiska seeks to leverage his qualifications and extensive experience to address social and developmental challenges through impactful communication.
I am a seasoned Malawian journalist specializing in investigative reporting and the in-depth analysis of socio-political and economic issues in Malawi and the broader African region. My work consistently sheds light on systemic corruption, government accountability, and the socio-economic challenges facing Malawi. I have extensively covered the Green Belt Initiative scandal, where I exposed the misappropriation of resources intended for peasant farmers. This investigation revealed the entrenched corruption within the Malawian government and the abuse of public trust.
My investigative expertise extends to the financial sector, where I have reported on the misuse of state loans and the pervasive lack of transparency in financial dealings. Notably, I uncovered the case of the unbuilt timber processing factory, which was funded by a significant state loan but never materialized—highlighting the urgent need for fiscal responsibility and transparency.
I also explore Malawi’s economic dependencies, particularly the country’s reliance on tobacco farming and the challenges posed by foreign investments in local industries. My reporting critically examines the dominance of Chinese firms in the cotton sector and the broader implications for local farmers and the national economy. I advocate for policies that protect local interests, foster skill transfer, and promote sustainable economic growth.
In the realm of public health, I have brought attention to Malawi’s alarming maternal mortality rates, which are exacerbated by restrictive abortion laws. I have also investigated the challenges in implementing HIV prevention strategies, including voluntary medical male circumcision. My work underscores the necessity of comprehensive public health policies that account for cultural and religious contexts while prioritizing public welfare.
My investigative journalism has further exposed significant financial scandals, including the infamous Cashgate scandal. This case involved the embezzlement of millions in state funds and led to the suspension of foreign aid, with devastating consequences for Malawi’s economy. My reports on illicit financial flows, tax evasion, and the misuse of public resources underscore the critical need for financial accountability, transparency, and robust governance.
I am the founder of the Centre for Investigative Journalism in Malawi (CIJM), where I lead efforts to produce in-depth, evidence-based journalism that holds power to account. Through my work at CIJM, I engage in cross-border investigations, mentor emerging journalists, and contribute to strengthening the culture of investigative journalism in Malawi and beyond.
My academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Mzuzu University, Malawi. Additionally, I hold a diploma in journalism from Aggrey Memorial, an advanced diploma in journalism from ABMA, and certificates in journalism from Pen Point School of Journalism and mental health.
I began my journalism career in 2002 and have since worked with some of Malawi’s leading media outlets. I served as Bureau Chief for the Northern Region at Blantyre Newspapers Limited, the publisher of The Daily Times, Sunday Times, Malawi News, and The Weekend Times. I also worked as Chief Reporter for the triweekly publication The Guardian and contributed as a correspondent for IPS (Africa). Currently, I also head the investigations desk at Malawi’s leading online publication, www.nyasatimes.com, where I continue to pursue stories that demand transparency and accountability.
Investigative Journalist/Member of the National Governing Council
Wanangwa Tembo is a media trainer, governance reporter and communication lecturer. He has 10 years experience as a newspaper reporter and magazine editor. While he can report on a wide range of sectors, Tembo has a lot of interest in governance reporting. This includes such elements as democracy, corruption, elections, human rights and community participation and empowerment.
Armed with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from University of Malawi – The Polytechnic, he has worked for various institutions as follows: reported for Blantyre Newspapers Limited (now Times Group); has been editor at NorthernLife magazine; taught News Writing, Media Law and Ethics at Malawi Institute of Journalism (MIJ); taught Communication at Mzuzu University; taught English in various secondary schools; has been a media attaché at National Initiative for Civic Education.
Zizwani has experience in Market Research and Accounting. He worked with Research Information Masters as a Supervisor. With the former Southern Bottlers Limted he worked as a Debt Collector responsible for the northern region and he also worked with Sunbird Hotels in Mzuzu as its Credit Controller. He posses Diploma in ICAM/PAEC.
Member of the National Governing Council/Investigative Journalist
Joseph Mwale is a local and international award winning, innovative
and competent Print, Broadcast and Online media editor and researcher
with nine years of experience in managing writing staff, overseeing
the layout and content of articles. A holder of the Bachelor of Arts
Degree in Journalism, Mwale boasts of so many awards that include
Business and Economics Journalist of the Year Award (2019); Lilongwe
Water Board Water and Sanitation Journalist of the Year (2019);
Education Journalist of the Year Award (2018); Tourism Journalist of
the Year Award (2018); Infrastructure Management Journalist of the
Year Award (2018); Good Governance and Democracy Journalist of the
Year Award (2016 and 2017); Safety and Security Journalist of the Year
Award (2017); SADC Print Media Story Award by Gender Links (2016); and
Malawi Print Media Story Award (2015 and 2019) by Gender Links.
Currently working as Bureau Supervisor for Nation Publications Limited
in Mzuzu, Mwale has also worked as Sub-Editor Online for the same
institution, Sub-Editor for MIJ and Capital FM, Information Officer
for the Government of Malawi and Head of News for Matindi FM (Now
Times Radio).
Investigative Journalist
Lameck is an accredited stringer for Voice of America and has filed for other international and regional media organizations
Investigative Journalist/Member of the National Governing council