By Burnett Munthali
Gregory Gondwe, renowned investigative journalist and founder of the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ), took to his Facebook page with pride and inspiration as he reflected on his team’s monumental achievements.
In a heartfelt message, Gondwe declared, “We will never chase awards, but our journalism will continue to attract them.”
This powerful statement came in the wake of an extraordinary moment for PIJ on Saturday, May 3, when the media house celebrated a record-breaking haul of ten individual awards from the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA).
Each of these awards was earned through a deep commitment to investigative reporting, impactful storytelling, and fearless truth-telling that challenges power and uplifts the voiceless.
At the heart of the celebrations was PIJ’s defense of the prestigious Best Online Media House of the Year title, a recognition of its overall excellence and editorial leadership in digital investigative journalism.
Among the standout journalists was Florence Phiri, who won the Best Business and Economic Journalist of the Year – Online for her eye-opening piece titled “Meet the Karonga men printing fake US dollars at home.”
Her exposé shed light on an underground operation in Malawi’s northern region that threatens both local and regional financial stability.
Jack McBrams emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home multiple awards in the online category.
He was crowned Investigative Journalist of the Year – Online for his penetrating report, “How a migrant trafficking syndicate took over Malawi,” a chilling account of how organized crime has infiltrated the region.
He also earned the Human Rights Journalist of the Year – Online for the “Shayona sex abuse scandal,” a bold investigation into systemic exploitation at a major manufacturing plant.
McBrams added yet another feather to his cap with the Best Inclusive Elections Reporting Journalist of the Year – Online and Best Child Rights Reporting Journalist of the Year – Online, the latter for his story, “The winner is Kamuzu Academy in turmoil.”
Veteran journalist Josephine Chinele was recognized as the Democracy and Good Governance Journalist of the Year – Online, honored for her groundbreaking story “Stolen justice: A missing court document and heartbreak at the Supreme Court.”
Her work unveiled flaws in Malawi’s justice system and the emotional toll on those denied justice by procedural failures.
Chinele also walked away with the Best Development Health Financing Journalist of the Year – Online for her compelling story, “Malawi’s quest for sustainable health financing.”
Julius Mbewe shared the Investigative Journalist of the Year – Online award with McBrams for their joint story on migrant trafficking, further emphasizing the collaborative spirit at PIJ.
Mbewe also secured the Anti-Corruption Journalist of the Year – Online award for his riveting piece “The dead mother is alive,” an investigative triumph that exposed fraud in government records and benefits systems.
He also took home the Public Infrastructure Management Journalist of the Year – Online for “Follow the money,” an in-depth look at financial mismanagement and lack of accountability in state-funded projects.
Milimo Chitsulo, another PIJ journalist, shared the Anti-Corruption Journalist of the Year – Online title with Mbewe for the same exposé, “The dead mother is alive,” showcasing the depth of PIJ’s teamwork in chasing complex stories.
Even Gregory Gondwe himself was honored as the Adolescent and Youth Development Journalist of the Year – Online, recognized for his story “The lawyers and a litany of dubious claims,” which dissected a legal maze affecting Malawi’s young population.
Reflecting on this cascade of recognition, Gondwe expressed deep appreciation for the PIJ team, emphasizing that the accolades are not the destination, but rather a reflection of a higher journalistic purpose.
“We are truly short of words to express how proud we are of our team,” he wrote. “Through collaboration, courage, and consistency, the PIJ family continues to demonstrate what purposeful journalism looks like.”
Gondwe reiterated that the awards are not just about personal success, but about public impact, civic trust, and holding power to account.
“This recognition is not just about the accolades—it’s about the impact, the accountability, and the trust we continue to build with the public,” he said.
He concluded his message with gratitude for the entire PIJ team and board members, encouraging them to remain energized and focused on their mission.
“Congratulations to every member of the PIJ team and our board. Let this achievement energize us even more as we return to what we do best: telling the stories that matter,” Gondwe stated.
As PIJ looks ahead, their story serves as a beacon for fearless journalism in Malawi and across the region—work that refuses to chase prestige, but nonetheless commands it.
