See how it works
Book Collins with Paydesk
Make your booking securely through paydesk for these benefits:
1
Preferred Booking Channel
Collins is more likely to commit to assignments booked through paydesk, as it is a trusted platform that validates the seriousness and legitimacy of each engagement.2
Insured Bookings for Peace of Mind
We provide basic insurance coverage with each booking on paydesk, giving both you and the media professional confidence and protection while they work for you.3
Effortless Online Payment
Paydesk offers a payment protection system to ensure payments are only finalized when you are satisfied with the job completion. Freelancers trusts our process that guarantees their efforts are rewarded upon successful delivery of servicesStill have questions?
Check FAQAbout Collins
Collins Mtika is a seasoned Malawian investigative journalist, renowned for his in-depth reporting on economic and social issues within Malawi and the broader Southern African region. Born in Malawi and raised in Zimbabwe, where he completed his primary and secondary education, Mtika returned to Malawi following the closure of mines in Zimbabwe in the late 1990s. His journalistic career began in 2002, and since then, he has become a prominent figure in the media landscape, serving as the Bureau Chief for the Northern region at Blantyre Newspapers Limited, which publishes several major newspapers including The Daily Times, Sunday Times, Malawi News, and The Weekend Times. Mtika's commitment to uncovering the truth led him to establish the Centre for Investigative Journalism in Malawi (CIJM), an organization dedicated to promoting transparency and accountability. His reporting has exposed the exploitation in the cotton industry by Chinese firms, the concealment of child abuse allegations by the St John of God order, and the detrimental impact of illicit financial flows, smuggling, and tax evasion on Malawi's economy. He has also worked as a Chief Reporter for The Guardian, a tri-weekly publication, and has contributed to international outlets, serving as a correspondent for IPS (Africa), heading the investigations desk for www.nyasatimes.com, and reporting for the South African weekly Mail & Guardian and Africa Independent. In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Mtika is furthering his education in the field of communication, pursuing a BA in Communication Science through distance learning with the University of South Africa (UNISA). His academic background also includes a certificate in Journalism from Pen Point School of Journalism, a certificate in mental health, a Diploma in Journalism from Agrrey Memorial, and an advanced diploma in Journalism (ABMA). Through his work, Mtika continues to shine a light on the complex issues that affect public revenue, labor practices, and the mining industry, with a steadfast goal of holding those in power to account.
English
Investigative Journalism
Fact Checking
Investigative Reporting
Fact Checking
Portfolio
Allowances Gala: How COVID-19 funds meant for Katawa, Chiputula markets got misused
In Mzuzu, Malawi, COVID-19 funds intended for market upgrades were misused, with no construction done despite payments for materials and labor. The Mzuzu City Council (MCC) received MK35 million for pandemic measures but diverted funds for personal allowances and unrelated projects. A 2021 audit revealed mismanagement, yet no one has been held accountable. The MCC's CEO, Gomezgani Nyasulu, flouted regulations and was interdicted but later reinstated. Market committees were bypassed in project implementations, leading to stalled projects and wasted resources. Despite recommendations for repayment and prosecution, no action has been taken against those involved in the malpractices.
Catholic Brother left to abuse street children in Malawi
The article reports on the St John of God order's cover-up of 20 child abuse allegations against Brother Aidan Clohessy, a school principal in Dublin, who was allowed to continue working with vulnerable children in Malawi despite the claims. The first allegation against Brother Aidan emerged in 1985, and he was relocated to Malawi in 1993. Even as victims in Ireland received compensation, Brother Aidan's contact with children in Malawi remained unaffected, and staff in Malawi were unaware of the allegations. The Irish Mail on Sunday and the Centre for Investigative Journalism Malawi conducted a 10-month investigation, revealing that Brother Aidan housed street children and supervised their showers. By 2012, Brother Aidan faced 10 child sex allegations in Ireland, and he was eventually withdrawn from public ministry and returned to Ireland. The order has reported all allegations to the appropriate authorities and has stated it will cooperate with investigations.
Malawi bequeaths cotton production to Chinese firm
The article discusses the involvement of Chinese firms in Malawi's cotton industry, highlighting the significant investment and technological advancements brought by companies like China-Africa Cotton Development Ltd. Despite the potential economic benefits, the article raises concerns about the lack of skills transfer to local Malawian workers, the trade imbalance favoring China, and the hardships faced by local cotton farmers who are trapped in a cycle of poverty due to high input costs and low returns. The piece also touches on the historical context of Malawi's shift from Taiwan to China as a diplomatic ally and the subsequent investments in the cotton sector. The author suggests that the Malawi government should implement policies to protect local farmers and ensure skill transfer from Chinese experts to Malawians.
Tax outflows, debt cripples Malawi’s growth
Malawi is facing significant economic challenges due to revenue losses from smuggling, unregulated mining, and tax evasion by companies. Between 2010 and 2017, the country lost $980 million due to various illicit financial activities. The African Development Bank and other experts suggest that Malawi needs to improve tax collection and formalize the informal sector to combat these losses. The Global Financial Integrity reports that Malawi lost billions over the past decade due to illicit outflows, which exceeds the national budget. Corruption scandals have led to donor funding freezes, increasing domestic borrowing and debt. The government is considering taxing the informal sector to mitigate these effects. However, the Malawi Revenue Authority has struggled to meet revenue targets due to a sluggish economy. Efforts to address these issues, such as 'Operation Kuluma', have been delayed due to inter-agency disagreements. The country's outdated mining legislation and lack of strong regulations also contribute to revenue loss.
Arthur Peter Mutharika: His government has failed to tame nationwide protests over his controversial victor in the May polls By Collins Mtika Weak controls over Malawi’s banking system and delays in prosecuting cases when money-laundering has been…
Tax outflows, debt cripples Malawi’s growth
Malawi is facing significant revenue losses due to illicit financial activities such as smuggling of minerals, unregulated mining, and tax evasion by companies. Between 2010 and 2017, the country lost $980 million due to various forms of financial misconduct. Experts from institutions like the African Development Bank and the University of Massachusetts highlight the need for improved tax collection and regulation to address these issues. The country's economic growth is hindered by these losses, and the government's attempts to increase domestic revenue have been complicated by corruption scandals and ineffective tax collection by the Malawi Revenue Authority. The informal sector, which is substantial in Malawi, is also being considered for taxation to mitigate the effects of donor funding withdrawal. However, there is a lack of powerful legislation to manage the modern mining sector, which contributes to revenue loss. A government project, 'Operation Kuluma,' aimed at investigating financial crimes, has been delayed due to inter-agency disagreements.
×
Collins'
confirmed information
✓
Financial institution
Verified Sep 2019
✓
Phone number
Verified Sep 2019
✓
Joined
Sep 2019