Preface

cross the world, but especially in Africa, those who point out misbehaviour and corruption are often considered more dangerous than those actually responsible for it. Working as an investigative journalist in such an environment takes extraordinary courage; the kind of courage that is underpinned by a deep caring for the plight of the powerless. Investigative journalism in Africa needs people who are prepared to go the extra mile every single day, often in environments that seem, by default, designed to shut them down. Repressive media laws, lack of resources and a widespread culture of secrecy among officials are but a few of the challenges for journalists questioning the conduct of those with money, connections and power. In this context, journalists depend not only on a particular mindset, but on a wide range of skills. Investigative journalism is not rocket science: at the end of the day it is about proper craftsmanship. With the Investigative Journalism Manuals, we aim to make these skills and tools available to both future and presently working investigative journalists. Therefore, the manuals include not only a foundation section aimed at those new to the field, but also more advanced tools for the more experienced. They are a training kit and, at the same time, a general source of information and inspiration. And they are work in progress. While the initial Chapters 1 8 mark the foundation of the project, additional chapters on specialised topics will follow in the future. The Investigative Journalism Manuals are not your average journalism textbook. Their content has been and will be produced by African journalists, and for African journalists. The case studies used reflect the continents reality. Our gratitude goes to those Forum for African Investigative Reporters (FAIR) members who not only delivered some of the case studies, but who, as part of an advisory core group, commented on the first drafts and helped to improve and optimise them. My special thanks go to Evelyn Groenink who coordinated this input and to all those who contributed to this project in various ways. The Power Reporting Workshop of the Witwatersrand University, and especially Birgit Schwarz, provided a lot of knowledge and input, specifically in the conceptual phase of the publication and during the production of the initial chapters. Finally the Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ) as well as the Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) deserve credit for allowing us to use some of their basic investigative journalism material which was rewritten and adapted to the African context. First and foremost, however, I would like to thank Gwen Ansell who not only did a magnificent job as an editor, but in fact authored large parts of the manuals herself. It is her expertise, insights and hard work that made this project a success. People often consider all journalists to be the watchdogs of society. But it is those colleagues who go the extra mile in investigating issues in the public interest, even against resistance, who deserve this title more than anyone. They play an indispensable role in any society, and even more so in societies where other effective democratic checks and balances are lacking. It is my hope that African journalists will make use of what the Investigative Journalism Manuals can offer them. We would also like to encourage our readers to give us comments, feedback and new suggestions on an ongoing basis so that we can keep improving the manuals even more. May the profession of investigative reporters on the continent grow and prosper in the interest of Africa and its people. Frank Windeck Director Regional Media Programme for sub-Saharan Africa Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung

The German Konrad-AdenauerStiftung (KAS) has been active in Africa for over 40 years. Named after Germanys first democratic chancellor after World War II, the Foundation has worked through its various country offices throughout the continent to strengthen democracy, build good governance and buttress a free and social market economy. The Foundation is guided by the same principles that inspired Konrad Adenauers work which is rooted in the Christian concept of human nature. In 2002 KAS introduced its regional media programme for subSaharan Africa. Based in Johannesburg it offers a variety of publications, courses, training workshops and conferences throughout the year. In those, investigative journalism is one of the key focus areas. In cooperation with local and regionally operating partners, KAS Media also initiates and supports international and regional exchange of news, views and ideas in the journalistic field. The media programmes overall aim is to strengthen the freedom of speech, to enhance the quality of African journalism and to develop the continents media in their role as watchdogs of the society.