Year: 2025

Police make breakthrough in missing journalist, partner case

BMOA

On Sunday, 4 May 2025, a cross-province operation involving Gauteng and Mpumalanga police led by the Deputy National Commissioner of Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya and the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph MKhwanazi led to the questioning and subsequent arrests of four suspects. 

The first suspect according to investigations, is said to have been the last in the company of the missing couple. 

The second, third and fourth suspects were found with different vehicle parts believed to be that of the missing journalist. 

One of those arrested is said to be a mechanic who builds and fixes cars in the KwaMhlanga area in Mpumalanga.

Shockingly, one of the suspects is a 17-year-old (considered a minor) has been released into the care of his parents.

This as two of the Volkswagen Citi Golfs that were found in possession of the suspects have been seized. 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has since changed the missing persons case of the couple to a kidnapping and car hijacking case. 

Ndlovu, the founder of Capital Live FM was reported missing on18 February 2025 together with his partner Zodwa Mdhluli. Since then, law enforcement authorities have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the couple’s disappearance.

According to the SAPS, additional charges such as house robbery and being in possession of stolen property are likely to be added. 

One suspect is expected to appear before the Mamelodi Magistrates Court in Pretoria today, 6 May 2025. Three others are expected to appear in the KwaMahlanga Magistrates Court later in the week.

A multidisciplinary team involving crime and counter intelligence, cyber-crime unit, organised crime detectives, serious and violent crimes detectives, SAPS Airwing as well as SAPS drone pilots are amongst the units involved in the case. 

“The search is still on for the missing couple and for other suspects.  This is a developing case,” said the police in a statement on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has welcomed the arrest of the four suspects.
“While investigations are still underway, I want to commend the investigating team for the progress they have made thus far. We continue to hope and pray for the safe return of both Mr Ndlovu and Ms Mdhluli, said the Deputy Minister.

Morolong visited the Ndlovu family on Sunday, 04 May 2025, to offer his support and solidarity on behalf of government. 

Prior to the meeting with the family, he received a briefing from the police on the progress of the investigation. 

The Deputy Minister said that while the investigation is ongoing, the arrests mark a significant breakthrough in the case. 

The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) welcomes the arrest of suspects concerning the disappearance of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner.

The breakthrough made by the South African Police Service was long overdue, as Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhuli, have been missing for the past three months. Ndlovu runs Capital Live FM and was a key member of the National Press Club, a stakeholder organisation that works closely with Sanef.

Sanef hopes the criminal justice system will get to the bottom of this case, even after the initial charges have been altered.

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola also has welcomed the arrests.

BMOA Welcomes MDDA Report and Calls for Permanent Media Sustainability and Transformation Fund

BMOA

The Black Media Owners Association (BMOA) warmly welcomes the release of the Economic Development Fund (EDF) report.

An event was held at the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg on Tuesday, May 6, a gathering of media stakeholders including media owners and organisations supporting media development.

Stephen Seakgwe, Executive Director of the BMOA, said the association is encouraged by how the Media Sustainability and Transformation Fund has been implemented and concluded with professionalism and accountability.

“We commend the MDDA for this crucial work in highlighting both the challenges and opportunities within the South African media landscape.”

Stephen Seakgwe executive director at the BMOA speaking during the Q&A Session at the Launch of the MDDA Economic Development Fund in Sandton on May 6.

The Economic Development Fund (EDF) was established in 2017 from an agreement between the MDDA – Media Development & Diversity Agency and the The Competition Commission South Africa which is meant to redress the anti-competitive behaviour by mainstream media and advertising companies.

This report underscores the urgent need to address the long-standing anti-competitive practices of major media companies that continue to impede the growth and sustainability of black-owned media enterprises.

For too long, these practices have stifled diversity and hindered the true reflection of South Africa’s democratic and demographic realities within the sector.
The BMOA firmly believes that the EDF has demonstrated the potential to be a powerful catalyst for transformation and a vital instrument in leveling the playing field.

The report highlights that the EDF has supported over 37 SMMEs, with a significant 60% being youth-owned, and has also contributed to gender empowerment within the sector. Furthermore, the EDF has provided bursaries to over 80 students, investing in the future leadership of the industry.

The success stories showcased in the report, featuring beneficiaries like Touch SA Marketing, which launched one of the first digital billboards in the township of Soshanguve, and community publications like Pondoland Times and Empuma News, demonstrate the tangible impact of targeted funding in empowering black media owners, fostering innovation, and creating much-needed employment opportunities.

The Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, delivered the keynote address and hailed the partnership between the MDDA and the Competition Commission in administering the fund successfully.

However, the need for support is ongoing and systemic. Therefore, the BMOA strongly advocates for the establishment of a permanent Media Sustainability and Transformation Fund.

This dedicated fund would provide consistent and reliable resources to:

  • Redress the historical imbalances caused by anti-competitive behaviour, enabling black media businesses to compete effectively.
  • Drive genuine transformation within the media sector, ensuring ownership, representation, and content that truly reflects the diversity of South African society.
  • Act as a catalyst for mass employment, fostering the growth of a vibrant and inclusive media industry that contributes meaningfully to the nation’s economy.

“We have seen the positive impact on youth empowerment, gender equity, and the growth of black-owned media businesses. A permanent fund is now essential to build on this foundation and secure a sustainable and equitable future for the South African media landscape.”

The BMOA stands ready to collaborate with the MDDA, government, and all stakeholders to ensure the establishment and effective implementation of this permanent fund.

We believe that by working together, we can build a media landscape that is equitable, sustainable, and truly representative of the South African people.

Download the report here. 

Economic Development Fund Project Report Final RSDownload

ICASA Opens Community Radio Licensing Applications

BMOA

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has officially opened the application process for Community Sound Broadcasting Services and Radio Frequency Spectrum Licences. This presents a crucial opportunity for Black-owned and led non-profit organisations to enter or expand their footprint in the broadcasting landscape.

As the Black Media Owners Association (BMOA), we strongly encourage our members and broader networks to consider this opportunity to grow independent, community-focused media platforms that reflect the voices and needs of our people.

Important Dates and Fees

  • Application Deadline: 20 June 2025
  • Time: 16:00 sharp
  • Application Fee: R4,719.00 (non-refundable)

Who Can Apply?

Only non-profit entities such as NPOs, NPCs, or Trusts are eligible to apply for a community radio station licence.

To qualify, applicants must:

  • Be a registered non-profit entity for at least two years
  • Demonstrate community involvement, development, and empowerment
  • Comply with all regulatory requirements set by ICASA

Note: Existing community radio license holders are not eligible for this round.

What Will Disqualify Your Application?

  • Late submissions will not be accepted.
  • Incomplete applications or failure to pay the fee on time will be disqualified.
  • The disqualification list is not exhaustive — please consult the official Invitation to Pre-Register (ITP-R) document on the ICASA website.

Need a Spectrum Licence?

Applicants must:

  • Choose a preferred frequency from the available list
  • Include a technical feasibility study if changes to the technical spec are proposed
  • Provide relevant documents such as a signal distributor agreement or ECNS licence if applicable

At BMOA, we believe media ownership is a key pillar in economic transformation and community empowerment. Community radio is one of the most impactful tools for grassroots communication, especially in underrepresented and underserved areas.

📌 For the full application guide and forms, visit www.icasa.org.za

📧 Contact BMOA for support at: admin@bmoa.co.za

Media industry called to transform ownership patterns

BMOA

With the media industry fighting for its survival amidst the rise of digital media, Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has called on the industry to make deliberate efforts to transform the sector’s ownership patterns.

“Government remains committed to working alongside industry stakeholders to ensure that South Africa’s media landscape is inclusive, competitive, and representative of the country’s diversity,” Morolong said.

The Deputy Minister was addressing the members of the Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalization Steering Committee in Rosebank, Johannesburg, on Friday (11 April 2025).

The committee was established to develop a Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalisation Report to advise government and the private sector on wide-ranging proposals aimed at transforming and revitalising the sector.  

The Minister painted a sobering picture of the industry’s current state, noting a dramatic decline in print newspaper (both commercial and local) circulation  – from approximately 45 million copies annually to dwindled numbers that were never imagined before, which is “very worrisome for government.”

“The current challenges of operating in the digital environment; excess print, distribution and transport cost; reduction in newspaper subscribers; dwindling circulation figures coupled with reduced advertising budgets, both from corporate and government, have forced publishers to close down, while others have become loss-making or liability enterprises. In the mist of all these things, we should not despair, we are a nation that works together to find common solutions,” Morolong said.

The Deputy Minister emphasised the critical role played by the media in society and reaffirmed government’s commitment to revitalise the industry.

“We have a responsibility to save an industry that is ailing and to do so, there needs to be government investment. You can’t put government in a position where it must support an industry that does not want to transform. 

“You are running a business, but you are also running an institution which has got a moral obligation to keep society informed. We want to support you because of your role in education and informing society. We have a responsibility to support you and empower you as business,” he said.

The Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalization Steering Committee comprises various media executives of print and digital media companies, industry bodies such as the Association of Independent Publishers, Media Development and Diversity Agency and the Press Council. 

Join the Free Gauteng Government Weekly Supplier Workshops

BMOA

Looking to do business with the Gauteng Government?

Gauteng Provincial Treasury in collaboration with Gauteng Department of Economic Development invites all interested suppliers to our Weekly Supplier Workshops. These sessions provide great insights and practical business skills to help you start, run and grow your business working in both public and private sectors.

Sessions take place every Wednesday and candidates must commit to six weeks of training.

⏰ 10:00 AM

📍 124 Main Street, Marshalltown, Groundfloor Auditorium

Workshops will run every Wednesday for six weeks. RSVP is essential.

For enquiries, email: Ivy.Machaba@gauteng.gov.za | Thandiwe.Zungu@gauteng.gov.za

These sessions will teach media business owners compliance, regulations and how to tender to government.

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BMOA Position on the Release of the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) Provisional Report

BMOA

The Black Media Owners Association (BMOA) welcomes the release of the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) provisional report on 24 February 2025.

This report is a significant step in addressing the challenges faced by South African news media, particularly black-owned and community-based media entities. It brings to light the monopolistic practices of dominant digital platforms that continue to restrict fair competition and limit the growth of independent media in our country.

Key Findings in Simple Terms

The MDPMI report highlights several critical issues that have long impacted black-owned media:

Tech Giant Dominance: Large digital platforms have monopolized online advertising revenue, prioritizing international content over local news. This reduces audience reach and weakens revenue streams for South African publishers.

Unfair Revenue Distribution: Despite generating significant local engagement, community media outlets struggle to access a fair share of digital advertising revenue, leading to financial instability.

Financial Compensation Proposal: The report recommends that global tech companies allocate between R300 million and R500 million annually to South African media over the next three to five years. This would help balance the unfair revenue gap and provide much-needed sustainability for local publishers.

Strict Penalties for Non-Compliance: If digital platforms do not comply with these measures within six months of the final report, they could face penalties of up to 10% of their advertising revenue.

Black Media Owners: The Most Affected

Black media owners remain at the greatest disadvantage due to these monopolistic practices. The digital space should be an opportunity for growth and transformation, yet it has instead become another barrier to inclusivity. Local and township-based media struggle to survive because they are deprived of fair exposure and financial support.

BMOA’s Call to Action

While we support the findings and recommendations of the MDPMI, the BMOA demands immediate action to ensure fair competition and the growth of black-owned media in the digital space:

1. Direct Business Deals: Government departments and advertisers must engage directly with black-owned media instead of using intermediaries that exploit community publishers.

2. Black-Media Development Fund: We call for the establishment of a dedicated fund to provide financial resources, training, and technology support for black media owners to fully participate in the digital media economy.

3. Transparent Revenue Sharing: Digital platforms must ensure fair compensation for local content creators and publishers, ensuring that advertising spend is distributed equitably.

4. Capacity Building and Skills Development: Access to digital tools, resources, and training must be made available for community publishers to effectively transition into the online space and remain competitive.

5. Policy and Regulatory Reforms: The government must enact strong policies to prevent monopolistic behavior and create a level playing field for all media owners.

The BMOA remains committed to advocating for a fair and inclusive media environment where black media owners can thrive. We believe that the implementation of the MDPMI’s recommendations, coupled with direct government support and industry reforms, will pave the way for a sustainable and diverse media landscape in South Africa.

We stand firm in our demand for direct engagement, fair business practices, and the establishment of long-term solutions that will empower black media entrepreneurs to compete in the digital era. The future of South African media depends on inclusivity, transparency, and equitable access to resources.

Sustainability of community media is of vital importance 

BMOA

The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has urged policymakers, businesses, and civil society to work together to secure the future of community media, by providing the necessary support and resources.

Morolong delivered a keynote address at the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Community Media Consultative Forum at the Khayelitsha Thusong Centre, on Tuesday. 

The Forum aimed to bring government, community media, industry partners, and regulatory bodies together, to reflect on community media’s contributions in the past 30 years of democracy in South Africa, while also tackling challenges facing the sector today. These include sustainability and digitalisation, to fortify the sector for the future. 

The Deputy Minister highlighted the contributions of the sector in the past 30 years of democracy, while emphasising its role in promoting identity, unity, and local awareness.

“The sustainability of community media is not just a sectoral issue; it is a societal imperative. Policy makers regulators, businesses, and civil society must work together to provide the tools, resources, and framework necessary for community media. As a sector community media is far more important,” Morolong said. 

The Deputy Minister also highlighted that community media serves as a platform for people to share their stories in their own words, balancing mainstream stories and ensuring that every citizen has a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status.

He described the sector as a key instrument in shaping public opinion and reinforcing democracy.

“Community media provides a platform for people to tell their stories in their own words, fostering identity, unity, and awareness of local issues. It serves as a counterbalance to centralise narratives, upholding the principle that everyone deserves a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status,” he said. 

However, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the pressing challenges facing community media, particularly its sustainability. He stressed that its survival hinges on robust governance, financial innovation, and strong stakeholder support.

“Strong governance is the backbone of community media sustainability. It ensures accountability, transparency, and ethical management. These are essential elements that we trust with communities. Unfortunately, many of our community media organisations lack the skills, policies, and resources to implement effective governance. 

“To address this, sector bodies must invest in training board members and leaders in strategic decision making and resource management. Simplifying compliance processes is equally essential, overly complex regulatory frameworks hinder small operations, diverting resources from the primary mission,” he said. 

Financial insecurity remains the greatest challenge facing the sector, he noted, as traditional advertising models become less viable. 

He also urged community media outlets to explore creative revenue streams, such as partnerships with local businesses, grant funding, and membership programs. 

“The greatest challenge facing community media is financial insecurity. Traditional advertising models are no longer viable, necessitating creative revenue streams partnering with local businesses leveraging grant funding and implementing membership programs can provide much needed financial stability,” he said. 

Additionally, he added that community events and workshops could serve as both a source of revenue and a way to strengthen ties with the communities they serve.

“Community events and workshops not only generate revenue but strengthen the bond between media outlets and the community they serve.

“Community media is not just a medium of information, it is an instrument of empowerment, it educates, informs, unites and plays a crucial role in supporting democracy and safeguarding marginalised voices. It contributes to the social framework though which social and political formations are shaped. Failing to address its sustainability risks silence of the vital important voices,” the Deputy Minister said.