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.”
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.
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.