Author: BMOA

Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards 2025 open for entry

BMOA

The highly anticipated 2025 Vodacom Journalist of the Year (VJOY) Awards has kicked off and the entry date for this year’s awards has been set for 5 September 2025.

Journalists can submit their work in any of the 12 categories, including Live Reporting and Breaking News, Investigative, Opinion, Lifestyle, Features, Photography, Sport, Financial & Economics, Politics, Sustainability, Innovation in Journalism, and the Young Journalist of the Year Award.

“In recent years, journalism has seen a significant shift towards digital platforms, with a growing reliance on social media and video content for news consumption. This transformation has brought both challenges and opportunities, including the rise of influencer-driven content and the integration of AI technologies in news production. In these fast-paced times, the importance of credible and ethical journalism cannot be overstated. The media play a crucial role in shaping democracy and driving economies, and it is imperative that we uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility. This is the very reason that Vodacom remains committed to celebrating excellence in journalism in the country, acknowledging some of South Africa’s most distinguished reporters and their impactful stories,” says Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director for External Affairs at Vodacom South Africa.

The panel of judges for this year’s awards will be chaired by Ryland Fisher, who will lead his colleagues in evaluating the entries to determine the top contenders. The 2025 Judging panel will comprise of the following esteemed media professionals:

· Obed Zilwa

· Manelisa Dubase

· Patricia McCraken

· Adv Robin Sewlal

· Arthur Goldstuck

· Dr Elna Rossouw

· Collin Nxumalo

· Jovial Ranto

· Prof Gilbert Motsaathebe

· Portia Kubue

From 1 to 5 September 2025, Fisher will conduct two virtual media roadshows each day to provide potential entrants with detailed information about the competition rules and entry procedures.

“The rise of social media, AI, and digital platforms has introduced new challenges, making it crucial for journalists to embrace these technologies responsibly. How journalists adapt to and use these tools will be critical in ensuring the delivery of high-quality and ethical journalism. As we look towards the future, there is no room for compromise in delivering sound journalistic storytelling.

The future of our democracy depends on the dedication of journalists to uncover the truth, initiate meaningful conversations, and drive positive change. I urge all journalists to submit their finest work to the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards and join in celebrating excellence in our important profession,” said Fisher.

Journalists are invited to submit their best work produced between 25 July 2024 and 31 July 2025 at https://journalist.vodacom.co.za/.

Entries will be accepted from 5 until 19 September 2025, with no late submissions allowed.

Finalists chosen from the five regions will compete at the national finals that will be held in December:

· Region A: Gauteng

· Region B: Free State, Northern Cape, Northwest and Limpopo

· Region C: KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga

· Region D: Western Cape

· Region E: Eastern Cape

The Vodacom Young Journalist Award offers an educational boost to nurture upcoming newsroom talent.

Regional category winners receive R5 000, national category winners, R10 000, and the overall Vodacom Journalist of the Year winner, R100 000. In the case of joint winners, prize money is shared.

Google Digital News Transformation Fund Opens for Applications

BMOA

The Digital News Transformation Fund (DNTF) has officially open its first application window on 25 August 2025, offering small, medium, and community-based independent news publishers an opportunity to secure funding for projects that drive digital transformation and long-term sustainability in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Independent publishers are a vital part of South Africa’s democratic infrastructure, providing local, community, and public-interest journalism often not covered by larger news outlets.

Yet many face increasing pressure to adapt and survive in a fast-changing media environment. Structural challenges, including declining print revenue, shifting audience habits, and the need to compete in a digital-first news environment, have intensified.

The R114-million Fund is a partnership between Google and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP) and administered by Tshikululu Social Investments. The fund is designed to help South African publishers strengthen digital capacity, diversify revenue streams, and future-proof their operations.

“Our focus is on public interest news publishers,” said Leanne Kunz, Head of Fund at the Digital News Transformation Fund.

“Different parts of the industry are at different points in their digital journey: broadcast shifted earlier, while many small and medium publishers are progressing from more constrained starting points. The Fund is designed to close that gap, giving local, community, and independent newsrooms the resources to invest in tools, skills, and business models that will help them compete and grow online.”

The first funding cycle will run from 25 August 2025, when the call for proposals opens, to 21 September 2025, when applications close.

From 22 September to 27 October, applications will be reviewed through an adjudication and due diligence process. The Fund’s oversight and advisory board will ratify selected grantees between 27 October and 9 November, with contracting and disbursements taking place from 10 November to 7 December 2025 (upon receipt of signed contracts). Funded publishers will begin training on 12 January 2026.

Who can apply

The DNTF is open to:

  • Early-stage news publishers in need of foundational digital tools (such as websites, content management systems, cameras, audio-visual equipment) and guidance to formalise operations.
  • Mid-stage news publishers with an established online presence who require strategic and technical support to grow audiences, launch new products, or diversify revenue.
  • Established publishers with fewer than 1 million monthly unique website users who are ready to experiment with sector-wide innovations or new business models that can be replicated.

Eligible applicants must (summary only):

  • Be members in good standing of the Press Council.
  • Operate a news publication serving a South African audience.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to editorial independence and public-interest journalism.
  • Have a clearly defined digital transformation project with measurable outcomes.
  • Meet the Fund’s governance and compliance requirements.

“As part of our ongoing collaboration with the South African news ecosystem, policymakers, and our partners at the AIP, we are excited to see the application process launch for the Digital News Transformation Fund,” said Marianne Erasmus, Google News Partner Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa.

“This R114-million fund is dedicated to fostering a sustainable future for local, community, and independent news publishers. The three-year initiative is designed to support newsrooms in launching vital digital transformation projects, and our financial commitment is paired with ongoing support from the Google News Initiative, providing training in digital fundamentals.”

Independent adjudication committee
To ensure funding decisions are fair, independent, and transparent, the Digital News Transformation Fund has appointed a five-member Adjudication Committee, whose role will be to assess applications against Board-approved criteria using a 100-point scoring matrix and to make funding recommendations. Selected grantees will be ratified by the Fund’s Oversight and Advisory Board.

“Committee members were selected for their professional expertise, sector knowledge, and independence, with representation across race, gender, geography, language, and media type,” says Kunz. They bring a combined track record spanning journalism, digital innovation, media strategy, research, and public-interest communication.”

The inaugural committee members are:

  • Makhosazana ‘Khosi’ Zwane-Siguqa – Multi-award-winning journalist, editor and content strategist with 20 years’ experience in media.
  • Nomshado Lubisi – Media and technology communications strategist, currently leading Communications Strategy at Code for Africa.
  • Paul Crankshaw – Veteran journalist, publisher, and mentor to small media organisations.
  • Sisanda Nkoala – NRF-rated Associate Professor and award-winning researcher in linguistics and media studies.
  • Siphumelele Zondi – Media lecturer and former senior producer/presenter of technology news programmes on SABC.

Applications will be assessed on objectives, innovation and technology, feasibility, organisational capacity, audience engagement, diversity and inclusion impact, sustainability and revenue potential, and potential for sector-wide impact.

How to apply

Applications will be submitted through the Fund’s website. The application process is free, and no third party is authorised to charge a fee for applying. Guidelines and the application portal go live on 25 August.

For more information, visit: https://dntfund.org.za/

THE MDDA 2025 Grant Funding Opens For Applications

BMOA

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) has recently opened its call for Grant Funding Applications for 2025/2026 and BMOA members are encouraged to apply.

The Call for Applications will remain open for a 4-week period from 04 July – 05 August 2025 for community media projects, including radio, TV and print publications, as well as small commercial print.

The MDDA is a statutory development agency for promoting and ensuring media development and diversity, embedded in the country’s Constitution.

It is a partnership between the Government and major print and broadcasting companies to assist in, amongst others, developing community and small commercial media in South Africa

An online application system is available on the MDDA website, and applicants are also allowed to apply via email or delivery of hard copy. Applicants are, however, discouraged from submitting an application via more than one channel.

Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Shoeshoe Qhu, says the Agency’s grant funding process is a crucial step in supporting an accessible and sustainable community media sector.

“As a statutory entity, our mandate includes encouraging ownership and control of, and access to media by historically disadvantaged communities as well as by historically diminished indigenous language and cultural groups. We therefore encourage the sector, particularly media serving marginalised communities, to participate in this process.”

The qualifying criteria is listed on the MDDA website. Furthermore, the MDDA is hosting roadshows across the country to support the sector in submitting their applications and empower media leaders and communities with critical governance skills and training.

On Monday, 7 July 2025, the Agency will host a hybrid workshop in Cape Town to allow for participants who cannot attend the training physically to participate online. Similar workshops have already been hosted in North-West and Mpumalanga with the remainder of the country’s provinces to follow in July and August.

Participants will receive training and insights on critical areas such as leadership, ethics, media management, and governance—skills essential to the sustainability and impact of community media operations.

The public is also encouraged to review the schedule for trainings to be hosted by the Agency in July to participate in trainings and take advantage of these opportunities should they occur in their regions.

The criteria for the grant call includes, amongst others, ineligibility for unlicensed broadcasters as all broadcast applications must have an ICASA license.

Applicants also need to ensure they are eligible through:

  • Providing credible information
  • Demonstrable governance of a stable board for NPOs.
  • Proving complete information as required.
  • Applying for requirements as stated in the MDDA’s scope of funding.

Applications will close at midnight on 01 August 2025.

For more information and/or interviews, please contact: The MDDA Communications unit, e-mail: ayabulela@mdda.org.za / 073 756 8461 or
margaret@mdda.org.za / 082 785 6071

For more updates regarding MDDA related news and information, follow us on our website and social media platforms:
Facebook: MDDA
Twitter: @MDDA_Media
Instagram: @MDDA_Media
For media releases, speeches and news visit the MDDA portal at www.mdda.org.za.

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