Tag: MDDA

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

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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. 

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.

Gauteng government builds solid relations with Community Media

BMOA

The MDDA is at the Gauteng Provincial Government’s engagement with Community media at the Anew Hotel in Parktown, Johannesburg on Friday, 22 November 2024.

The event is attended by the Gauteng Provincial Government’s representatives as well as the community media sector bodies such as SACRO, NCRF, AIP, Black Media Owners Association (BMOA), and Community Publishers Association.

In her opening, Ms Phumla Sekhonyane, Deputy Director General, lamented the false narrative that says that the government has not done anything for the past thirty years. She also confirmed that the community media sector is an important part of the government communication links, because they come from a developmental perspective, which is the best view.

Various issues were raised by community media owners and practitioners, including journalists and marketing personnel. Some of the grievances included: accuracy of information about community media statistics, the lack of communication and respect for community-based journalists by officials, and, lack of monitoring for community media in their administration and compliance.

Mr Vuyo Mhaga, Chief Director, Public Relations spoke on the provincial government’s priorities, which provides ample partnership opportunities for the community media sector.

Media Sustainability and Transformation In Need

Ms Shoeshoe Qhu, MDDA CEO introduced the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) as a media development agency that advocates for the growth of community media, she also presented highlights from the Community Media Sustainability Report.

In the report, about 7% of the community media in South Africa is deemed ‘Sustainable’.

The Research and Development of a Sustainability Model for Community and Small Commercial Media (CSCM), conducted by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), has shown that the majority of CSCM organisations – 74% – are partially sustainable.

The study highlighted that while they have access to some of the necessary skills, including resources and financial capacity to be self-sustainable, some CSCM are currently facing challenges, including a lack of financial resources, effective governance structures, an enabling environment and skills, being among the main challenges facing the media organisations.

According to the study which was launched in Johannesburg on Tuesday, a lack of finances was as a result of various factors including difficulty in attracting advertisers, which the study raised as a concern, given that most organisations within the CSMC sector rely on advertising revenue.

“It was found that private sector advertisers are reluctant to advertise with CSCM organisations due to the perception that the organisations are unstable and unprofessional, in addition to these organisations having limited audience reach which is seen to limit the potential exposure of the advertiser’s product to target audiences.

“The challenge in attracting advertisers also extended to government advertising, with representatives from CSCM organisations, as well as representatives from the MDDA, noting that local government appeared to be reluctant to advertise with CSCM platforms,” the study found.

Responding to the findings, MDDA Board Member, Hoosain Karjiekar, emphasised that governance was essential for community media to be sustainable, as it provides the structure and processes that ensure accountability, transparency and ethical management.

However, Karjiekar noted that many community media outlets are often operating with limited resources, struggle with governance due to skill gaps, unclear policies, or competing responsibilities.

Karjiekar emphasised the importance for community media sector bodies and leadership of the media institutions to commit to promoting strong governance practices and streamlining compliance requirements.

“Training for board members and community media leaders in ethical leadership, strategic decision-making, and resource management can go a long way. Strong governance not only improves operations but builds trust with the community, which is essential for long-term support.

“Many community media outlets are also constrained by complex compliance standards that can seem overwhelming. Regulatory frameworks must adapt to the realities of community media, acknowledging their smaller operational capacities while still promoting transparency. Simplified compliance pathways can help these organisations adhere to important standards without stifling their work,” Karjiekar said.

Enhancing revenue generation for financial sustainability

On financial sustainability, which was one of the biggest hurdles facing the community media, Karjiekar said that to fulfil their mission in the longterm CSCM need diversified revenue streams beyond traditional advertising, “which may not always be viable”.

“As the Community Media Sustainability Research Report proposes; community media must explore some of the strategies [including] building partnerships and community sponsorships, leveraging grant funding and crowdfunding, implementing membership programs, [and] hosting community events and workshops,” he said.

He reiterated that ensuring community media sustainability meant fortifying the communities, supporting democracy, and safeguarding voices that might otherwise go unheard.

“Through improved governance, adaptive compliance, and creative revenue strategies, community media can not only survive but thrive, continuing to champion the stories, struggles and successes of the communities they serve,” Karjiekar said.

The study launch coincided with the month that marks the anniversary of Black Wednesday on 19 October 1977, when the apartheid regime silenced critical voices for the marginalised by banning influential newspapers The World and Weekend World. 

Call for women ownership in media sector

BMOA

While government policies have enabled the participation of women in the media sector, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Director of Media Relations, Tshegofatso Modubu, has called for an in depth look at the ownership and control by women in the media space.

“In terms of shattering the glass ceiling with the 30 years of democracy, we are seeing women get into the operational space and a bit more into the managerial space. We need to think about ownership and control of media in terms of women,” Modubu said on Thursday.

She was speaking at a panel discussion themed “30 Years of Women Excellence in the Community Media Sector” hosted by the GCIS, together with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria.

The media and communications panel discussion event offered a wealth of insightful perspectives from industry experts. The diverse panel, comprising thought leaders from journalism, governance, public relations and digital media, delivered an engaging and informative discussion that tackled pressing topics such as the future of journalism, the impact of social media on communication, and the evolving role of media in shaping public discourse. 

Reflecting on the 30 Years of Women Excellence in Community Media Sector, Modubu noted that since 1994, freedom of expression has expanded. 

“We have done a lot as a country in terms of catching up on freedom of expression, on issues of plurality in the media sector and ensuring that the space is opened [up] to women.

“If you think about the era of apartheid when there was a lot of censorship, and certain voices were not allowed to speak, the media was slightly controlled because there were some newspapers that were aligned to the agenda of the regime.

“Since 1994, the media landscape has expanded, and it has been able to keep up with technological developments. We have a thriving convergent media. We see our media being challenged to move from print into the digital space because of the convergence.”

Modubu highlighted that through the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), government is providing support to for those who want to develop community and small commercial media.

Through interventions such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Preferential Procurement Policy, government is also promoting the participation of women in any sector of society. 

“We see women being in the forefront of journalism in this country. Growing up, we would see newsreaders, which was what was designated for them. We have seen women go into talk show hosting, we have seen women become political journalists and being at the forefront [of journalism].

“There is a strong move to get women into boards because that is where decisions are made. Media companies have boards and women are not participating in those spaces.

“The chief executive officers … women are not playing in that space. These are some of the things we need to think about while we celebrate the strides that have been made,” she explained.

In addition, Modubu welcomed the move by the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) to appoint Nwabisa Makunga as Chairperson of the forum.

Makunga is leading a team responsible for representing those who are responsible for telling stories and representing the aspirations and wishes of the population.

“We have women editors in print and broadcast media, SANEF has the second women occupying the position of chairperson. All of this has been enabled by the policies that government has put into place. 

“Our responsibility, as people who work in the space of policy making, is to ensure that those policies work, and they work for practitioners within the media space. There are challenges such as the cyberbullying of women, harassment and facilitated technological gender-based violence against women. 

“Those are the challenges that we have to think about and how we can create laws and policies to change that,” Modubu said.

Brand SA has set out its plans to reimagine the Play Your Part campaign.

BMOA

This according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was speaking during the Budget Vote of the Government Communication and Information System or GCIS on Friday (12 July 2024).

Brand SA, the country’s official marketing agency, has been allocated R186 million to carry out its work for the 2024/25 financial year.

According to the Minister, the Play your Part initiative aims to “inspire, empower and celebrate active citizenship”.

“It aims to lift the spirit of our nation by inspiring South Africans to contribute to positive change, become involved and start doing. It calls on South Africans to use some of their time, money, skills and goods to contribute to a better future for all of us,” she said.

Ntshavheni said the Media Development and Diversity Agency has made “significant strides in developing the community media sector to reflect the needs and aspirations of all South Africans”.

The entity has been allocated at least R38.5 million for the 2024/25 financial year.

“In its duty of providing funding and other support for the marginalised groups to enable them to start and sustain their own community media projects, it has supported over 586 small commercial media projects over the years despite its meagre budget.

“This includes 321 community radio and community television stations along with 185 community print projects such as community newspapers, magazines and small commercial print as well as digital platforms,” she said.

She emphasised the vital nature of the work of the MDDA.

“The work of the MDDA is important because community media serves to connect people with shared interests and concerns. It amplifies the unique stories and experiences within a community and promotes understanding amongst its members.

“In essence, community media acts as a catalyst for social cohesion, empowering individuals to actively engage in dialogue, bridge cultural gaps and collectively address challenges for the greater good of society,” she said. 

MDDA calls for community media grant applications

BMOA

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) recently made a call encouraging community media projects with valid class broadcast service licenses, including radio, TV, and community print publications, as well as small commercial print, to apply for the 2024/25 grant funding.

The application window officially opened on 31 May 2024 and will close on 28 June 2024.

The MDDA said community media projects of all sizes are encouraged to apply.

“The MDDA aims to encourage media ownership, access and control to media, particularly by historically disadvantaged communities and diminished indigenous languages and cultural groups,” it said.

For print and digital publications, this year’s grant funding application call is focusing on Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State and the Western Cape.

For more updates regarding MDDA-related news and information, go to @MDDA_Media or WhatsApp 0635094934.

MDDA opens the call for grant funding applications 2023/24

BMOA

Closing date is on 17 July 2023, apply online or submit physically

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) will officially open the 2023/24 Call for Grant Funding Applications for a six-week period commencing from 05 June 2023.

Community broadcast media projects, including radio, TV, and community print publications, as well as small commercial print are invited to apply.

This year, the MDDA is celebrating twenty years of fulfilling its mandate by providing grant funding and other support, with the aim to encourage media ownership, access and control to media particularly by historically disadvantaged communities and diminished Indigenous language and cultural groups.

The agency will be introducing a few changes to this call for applications for both community print and community broadcast applications.

Grant Funding remains one of the core functions of the MDDA and is also one of the central factors towards ensuring successful empowerment, sustainability, and transformation of the community media sector. The application process will be conducted through compliant, cost-effective, and transparent selection procedures, in-line with corporate governance principles and compliance with the Agency’s legislative framework.

Community print applications: Due to the minimal budget for community print, the call to community projects will take a targeted approach and invite applications from four provinces.

“The MDDA will rotate the provinces every year after this call. All applications will be received on the MDDA’s online application system found on the MDDA website. The call is targeting organizations owned or focusing on youth, women and persons with disabilities related content. This year, the call is not accepting digital media applications under the print portfolio as it will be targeting communities which rely on hardcopy publications and publish in indigenous languages to assist further the mandate of media development and diversity in rural communities,” the agency stated.

Community Broadcast applications will still target all nine provinces.

How to submit your application

Applications will only be accepted via the following channels: emailed or physically delivered to the MDDA offices in Auckland Park (Gate 13, 26 Canary Road, Auckland Park, SABC GSM Building.)

The qualifying criteria is obtainable on the MDDA website, www.mdda.org.za.

For more information on the grant applications call, contact Mzu Kashe on the following e-mail: margaret@mdda.org.za / 082 785 6071.

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