Tag: opportunities

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.

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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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. 

Entries open for the 2024 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards

BMOA

Anticipation levels in newsrooms across the country will rise as the opening date for entries into this year’s Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards (VJOY) has been announced as July 10.

Entrants can choose from 12 categories to enter their work, from 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.

“As we commemorate 30 years of democracy in South Africa, we are reminded of the importance of media as the fourth estate that is crucial to our democracy. Ethical, independent and critical journalism holds those in power accountable and brings transparency to affairs that matter. Coinciding with 30 years of democracy, Vodacom South Africa celebrates 30 years of connecting South Africans and we are proud to be continuing our legacy of honouring excellence in journalism across a range of categories, recognising some of South Africa’s finest reporters and most newsworthy stories. Support for journalism remains paramount as the sustainability of journalism creates well-informed and connected societies,”

said Takalani Netshitenzhe, Director for External Affairs at Vodacom South Africa.

The judging panel for this year’s awards will once again be led by convener Mapi Mhlangu, who will guide her fellow judges as they debate the nuances of entries to decide which is the best. From 3 – 5 July, Mhlangu will host two daily virtual media roadshows to inform interested entrants about the rules of the competition, and entry mechanisms.

“Despite the significant strides made, the journalism sector faces numerous challenges today. These challenges demand a steadfast commitment to upholding ethical standards, reporting with integrity, and navigating the complexities of our time. As we imagine the next decade, there is no room for failure in sound journalistic storytelling. The future of our country relies on the dedication of journalists to uncover the truth, spark conversations, and drive positive change. I encourage all journalists to submit their best works to the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards and be part of celebrating what has been achieved in the past 30 years”, said Mapi Mahlangu.

Journalists must enter their best work produced between 01 August 2023 and 31 July 2024, at www.journalist.vodacom.co.za.

Entries open on 10 July and close midnight on 24 July, no late entries will be accepted.

Finalists chosen from the five regions will compete at the national finals that will be held on 31 October: 

  • 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. 

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.

Invitation to SA Press Code Training

BMOA

The Press Council is hosting workshops on the South African Press Code on request.

If you would like to join the training sessions (booked by BMOA monthly from April) on the Press Code with your journalists, and yourselves, please send an email to Stephen our Exec. Director on admin@bmoa.co.za by no later than 29 March 2024 at 11:00 AM.

As media owners, having the Press Code at your disposal is paramount to ensure your content is accurate, balanced and fair towards your audiences and subjects.

This regulation is how all media, print/broadcast/digital is regulated in South Africa.

The workshop can be either virtual or in person and will be conducted by either the Press Ombud or one of the Deputy Press Ombuds. It should not last longer than 2 hours.

For your convenience, the Press Code is now available online in seven of South Africa’s official languages: English, Afrikaans, Tshivenda, Tsonga, Sepedi, isiXhosa, isiZulu.

Please visit the Press Council website for more information. #BMOA #BlackMedia #MediaTransformation #BlackMediaMatters