South Africa – The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) has approved funding for 32 community media projects across the country as part of its 2025/26 grant cycle, allocating a total of R36.9 million to strengthen grassroots media.
The funding will support:
- 22 community radio projects
- 10 community print and digital media initiatives
These projects span all nine provinces, reinforcing the MDDA’s ongoing mission to promote media diversity and expand access to information in underserved communities.
Boosting Community Media and Inclusion
The approved projects align with the MDDA’s mandate to address historical inequalities in South Africa’s media landscape by supporting initiatives that amplify the voices of disadvantaged communities.
According to MDDA Board Chairperson Hlengani Mathebula, the funding aims to build a more inclusive and representative media sector.
“These initiatives emphasise indigenous language broadcasting and publishing, while ensuring that women, persons with disabilities, and rural and working-class communities are meaningfully represented in the media,” Mathebula said.
Competitive Application Process
The funding approvals follow a highly competitive process after the MDDA opened applications in July 2025.
- Total applications received: 197
- Broadcast applications: 79
- Print and digital applications: 118
All submissions were rigorously evaluated in line with the MDDA Act and National Treasury regulations to ensure transparency, compliance, and impact.
Capacity Building for Media Projects
To ensure sustainability and proper management of funds, the MDDA will host a Grantee Orientation Workshop in April 2026.
The workshop will provide training in:
- Financial management
- Project management
- Corporate governance
- Business operations
- Compliance requirements
This initiative forms part of the agency’s broader strategy to equip community media organisations with the tools needed to operate effectively and remain accountable.
Strengthening South Africa’s Media Landscape
The MDDA says the funding programme plays a critical role in:
- Promoting media diversity
- Supporting local storytelling
- Expanding access to information
- Strengthening democracy through community voices
By investing in grassroots media, the Media Development and Diversity Agency continues to support a more inclusive, representative, and sustainable media ecosystem.
