The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) has officially launched its 2025/26 grant funding application process at a community media outreach workshop in Mahikeng, North West. The event was spearheaded by Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Hon. Kenny Morolong (MP), who emphasized the importance of inclusive media development in rural and underserved areas.
Hosted at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel from 2–4 June 2025, the three-day workshop brought together a wide range of community media stakeholders, including board members, station managers, and editors. The focus was on equipping participants with essential skills in governance, leadership, ethics, and media management, tools deemed vital for the long-term sustainability of community media.
A National Effort to Strengthen Community Media
The event also marked the start of the MDDA’s Pre-Grant Call Training, aimed at preparing eligible community and small commercial media entities for the upcoming funding cycle. The official call for applications will be open from 04 July to 01 August 2025.
Deputy Minister Morolong, delivering the keynote address, underscored the need to support innovation in historically marginalised areas.
“Let us reject the idea that innovation only happens in Sandton or Stellenbosch. Innovation belongs in the streets of Schweizer-Reneke, the schools of Lichtenburg, and the studios of Mmabatho,” he said.
Understanding the MDDA Grant Application Process
The MDDA provides grant funding to promote media diversity and support sustainability in community media. The 2025/26 funding cycle is no different, with specific eligibility requirements that applicants must meet. These include:
- Submission of complete and credible information.
- Proof of sound governance, particularly for Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), including the presence of a stable and active board.
- Compliance with the MDDA’s scope of funding as outlined in the official criteria.
- Accurate and clear financial and operational documentation.
Applicants will be allowed to submit their applications via three channels:
- Online – through the MDDA website.
- Email – using designated MDDA contacts.
- Hard copy delivery – to the MDDA offices.
To avoid confusion and processing delays, multiple submissions via different platforms are discouraged.
A list of qualifying provinces and other requirements will be made available on the MDDA website
Training Across All Provinces
This North West outreach is the first of a planned nationwide rollout of similar capacity-building workshops. The MDDA has announced its intention to conduct sessions in the remaining eight provinces, with dates to be released on the Agency’s official social media channels.
About the MDDA
Established through the MDDA Act No. 14 of 2002, the Media Development and Diversity Agency is a partnership between the South African Government and major print and broadcasting companies. Its mission is to ensure all citizens have access to a diverse range of media, particularly through the support and development of community and small commercial media projects.
Need More Information?
For application details, workshop updates, or interview requests, contact:
- Ayabulela at ayabulela@mdda.org.za / 073 756 8461
- Margaret at margaret@mdda.org.za / 082 785 6071
Follow MDDA on social media for updates:
- Facebook: MDDA
- Twitter / X: @MDDA_Media
- Instagram: @MDDA_Media
