MDDA - Media Development & Diversity Agency

14/08/2025

*COMMUNITY IN TSHWANE RALLIES BEHIND BELOVED COMMUNITY RADIO STATIONS*

On Friday, 08 August 2025, the community of Tshwane turned out in numbers to celebrate the unveiling of new studios at Tshwane FM and TUT FM, located at Tshwane University of Technology’s Soshanguve and Pretoria West campuses.

The occasion was officiated by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Hon. Kenny Morolong, alongside MDDA Board member, Mr. Philly Moilwa. TUT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Tinyiko Maluleke, delivered an inspiring message to students, performing artists, and community members gathered for the event.

The programme, expertly guided by Muthuhadini Maboho and Mr. Obakeng Mooketsi, featured vibrant performances from the TUT Band, poet Aysha, Imacsoul and violinist Jackey Masekela amongst others. The strong community presence underscored the vital role stations like TUT FM and Tshwane FM play in shaping local identity, giving voice to diverse perspectives, and fostering pride among their listeners.

13/08/2025

MDDA Board Member emphasises significance of much-needed boost from the MDDA

Did you know? TUT FM is a campus radio station based in the Tshwane University of Technology's Soshanguve South Campus targeting the youth demographic specifically students and young adults aged 15 - 35 in the communities north of Tshwane district. On the other hand, Tshwane FM is also a campus-based community radio station based in the Pretoria West campus of Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria West informing, educating and entertaining their audiences about issues, events and matters concerning them.

Two studios were unveiled at the campuses by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency Hon. Kenny Morolong and the MDDA Board on Friday, 08 August 2025.

Board Member, Mr Philly Moilwa, who gave a message at the unveiling said, "The studio upgrades being unveiled today form part of the MDDA’s broader commitment to strengthening community media through infrastructure investment and digital innovation. In an era of rapid technological change, such investments are critical in ensuring that community media remains relevant, competitive, and responsive to the needs of local audiences."

13/08/2025

The MDDA is pleased to share the agency's audit outcome for the 2024/25 financial year.

12/08/2025

MDDA and Presidency Unveil Digital Studios at Tshwane FM and TUT FM

On Friday, 08 August 2025, the MDDA marked a milestone in South Africa’s community and campus broadcasting sector as the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr Kenny Morolong, together with MDDA Board representative, Mr Philly Moilwa, officially unveiled the state-of-the-art digital studios of Tshwane FM and TUT FM in Pretoria, Gauteng.

In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Morolong emphasised the transformative impact of these facilities, saying they will empower the community of Tshwane with information that can help improve their lives.

TUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, delivered an inspiring reflection on the origins of black radio in South Africa, paying tribute to trailblazers such as K.E. Masinga, Ms Lindiwe Ntuli and Ms Winny Mahlangu. He reminded the audience that the story of campus radio in shaping the South African narrative is still being written.

The event also highlighted women’s contributions to the media sector, fittingly during Women’s Month. Among those representing this progress were TUT Spokesperson Ms Phaphama Tshisikawe, and TUT FM Station Manager Ms Kedibone Mahapa.

MDDA Board member, Mr Moilwa, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting community media, stating:

“Our vision is clear: to nurture a thriving and diverse media ecosystem that informs, educates, and reflects the voices of all South Africans – particularly the marginalised and excluded.”

This week, we will revisit moments from the celebrations. Follow our pages for more updates.

11/08/2025

*DISCUSSING THE ROLE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN IN COMMUNITY MEDIA THIS WOMEN'S MONTH*

Tonight at 21:30, CEO of the MDDA, Ms. Shoeshoe Qhu, will be in conversation on Kaya FM's Point of View with Phemelo Motene to discuss the critical role of women and their vast contributions to the community media sector.

The conversation will also touch on the role of the MDDA in supporting women in the sector and those who wish to participate in it.

Listen to the live interview tonight on 95.9 FM or on all streaming platforms.

11/08/2025

INVITE: Durban Validation Workshop on Preliminary Findings of online bullying of female journalists

The Media Development and Diversity Agency together with Partnerships for Prevention of Gender-based-violence in Southern Africa and the German Cooperstion (GIZ) invite you to a validation workshop on Monday, 10 August 2025 in Durban at Radisson Blu Umhlanga, to present and gather inputs on the draft findings of Safeguarding Female Journalists Against Online Harms Research.

This session aims to bring relevant stakeholders together to also strengthen advocacy and leading expert views on the research while also working together towards accountability through a Draft Statement of Commitment.

The session will also be livestreamed on the MDDA's page. For more details contact [email protected]

10/08/2025

*INVITE: Durban Validation Workshop on Preliminary Findings of online bullying of female journalists*

The Media Development and Diversity Agency together with Partnerships for Prevention of Gender-based-violence in Southern Africa and the German Cooperstion (GIZ) invite you to a validation workshop on Monday, 10 August 2025 in Durban at Radisson Blu Umhlanga, to present and gather inputs on the draft findings of Safeguarding Female Journalists Against Online Harms Research.

This session aims to bring relevant stakeholders together to also strengthen advocacy and leading expert views on the research while also working together towards accountability through a Draft Statement of Commitment.

The session will also be livestreamed on the MDDA's page. For more details contact [email protected]

09/08/2025

In celebrating Women’s Day, the MDDA recognises the pivotal role women play in driving transformation, amplifying diverse voices, and shaping the narrative in the media sector.

The agency remains committed to empowering women in community and small commercial media by supporting initiatives that advance gender equality, skills development, and leadership opportunities.

08/08/2025

06/08/2025

Deputy Minister and MDDA Board to Unveil Fully Digitised Studios at Tshwane Campus Radio Stations

On Friday, 8 August 2025, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board, led by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr Kenny Morolong (MP), will officially unveil state-of-the-art, fully digitised broadcast studios at two campus-based community radio stations: TUT FM 96.2 and Tshwane FM.

These upgrades form part of the MDDA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community media through infrastructure investment and technological enhancement.

TUT FM 96.2 is located at the Soshanguve South Campus of Tshwane University of Technology. The station reaches a listenership of 61,000 within a 50km broadcast radius and targets youth between the ages of 15 and 35. It broadcasts in six languages: English, Setswana, Sepedi, isiZulu, Tshivenda and Xitsonga.

Tshwane FM, also affiliated with Tshwane University of Technology, serves as its official student radio station. Broadcasting on the 93.6 FM frequency, it covers a 50km radius that includes Greater Tshwane, Atteridgeville, Laudium, Mamelodi, Centurion, Midrand, and parts of northern Johannesburg.

The digitisation of these studios will enhance the stations' production quality and capacity to serve their communities with relevant, multilingual content while also providing media students with cutting-edge broadcasting facilities.

For inquiries contact: [email protected]

#

05/08/2025

*Panellists weigh in on Findings of Study on Female Journalists and Online Bullying*

As part of unpacking the results from the research on Technologically Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)/Online Gender-Based Violence (OGBV) at the validation workshop, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and its partners also convened a Roundtable discussion during its validation workshop held in Johannesburg on 04 August 2025.

The panel included Ms Nomshado Lubisi Nkosinkulu, Communications Strategy Programme Manager at Code for Africa, and Prof Mandla J. Radebe, Associate Professor in the Department of Strategic Communication and Director of the Centre for Data and Digital Communications at the School of Communication at the University of Johannesburg.

Following powerful testimonies from journalists who had experienced online harassment and cyberbullying, the panellists reflected on the current state of digital safety in the media sector. Ms Lubisi emphasised that social media platforms often amplify abuse, with harmful content being reshared repeatedly, further entrenching the harassment.

Prof Radebe highlighted critical gaps in the support systems within media houses, stressing the urgency of introducing legislative and institutional tools to empower journalists and called for proactive measures to help affected individuals seek redress and develop sustainable solutions.

Watch the video below for more: