MDDA - Media Development & Diversity Agency

MDDA - Media Development & Diversity Agency The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) is a statutory development agency for promoting and ensuring media development and diversity.

On the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women's March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, we honour the courageous ...
09/08/2026

On the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women's March to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, we honour the courageous women who played a vital role in the fight against injustice and inequality. Their bravery and determination continues to pave the way for a more inclusive South Africa inspiring generations of women to lead, serve and create positive change within their communities.

As the MDDA, we also celebrate the remarkable women who play a significant role in the growth and development of the media sector as a key sector in the advancement of our democracy.

Women continue to play a vital role as leaders, innovators, storytellers, and changemakers, ensuring that voices from all communities across our country are heard and represented.

This National Women's Day and beyond, let us continue to champion equality, empower women in leadership, and create opportunities for future generations to thrive and succeed.

Today, Friday, 7 August 2026, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), led by the Deputy Minister in the Presi...
07/08/2026

Today, Friday, 7 August 2026, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), led by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Honourable Kenny Morolong, officially unveiled Star FM 102.9’s state-of-the-art digital studios in Klerksdorp, City of Matlosana, North West.

Star FM has become a beacon of hope and a trusted voice for communities across the Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Ngaka Modiri Molema, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Bojanala Platinum district municipalities. Its broadcast footprint also extends to the Fezile Dabi and Lejweleputswa districts in the Free State, as well as the West Rand District Municipality and Region D of Johannesburg in Gauteng.

Through relevant, locally produced programming, the station amplifies community voices, encourages active citizen participation and ensures access to information that reflects the needs, aspirations and developmental priorities of its listeners.

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister Morolong highlighted the important role of community broadcasting in strengthening dialogue, inclusion and cultural identity.

“Stations such as Star FM provide platforms through which dialogue between government and communities can be amplified. The diversity of Star FM’s broadcast languages is one of its greatest strengths. The station preserves cultural identities and ensures that the voices of women are amplified, especially as we commemorate the historic Women’s March of 1956,” said Deputy Minister Morolong.

Star FM Chairperson Ms Ouma Lydia Seobi reflected on the station’s remarkable 22-year journey. She recalled the petition signed by residents of surrounding communities, including Jouberton, in support of the station’s broadcasting licence. From its humble beginnings in a garage and later operating from a small space at Jouberton Hospital, Star FM has grown into an established community broadcaster with premises of its own in Klerksdorp.

MDDA Board Chairperson Mr Philly Moilwa congratulated Star FM’s Board, management, employees, volunteers and listeners on this significant milestone. He also expressed the Agency’s appreciation to Deputy Minister Morolong, the local and district municipalities, and all stakeholders whose support has contributed to the station’s continued growth and development.

The new digital studios mark the beginning of an exciting chapter for Star FM—strengthening its capacity to produce quality content, broaden community participation and continue serving as a powerful platform for local voices.

Presidency FM

On Friday, 7 August 2026, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board, led by the Deputy Minister in the Pre...
06/08/2026

On Friday, 7 August 2026, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board, led by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, the Honourable Mr Kenny Morolong (MP), will officially hand over a newly digitised broadcast studio to Star FM in Klerksdorp, Northwest Province.

This milestone forms part of the MDDA's ongoing commitment to strengthening community media through infrastructure development and improved access to modern broadcasting technology. The studio handover represents a significant investment in ensuring that community media platforms continue to provide quality, accessible and reliable information to the communities they serve.

Star FM, a community radio station serving Klerksdorp and surrounding communities in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Northwest Province, provides a vital platform for local news, information, education, entertainment and community engagement.

The upgraded studio will enhance the station's broadcasting and production capabilities, improve the quality of its content, and create a more efficient environment for presenters, volunteers and producers. Through this upgrade, the station will be better positioned to amplify local voices, promote community participation and respond to the information needs of its listeners.

The digitisation of the Star FM studio demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to strengthen media diversity and support sustainable community broadcasting.

Join us as we celebrate another important step towards strengthening community media and expanding access to quality information for all.

For enquiries contact: [email protected]

01/08/2026

The MDDA Chief Executive Officer, Ms Shoeshoe Qhu, has encouraged community media organisations to be intentional in building sustainable and resilient operations.

Speaking at ICORA FM, as the station celebrated its new state-of-the-art digital studios, funded by the MDDA, Ms Qhu emphasised that modern infrastructure must be supported by sound governance, innovative revenue strategies and meaningful community engagement.

The new studios mark an exciting chapter for ICORA FM and strengthen its ability to inform, educate and entertain the communities it serves.

🎥 Video courtesy of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

Today, 31 July 2026, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) in partnership with ICORA FM in Mpangeni KwaZulu-...
31/07/2026

Today, 31 July 2026, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) in partnership with ICORA FM in Mpangeni KwaZulu-Natal celebrated developments in digital transformation in the community broadcasting sector under the theme: Lessons and highlights from ICORA's 10-year digital evolution whilst serving rural communities.

The event brought together, the station's key stakeholders including members of its board, funders and ambassadors who have supported the station in achieving 10 years of ongoing operations. This was a feat for ICORA which was founded in 2001 but faced interruptions which resulted in a discontinuation of its services. However, since 2016, the station has been in operation offering services and extending its reach across King Cetshwayo, Zululand, uMkhanyakude, iLembe and uMzinyathi District Municipalities, and as far as the Durban metropolitan area.

MDDA Board Member, Ms Jayshree Pather congratulated the station saying, "There is an important lesson here for the entire community media sector. Sustainability should never be taken for granted. Community broadcasters operate in an increasingly complex environment, where financial pressures, governance challenges, technological change and operational constraints can threaten even the most established institutions."

The occasion also shone a spotlight on the station's digital evolution through its online application where it now also offers it broadcast services. "By expanding beyond traditional FM broadcasting and embracing digital platforms, the station has extended its reach to audiences who increasingly consume news and information online.

This evolution enables ICORA FM to remain connected not only with local listeners, but also with young people, working professionals and members of the community living elsewhere who still seek to stay informed about developments back home. It is a reminder that digital transformation is not about replacing community radio's core identity but about strengthening its ability to inform, engage and remain relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape," says Pather.

We congratulate ICORA FM on achieving this milestone.

As South Africa marks the beginning of National Women’s Month, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) is prou...
31/07/2026

As South Africa marks the beginning of National Women’s Month, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Ms Shoeshoe Qhu, will be among the distinguished speakers at the Black Management Forum (BMF) Johannesburg Branch’s National Women’s Month Dialogue.

Taking place on Saturday, 1 August 2026, in Midrand, Gauteng, the dialogue will be held under the theme: “Breaking Barriers, Building Futures.”

The engagement comes at an opportune time as South Africa approaches the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March. It will provide an important platform to reflect on the progress made by South African women, while engaging openly and constructively on the barriers that continue to limit their advancement.

“I look forward to contributing to this important conversation and learning alongside an inspiring group of women and leaders as we explore workplace success, entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, health and wellness,” said Ms Qhu.

MIDNIGHT DEADLINE ALERT! The Media Development and Diversity Agency’s (MDDA) 2026/27 Call for Grant Funding Applications...
31/07/2026

MIDNIGHT DEADLINE ALERT!
The Media Development and Diversity Agency’s (MDDA) 2026/27 Call for Grant Funding Applications closes today, Friday, 31 July 2026, at midnight.
If you are applying for funding for a community broadcast, print or digital media project, this is your final opportunity to submit.

Before submitting, make sure that:
 Your application form is complete
 All required supporting documents are attached
 The information provided is accurate
 Your application meets all compliance requirements
 You submit before midnight

Use the MDDA’s step-by-step guide to review the application process and confirm that you have included all the required documentation.

Submit your application through the relevant channel:
• Community broadcast applications: [email protected]
• Print and digital applications: mdda.devman.co.za/bursary/portal

Do not miss the deadline. Complete your final checks and submit your application with confidence today!

On Friday, 31 July 2026, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board, led by the Deputy Minister in the Pres...
30/07/2026

On Friday, 31 July 2026, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board, led by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, the Honourable Mr Kenny Morolong (MP), will officially hand over a newly digitised broadcast studio to Icora FM in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal.

This milestone forms part of the MDDA's ongoing commitment to strengthening community media through infrastructure development and improved access to modern broadcasting technology. The studio handover represents a significant investment in ensuring that community media platforms continue to provide quality, accessible and reliable information to the communities they serve.

Icora FM, a community radio station serving Empangeni and surrounding communities, provides a vital platform for local news, information, education, entertainment and community engagement. The upgraded studio will enhance the station's broadcasting and production capabilities, improve the quality of its content, and create a more efficient environment for presenters, volunteers and producers.

Through this upgrade, the station will be better positioned to amplify local voices, promote community participation and respond to the information needs of its listeners.

The digitisation of the Icora FM studio demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to strengthen media diversity and support sustainable community broadcasting.

Join us as we celebrate another important step towards strengthening community media and expanding access to quality information for all.

For enquiries contact: [email protected]

Community Print Funding Applications Final Week Alert!The countdown is on! The MDDA 2026 Community Print and Digital Med...
27/07/2026

Community Print Funding Applications Final Week Alert!

The countdown is on! The MDDA 2026 Community Print and Digital Media Grant Funding Call closes on 31 July 2026, leaving just one week for applicants to finalise and submit their funding applications.

Go through Community Print and Digital Media Grant Funding application steps.
Check your supporting documents.
Submit your application via the online portal before the deadline on 31 July.

Every detail counts. Take the time to review your application and submit it with confidence before 31 July 2026

Grant Funding Applications Final Week Alert!The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) 2026/27 Call for Grant Fun...
27/07/2026

Grant Funding Applications Final Week Alert!

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) 2026/27 Call for Grant Funding Applications is in its last week.

If you're applying for Broadcast Funding, now is the time to make sure your application is complete and compliant. Our step-by-step guide will help you understand the application process and ensure you have all the required documents before submitting.

Go through the broadcast funding application steps.
Check your supporting documents.
Submit your application before the deadline on 31 July via [[email protected]]

Don't wait until the last minute, review your application today and submit with confidence!



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SABC Auckland Park Campus, GSM Building, 26 Canary Road
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