MDDA - Media Development & Diversity Agency

10/11/2025

A Beacon of Hope in Pixley ka Seme!

On Friday, 07, November 2025 - the MDDA, led by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr Kenny Morolong (MP), and the MDDA Board member, Mr Qondile Khedama, joined the community of De Aar, Northern Cape, to officially unveil Ulwazi FM’s new digital studios — made possible through MDDA’s grant funding support.

Rooted in the historic heart of Pixley ka Seme, Ulwazi FM stands as more than just a radio station — it is the lifeline and voice of the community, echoing the dreams and aspirations of the people of De Aar and beyond.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr. Kenny Morolong, encouraged young people to seize opportunities with discipline, ethics, and unity, while community leaders celebrated Ulwazi FM as a platform that connects generations, empowers youth, and amplifies local businesses.

In his speech, Mr Khedama emphasised that with the MDDA’s continued financial and non-financial support, the voice of Pixley ka Seme will continue to resonate across South Africa — inspiring, informing, and uplifting future generations.

07/11/2025

Today, Friday 07 November 2025, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr Kenny Morolong, (MP), accompanied by the MDDA Board member, Mr Qondile Khedama, Ward 3 councillor, Cllr. Mzingisi Mvenya, of
Nonzwakazi township in De Aar, Northern Cape and Chairperson of the Ulwazi FM Board, Ms Vuyelwa Jonas Somathambo, unveiled brand new digital studios for Ulwazi FM.

Amongst the guests at the event were the community and listeners of Ulwazi FM, as well as the members of the Northern Cape branch of the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF).

In his address the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Hon. Kenny Morolong, said this event was more than just a studio handover, but a platform for the community of Nonzwakazi township and De Aar to make their voices heard, and tell their own stories in their own languages.

The digitised studios which have now been officially unveiled will contribute to ensuring that local voices in the Northern Cape continue to benefit from a thriving community media sector in the region.

05/11/2025

On Friday, 07 November 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 Ulwazi FM, in De Aar, Northern Cape.

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

Ulwazi FM is a vibrant community radio station broadcasting on 88.9 FM from Pixley ka Seme District Municipality in the Northern Cape Province. It serves a diverse audience with multilingual programming in English, Xhosa, and Afrikaans, reflecting the cultural richness of the region. The station features a mix of African gospel, Kwaito music, and Christian content, while also promoting local voices through community-focused shows. As a vital part of the local media landscape, Ulwazi FM connects people across language and cultural lines.

The digitisation of these studios will enhance the station’s production quality and capacity to serve their communities with relevant, multilingual content while also providing media students with cutting-edge broadcasting facilities. Look out for more updates on this momentous occasion.

For enquiries contact: [email protected]

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04/11/2025

New on YouTube!

On Monday, 20 October 2025, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), officially launched the Statement of Commitment and Call to Action on Safeguarding Journalists Against Online Harms.

The first panel discussion featuring acclaimed journalists Qaanitah Hunter, Marcia Moyana, and Jillian Green unpacked the harsh realities of digital abuse, its impact on mental health, and the urgent need for collective action to protect journalists, especially women in community media.

With 73% of women journalists globally and 49% locally reporting online harassment, this dialogue underscores that online abuse is not just a threat, it is a silencing tool that weakens press freedom.

Watch the full discussion and join the movement to create safer digital spaces for journalists.

New on YouTube!On Monday, 20 October 2025, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für International...

04/11/2025

As South Africa prepares to mark the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, we are reminded that violence is not confined to physical spaces.

It has evolved; finding new life in digital environments where women journalists, in particular, face an unrelenting wave of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV).

Some insights from the recently launched research conducted by the MDDA on behalf of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The research on the safety of journalists exposes the depth of this crisis.

Nearly half (49%) of women journalists in South Africa have faced online abuse, ranging from sexist slurs and death threats to coordinated disinformation campaigns designed to silence their voices. This is not just cyberbullying, but it is a sustained assault on freedom of expression, media diversity, and democracy itself.

You can support this campaign by signing the Statement of Commitment and Call to Action online(hyperlink). The Statement of Commitment and Call to Action are key documents that are a step to ensuring that media houses have systems in place and that government and relevant stakeholders take this matter seriously.

23/10/2025

At the official launch of the groundbreaking research findings on online harms facing media practitioners — followed by the signing of a joint Statement of Commitment — one clear message echoed throughout: South Africa needs a societal mindset shift in addressing cyberbullying and online violence against journalists.

At the event the following representatives of media houses and state agencies led the way in signing the Statement of Commitment; Daily Maverick, SANEF, Film and Publication Board (FpB), National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), Commission of Gender Equality (CGE), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), Black Media Owners Association (BMOA).

The research highlights that tackling Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) requires a united commitment from media practitioners, media houses, big tech companies, and government departments. Panellists and media experts agreed — TFGBV is not just an attack on individuals, but an attack on our Constitution and democracy.

The Statement of Commitment and Call to Action mark an important step toward ensuring media institutions have protective systems in place, and that government and key stakeholders take this urgent issue seriously.

21/10/2025

On 20 October 2025, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) in partnership with German Cooperation (GIZ) launched a Statement of Commitment, a bold step in demonstrating intent by media houses, partners and government entities to protect female and q***r journalists against abuse online.

In an interview with the , Research Lead at the MDDA, Mischa Lewis said, "Policies are not trickling down to those on the ground where they need the protections, whether it be from a regulatory side or or more in-house media."

This milestone marks a united front in protecting journalists and fostering safer digital spaces for press freedom and accountability.

Watch the interview below which also features Managing Editor , Jillian Green and journalist, Qaanitah Hunter.

20/10/2025

The MDDA and GIZ officially launched groundbreaking research findings on online harms facing media practitioners, followed by the signing of a joint Statement of Commitment. This milestone marks a united front in protecting journalists and fostering safer digital spaces for press freedom and accountability.

The media houses that signed the statement of commitment are; Daily Maverick, and the following sector bodies with the media space: Black Media Owners Organisation(BMOA), National Broadcasters Association (NAB), Sanef, Commission of gender Equality (CGE), Media Monitoring Africa (MMA), Film and Publication Board (FpB).

In their deliberations, the two panellists agreed that greater transformation needs to take place around the protection of journalists and media practitioners, accompanied by stronger regulatory and policy reforms.

20/10/2025

online

20/10/2025

Safeguarding Journalists Against Online Harms

20/10/2025

Join the MDDA and GIZ at the official launch of the Statement of Commitment and Call to Action on Safeguarding Journalists Against Online Harms!
As part of the launch, two expert panels will reflect on the research findings and pledge their commitment to protecting journalists from online abuse and harassment.
Panel 1:
• Dr Mashilo Boloka – CEO of a South African startup focused on online trust and safety.
• Dr Natisha Dukhi – Senior Research Specialist, HSRC (Human and Social Capabilities Division).
• Adv. Makhosazana Lindhorst – Acting CEO, Film and Publication Board (FPB).
Panel 2:
• Ms Marcia Moyana – Award-winning freelance journalist specialising in health, science, and environmental reporting.
• Ms Qaanitah Hunter – Award-winning political journalist, editor, and best-selling author.
• Ms Jillian Green – Editor-in-Chief, Daily Maverick.
Together, these thought leaders will unpack the realities of online harms targeting journalists and discuss collective action to safeguard media freedom and journalist safety in South Africa.
Date: 20 October 2025
Time: 10h00 - 14h00
Venue: The Capital on Empire, Sandton

19/10/2025

Join the MDDA and GIZ at the official launch of the Statement of Commitment and Call to Action on Safeguarding Journalists Against Online Harms!

As part of the launch, two expert panels will reflect on the research findings and pledge their commitment to protecting journalists from online abuse and harassment.
Panel 1:
• Dr Mashilo Boloka – CEO of a South African startup focused on online trust and safety.
• Dr Natisha Dukhi – Senior Research Specialist, HSRC (Human and Social Capabilities Division).
• Adv. Makhosazana Lindhorst – Acting CEO, Film and Publication Board (FPB).
Panel 2:
• Ms Marcia Moyana – Award-winning freelance journalist specialising in health, science, and environmental reporting.
• Ms Qaanitah Hunter – Award-winning political journalist, editor, and best-selling author.
• Ms Jillian Green – Editor-in-Chief, Daily Maverick.

Together, these thought leaders will unpack the realities of online harms targeting journalists and discuss collective action to safeguard media freedom and journalist safety in South Africa.

Date: 20 October 2025
Time: 10h00 - 14h00
Venue: The Capital on Empire, Sandton