A reminder to join the MDDA Community Media Excellence Programme! The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) invites community media practitioners, aspiring broadcasters, volunteers, interns, publishers, and content creators to participate in a three-day online Community Media Excellence Programme from 08–10 June 2026, running daily from 09h00 to 15h00 (log in from 08h30). This interactive training programme will focus on: • Content Creation • Audience Engagement, and • Measuring Media Impact To register, click on the link below: lnkd.in/d-AVaDMn... #MDDA #CommunityMediaExcellence #CommunityMedia #MediaDevelopment #ContentCreation #AudienceEngagement #MediaImpact #SkillsDevelopment #CommunityBroadcasting #MediaTraining

Today, Thursday, 04 June 2026, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) joined the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) at the Vuk Talks Seminar held at the Sebokeng Campus of SEDIBENG TVET College in Gauteng. The seminar forms part of GCIS’s youth empowerment programme under the Vuk’uzenzele digital newspaper brand, creating a platform for meaningful engagement between government, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and young people on issues of career development, entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development, and economic participation. Representing the MDDA on the panel of speakers was Mr Ayabulela Poro, Manager: Communications and Stakeholder Relations, who shared insights on the role of community and grassroots media in advancing youth development, access to information, and media diversity in South Africa. The MDDA also participated in the exhibition component of the event, providing students and attendees with information about the Agency’s mandate and the opportunities available within the community media sector. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, MDDA-funded community radio station VUT FM broadcast live from the event, engaging directly with participants and amplifying the discussions taking place. The seminar brought together a distinguished group of speakers from various sectors, including the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), SA Youth, SEDA, WRSETA, Proudly South African, and other industry stakeholders, all committed to empowering young people through information, skills development, and entrepreneurship opportunities. The MDDA was honoured to be part of this impactful initiative and remains committed to supporting platforms that inspire, inform, and empower young South Africans to actively participate in the country's social and economic development. #MDDA #VukTalks #YouthEmpowerment #MediaDevelopment #CommunityMedia #Vukuzenzele #GCIS #SkillsDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #YouthDevelopment

Community Media shines at the Budget Vote 2026 bizcommunity.com/article/com… | @MddaMedia #BizPressOffice via @Biz_Marketing

Community Media shines at the Budget Vote 2026 bizcommunity.com/article/com… | @MddaMedia #BizPressOffice via @Biz_Marketing

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), in partnership with the Electoral Commission (IEC), Africa Check, Moxxi Africa, Sanef and SALGA, successfully hosted the eighth leg of the Media in Elections training workshop for community media practitioners on Tuesday, 02 June 2026, at the Breakwater Lodge Hotel in Cape Town, Western Cape. The workshop forms part of a nationwide capacity-building programme aimed at equipping journalists and media practitioners with the knowledge and tools required to report accurately, ethically, and responsibly ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections. Representing the Western Cape Provincial Electoral Office, Mr Michael Hendricks of the Electoral Commission presented an overview of the province's readiness for the Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. His presentation highlighted key areas including election planning, voter registration, stakeholder engagement, staff recruitment, electoral processes, logistical preparations, and voter education initiatives. He also outlined challenges such as voter disillusionment, service delivery concerns, violent crime, disinformation, and political disputes, while sharing measures being implemented to safeguard a free, fair, and credible electoral process. Ms Ester Levinrad from Africa Check emphasised the critical role of fact-checking during election periods. She introduced participants to practical tools and techniques for verifying information, combating misinformation and disinformation, and strengthening public trust through accurate and credible reporting. Mr Ntsako Manganye and Ms Lister Rikhotso from Moxxi Africa unpacked the importance of understanding media narratives and their influence on public opinion. Their session encouraged journalists to conduct thorough research, verify information rigorously, and uphold the highest ethical standards. Participants were also introduced to tools for identifying, monitoring, and reporting online harm while promoting responsible journalism. Mr Michael Chauke from SALGA provided valuable insights into the role of local government in service delivery and community development. His presentation explored municipal budgeting processes, the relationship between the three spheres of government, and ongoing interventions to improve essential services such as water and electricity. He also reflected on the achievements and challenges municipalities face in fulfilling their developmental mandate. The workshop concluded with a presentation by Ms Athandiwe Saba, who highlighted international legal frameworks that support democratic participation, freedom of expression, and access to information. She underscored the media's vital responsibility in ensuring citizens have access to accurate and reliable information, enabling informed voter participation and strengthening South Africa's democracy. #MediaInElections2026 #MDDA #CommunityMedia #ElectionReporting #MediaDevelopment #FactChecking #DemocracyInAction #LocalGovernmentElections2026

Join the MDDA Community Media Excellence Programme! The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) invites community media practitioners, aspiring broadcasters, volunteers, interns, publishers, and content creators to participate in a three-day online Community Media Excellence Programme from 08–10 June 2026, running daily from 09h00 to 15h00 (log in from 08h30). This interactive training programme will focus on: •Content Creation • Audience Engagement •Measuring Media Impact This practical, hands-on workshop is designed to strengthen the skills of community media practitioners by providing foundational knowledge and competencies required to produce credible, engaging, ethical, and compliant content across community media platforms. Whether you are starting your journey in community media or looking to sharpen your existing skills, this programme will equip you with valuable tools and insights to enhance your impact. To register, click on the link below: events.teams.microsoft.com/e… #MDDA #CommunityMediaExcellence #CommunityMedia #MediaDevelopment #ContentCreation #AudienceEngagement #MediaImpact #SkillsDevelopment #CommunityBroadcasting #MediaTraining

Local Government Elections Media Training Comes to the Western Cape. The Media Development & Diversity Agency (MDDA), SAEditorsForum - SANEF, Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Moxii Africa and Africa Check invite Western Cape media practitioners to a one-day training session on “Media in 2026 Elections” on Tuesday, 02 June 2026 at the Breakwater Lodge Hotel in Cape Town. This workshop is part of the preparations for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections. Media practitioners can send their confirmations of attendance to: infowc@elections.org.za

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) extends warm Eid wishes to all members of the Muslim community. May this sacred occasion bring peace, joy, good health, and prosperity to you and your loved ones. May the spirit of Eid strengthen compassion, unity, and gratitude in our communities. Eid Mubarak. 🌙✨ #MDDA #Eid #MuslimCommunity

A reminder to register for the MDDA’s multi-stakeholder engagement on community and small commercial media for the 2026/27 local government elections. The MDDA and its partners are inviting you to the multi-stakeholder engagement on community and small commercial media for the 2026/27 local government elections. This engagement will be hosted by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), in partnership with the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) this virtual session brings together key partners, media sector bodies, and government stakeholders. The core focus of this engagement is to position community and small commercial media as critical partners in strengthening participatory and accountable local government. In moving beyond basic information dissemination, we aim to discuss how grassroots media can actively empower local communities with practical levers for accountability and address democratic disengagement ahead of the upcoming elections. Please scan the code or click the link to register and secure your place and to receive the direct joining link: events.teams.microsoft.com/e…

Hosted by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), in partnership with the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) this virtual session brings together key partners, media sector bodies, and government stakeholders. The core focus of this engagement is to position community and small commercial media as critical partners in strengthening participatory and accountable local government. In moving beyond basic information dissemination, we aim to discuss how grassroots media can actively empower local communities with practical levers for accountability and address democratic disengagement ahead of the upcoming elections. Please scan the code or click the link to register and secure your place and to receive the direct joining link: teams.microsoft.com/meet/388…

Today, 25 May 2026, we celebrate Africa Day, a powerful tribute to the richness of our stories, cultures, languages, and voices. Across the continent, Africa’s strength lives in its diversity, resilience, creativity, and unity. The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering media platforms that amplify authentic African narratives, protect cultural identity, and ensure that every community has a voice. By championing diverse and inclusive storytelling, we continue to build a media landscape that reflects the true spirit, pride, and power of Africa. #MDDA #AfricaDay #ProudlyAfrican #VoicesOfAfrica #Communitymedia

Today, 22 May 2026, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Hon. Kenny Morolong (MP), accompanied by MDDA Board Member Ms Jayshree Pather, MDDA CEO Ms Shoeshoe Qhu, VUT Chancellor Prof. Stephen Khehla Ndlovu, Emfuleni MMC Mr Hassan Mako, Sedibeng MMC Ms Rethabile Hlakane, and VUT FM Board Chairperson Dr Jacob Thamaga, officially unveiled the brand-new, state-of-the-art studios at VUT FM in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng Province. In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister described the studio handover as another important milestone in strengthening community media, empowering young broadcasters, and advancing digital communication within higher education institutions. Dr Jacob Thamaga, Chairperson of the VUT FM Board, hailed the occasion as a truly momentous day for both the university and the station, underscoring the transformative power of communication and the vital role radio continues to play in society. The MDDA is proud to partner with VUT FM in enhancing a platform that not only amplifies the voices of students and surrounding communities but also contributes meaningfully to nurturing the next generation of media practitioners, broadcasters, and content creators. #MDDA #CommunityMedia #VUTFM #MediaDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #DigitalTransformation

BEFORE FUNDING: What started as a small engineering student project in 1998 has grown into a powerful community voice that continues to inspire, educate, and uplift generations. VUT FM’s journey is a true testament to growth, resilience, and purpose. From operating with renewable monthly licenses to becoming a recognised community radio station, VUT FM has evolved into a platform that gives a voice to the Sedibeng community through meaningful and diverse programming. Broadcasting in English, Setswana, Sesotho, and IsiZulu, the station continues to connect cultures, empower young talent, and create opportunities for future broadcasters across the Vaal and beyond. Today, 22 May 2026 marks another historic milestone as the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board, led by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Hon. Kenny Morolong (MP), officially unveils state-of-the-art, fully digitised broadcast studios at VUT FM in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng. Stay tuned for more updates on the day's proceedings and images of the new studios. #VUTFM #CommunityRadio #MDDA #Studiohandover #MediaDevelopment #VaalUniversityOfTechnology

On Friday, 22 May 2026, 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 VUT FM in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng. These unveilings form part of the MDDA’s ongoing efforts to support and promote the development and sustainability of community and small commercial media in South Africa. Vaal University of Technology FM (96.9 FM) is the official community and student radio station of the Vaal University of Technology. Broadcasting from the Isak Steyl Stadium in Vanderbijlpark, it delivers an urban blend of local music, entertainment, news, and campus lifestyle updates to students and the broader community. The station offers a comprehensive 24-hour broadcasting schedule that targets the local community, students, and early risers. Its programming is diverse and engaging, with a strong emphasis on popular music genres such as Amapiano, Afro-Pop, Hip-Hop, House, and Afro-Soul, ensuring it resonates with a wide and youthful audience. In addition to music, the station provides rich talk and lifestyle content, featuring daily discussions on current affairs, campus politics, career development, and local educational issues relevant to its listeners. 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. Stay tuned for more updates on this momentous occasion. For enquiries contact: communications@mdda.org.za #MDDA#ThePresidency#VUTFM#VUT #CommunityMedia

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), in partnership with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), South African Local Government Association (SALGA), South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF), Africa Check and Moxxi Africa, is today hosting the seventh one-day Media and the 2026 Elections training workshop at the Mercure Hotel Nelspruit in Mbombela. The workshop forms part of ongoing preparations for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections and continues to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools needed to report accurately, ethically, and responsibly on South Africa’s evolving democratic processes. The training unpacks complex electoral processes, including the role of independent candidates, party lists, election systems, and key democratic institutions shaping the electoral landscape. Serving as Programme Director for the day, Mr Ayabulela Poro, Manager: Communications and Stakeholder Relations for the MDDA, guided robust discussions aimed at strengthening credible election reporting within the community and mainstream media sectors. During her presentation on Mpumalanga’s readiness for the upcoming elections, Ms Gugu Langa emphasised the importance of verifying information before publication to ensure voters are empowered to make informed decisions. Her presentation highlighted: * How the 2026 elections will work in South Africa, including voting systems, election milestones, and key institutions governing elections. * The role of political parties and independent candidates within the provincial electoral framework. * Key electoral issues requiring resolution in the province. * How independent candidates fit into South Africa’s electoral system. #MediaInElections #ElectionsCoverage #LocalGovernmentElections #MDDA #CommunityMedia

MDDA, GCIS AND SENTECH PARTNER TO DRIVE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN COMMUNITY MEDIA Cape Town, South Africa - 13 May 2026. The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), together with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), and SENTECH SOC Ltd have signed a landmark Agreement marking a significant milestone in the digital transformation of South Africa's community media sector. The signing ceremony took place during the Sentech Africa Tech Week held at the CTICC in Cape Town on 13 May 2026. The agreement formalises a collaborative partnership between the parties to support the digital transformation of selected community media broadcasters. With such an investment, the programme will see community radio stations gain access to live streaming capabilities, responsive websites, mobile applications, and hosting on the Freevision Play platform expanding their reach and audience accessibility. Speaking on the significance of the agreement, MDDA CEO, Ms. Shoeshoe Qhu, said the partnership represents steps in operationalising the Agency’s digital strategy which seeks to enhance digital transformation within the sector.  “This agreement is a direct response to the sector's need for sustainable digital infrastructure. Community media plays a vital role in giving voice to underserved communities, and this partnership will ensure that these voices reach wider audiences across multiple digital platforms.” GCIS Acting Director-General, Ms. Nomonde Mnukwa, highlighted the alignment of the programme with government's broader communication mandate. “GCIS is committed to ensuring that all South Africans have access to diverse and credible information. Supporting the digital transformation of community media is central to that commitment, and we are proud to partner with the MDDA and Sentech in this initiative.” SENTECH CEO, Mr Tebogo Leshope, welcomed the agreement as an opportunity to leverage the organisation's strategic capabilities to support community broadcasting. “Sentech's mandate is to connect South Africa, and this partnership gives us the opportunity to put that mandate into action in a meaningful and impactful way. Through the Freevision Play platform, community radio stations will be able to stream their content to audiences, opening up new possibilities for reach, relevance and sustainability. We look forward to working closely with each broadcaster to deliver tailored digital solutions that meet their specific needs.” Implementation will be rolled out in three phases, beginning with a Digital Readiness Assessment of all broadcasters to evaluate existing infrastructure, identify gaps, and develop customised digital transformation plans. The programme is poised to leave a lasting legacy, equipping community broadcasters with the digital tools, skills, and platforms needed to serve their communities well into the future.