In a bold and necessary move to reshape South Africa’s media landscape, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) officially launched its long-awaited Economic Development Fund (EDF) Report on the 6th May 2025. The event was not just a reflection on past injustices but a celebration of the strides made towards a fairer, more inclusive media industry — and a testament to the power of collective transformation. The EDF was established in 2017, born from the findings of a critical inquiry by the Competition Commission into anti-competitive practices that had, for years, stifled independent voices and marginalized community-based media outlets. The inquiry uncovered a legacy of exclusionary behaviors and entrenched imbalances that kept small commercial and grassroots media on the periphery of the mainstream market. The fund was introduced as a remedy — a practical tool to level the playing field, nurture new voices, and ensure that the country’s media mirrors the diverse stories and faces of its people.
At the heart of the event was Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Hon. Kenny Morolong, whose keynote address struck a chord with attendees.
“As South Africans, we must ensure that our democratic values are reflected not only in our laws but also in our media landscape,” he asserted. “Let us support our journalists, protect independent voices, and work together to build a media environment where truth thrives, plurality is protected, and no voice is silenced by economic dominance.”
The report paints a vivid picture of transformation in motion. Since its inception, the Economic Development Fund has extended support to more than 37 small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) — with a significant portion of these businesses led by young entrepreneurs. Beyond financial support, the initiative has become a vehicle for gender mainstreaming, ensuring that women have a meaningful place at the table in sectors historically dominated by a few. In a poignant moment during the event, beneficiaries took to the stage to share their personal journeys of growth and resilience. A representative from CARDINAL BLAKQ INK spoke passionately about how the fund had opened doors that previously seemed closed, allowing their media business to expand its reach and visibility in a competitive industry. Likewise, Touch SA Marketing reflected on the practical impact the funding had on their operational capacity, Out Door Advertising, and market positioning, turning ambition into tangible progress.
As the media sector continues to evolve, the MDDA reaffirmed its commitment to researching and fostering sustainability among community and small commercial media entities. Recognising the rapid shifts in the digital landscape, the agency pledged to remain adaptable and responsive to the needs of the sector. “By working together, we can unlock possibilities and drive the development and growth of South Africa’s media industry,” the agency declared. Attendees at the launch spoke of a palpable sense of hope and momentum. Many reflected on the fund’s role not just in breaking down old barriers but in building new networks of opportunity for community radio stations, independent publishers, and small media houses, allowing them to tell the untold stories of South Africa’s townships, rural villages, and overlooked urban communities. In a country where the media often reflects the interests of a powerful few, initiatives like the EDF serve as both a corrective and a catalyst. They remind us that democracy flourishes when every voice has a platform, when journalists can speak freely without fear of economic exclusion, and when the business of media serves the public interest.
For those who missed the event, the full EDF Report is now available for public download, offering detailed insights into the fund’s criteria, distribution, and the impact it continues to have on reshaping South Africa’s media sector. Access the report here: https://mdda.org.za/researchreports.html
Well done and I’m interested in learning how to get funded