MDDA provides support to more media projects

This is in preparation for the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa's (ICASA) call for licensing applications in these nodal points. This seed funding (which has been made available pending applications) includes support for community mapping - to enable initiatives to assess community needs and thus ensure their programming is relevant.

The MDDA will also offer bursaries to six existing print media projects to attend a Rhodes University course on newspaper management. Such support is important to enable small publishers to develop the management skills to assist them in becoming sustainable.

The MDDA is established through legislation as a partnership between government and the big media organisations to create an enabling environment for media development and diversity in South Africa, through providing financial and other support to community and small commercial media projects. Including these latest grants, the MDDA has provided support to over 50 different radio and print projects across the country.

The following projects have been awarded grants in the latest round of decision making (final discussions clarifying the terms of the agreement between the beneficiary and the MDDA are in process):

Small commercial media

Shine The Way - a new media project in East London which is planning to develop an Eastern Cape based magazine as well as film production facilities. The MDDA will provide support for mentoring the project to assist them in developing a viable business plan.

Kasi2Kasi - Is a new local newspaper initiative based in Upington (Northern Cape). Approved for assistance in business planning and mentoring to assist them to develop a sustainable newspaper.

Maputaland Mirror - An existing newspaper based in Kwangenase (KwaZulu Natal). The MDDA has approved providing coaching/mentoring support to assist the newspaper in exploring mechanisms to ensure sustainability.

Taxi Talk - An existing small commercial newspaper based in Bizana (Eastern Cape). The MDDA will support the costs of training staff in different aspects of newspaper production. The MDDA has also agreed to provide support to purchase additional equipment, and install ISDN telecommunications lines. These funds will assist the newspaper in increasing efficiency - and therefore long term sustainability.

Community Media (non-profit)

Graaf Reinet Community Radio - A community radio station based in Graaf Reinet in Eastern Cape. Approved for training on management and strategic planning.

Orange Farm Community Radio - A community radio station based in Orange Farm, Gauteng. Approved for training in business planning and organisational development.

Mokopane Community Radio - A community radio station based in Limpopo. The MDDA will provide mentoring support in developing a viable sustainability plan.

Bushbuckridge Community Radio - A community radio station in Bushbuckridge in Limpopo Province. The MDDA has agreed to provide support to contribute towards the running costs of the station for a limited period.

Visit: www.mdda.org.za for more.