MDDA WELCOMES 2024/25 BUDGET VOTE
MDDA WELCOMES 2024/25 BUDGET VOTE
13 July 2024
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The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) warmly welcomes the GCIS 2024/25 Budget Vote delivered by Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni in Parliament on 12 July 2024. The MDDA is further encouraged by the affirmation of the significance of its mandate and the important role of community media in society. Delivering the budget vote, Minister Ntshavheni applauded the significant strides made by the Agency in developing the community media sector to reflect the needs and aspirations of all South Africans.
She further amplified the importance of supporting the growth and sustainability of community media as it plays a vital role in connecting people with shared interests and concerns, amplifying the unique stories and experiences within a community and promoting understanding among its members. In essence, community media acts as a catalyst for social cohesion, empowering individuals to actively engage in dialogue, bridge cultural gaps and collectively address challenges for greater good of society.
In its duty of providing funding and other support for marginalised groups to enable them to start and sustain their own community media projects, the MDDA has supported over 586 community and small commercial media projects over the years. These include 321 community radio and community television stations, along with 185 community print projects such as community newspapers, magazines and small commercial print, as well as digital platforms.
“With ongoing guidance and support from the Minister and the Board, the MDDA is inspired and encouraged to do more in ensuring continued growth and sustainability of the community media sector. Building on the 20 years of our existence, we will do our utmost best to ensure that we expand our reach and impact and that we continue to build a vibrant community media sector, anchored on diverse ownership and consumption patterns”, says MDDA Chief Executive Officer Ms Shoeshoe Qhu.
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