frequently asked questions

1. What will the MDDA not fund?

The MDDA will not fund the following, amongst others:

• Media projects owned and/or controlled by the government or other funders of MDDA ( Caxton, e-tv, Independent Newspapers,Arena Kagiso Media, Media 24, M-Net, Primedia, SABC);

• Special events licensees or once off publications (except in exceptional circumstances);

• Media projects owned or controlled by any political party;

• Any advocacy except if it promotes media development & diversity;

• Conferences/seminars and attendance at any of these;

• Media earmarked for foreign audiences;

• Media aimed at reinforcing/boosting/promoting any particular entity/organisation that suits only the ends of that entity/organisation. 

 

2. MDDA’s priorities change dependent on the needs of the sector. Please contact the MDDA to get an updated list of  what the Agency will and won’t fund.

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3.What criteria does the MDDA use to decide on application?
The MDDA has criteria that guide decisions in Regulations ( which are from the MDDA offices or on our website). These include:

• Will the project promote or add to media diversity?

• Will the project increase participation by historically disadvantaged groups in the media?

• Does the project promote the use of previously disadvantaged languages?

• Is the project sustainable?

• Are good governance practices in place?

• Will the project promote a culture of reading?

• Does the community participate in the projects?

 

4. How much funding does the MDDA give?
It depends on a range of things including your needs, the extent, the extent to which your project fulfils our mandate and the resources available to us.
Note that the MDDA encourages media organisations/communities to also contribute towards projects – either by matching grands or kind support.

5. How do I apply?

You must fill in the application form. Be careful to fill in the correct section of the form if you are

• A community (non-profit) media project

• A small commercial media project

You need to attach a covering letter, outlining your application

You need to attach all the information asked for ( e.g your strategies, the business plan, any legal documents etc)