The government of South Africa is one of the major funders of the MDDA. It provides funds of more than R31 million grants to the MDDA annually. It return, the MDDA, through a well managed grant management process, distributes or funds this amount to various quality community radio and print projects. Government and the MDDA are also creating the strategic partnerships with the public and the private sector on training which would include equipping them with marketing, advertising and corporate governance skills in order to allow them to be able to generate their own revenue.
Some of these partnerships will be supported with media bulk buying or financial assistance where possible. We have also initiated negotiations with various commercial media institutions as part of this comprehensive support to the community print. We are further
exploring possibilities of all three spheres of government to invest in this community media sector through media bulk buying and advertising. Thank you, Chair.