Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) to unveil brand-new broadcast studios at Inanda 88.4 FM and launch two (2) community media print projects
On Thursday 10 August 2023, the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), led by MDDA Board Chairperson, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, will unveil brand-new state-of-the- art broadcast studios at Inanda 88.4 FM. At this occasion, the MDDA will also launch two (2) MDDA funded community print and digital projects, namely Ulwazi magazine, and UniQ magazine. The projects form part of the MDDA’s ongoing work towards promoting the development and diversity of community and small commercial media. The three (3) community media projects are based in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Inanda 88.4 FM is a 24-hour community radio station that broadcasts in IsiZulu 60% and English 40%. The station is an integral part of the INK (Inanda, Ntuzuma, Kwa-Mashu) urban renewal programme and provides a link to the community grassroots level. The station was established in 2003, licensed in 2006 and officially went on Air in 2009. Its programming format consists of 60% content and 40% music, with South African music represented across genres making up 60% of the playlist.
Meanwhile, UniQ magazine is an online publication founded by four (4) women with ample experience in the media industry. The 100% women owned magazine was launched in March 2014 and is aimed at the LGBTIQI+ community in KZN. Its mission is to “empower lesbian, queer women, trans women, and non-binary people to share culture and stories, connect with each other, and raise visibility while educating everyone on homosexuality.” UniQ magazine’s published content is 70% English and 30% isiZulu, and forms part of strategies that contribute to international debates on human rights.
Ulwazi magazine is a monthly student magazine targeting high school teenagers in the township of Umlazi. The publication produces content that both informs and inspires high school youth in the township and uses many interactive methods to communicate with its audience. Ulwazi magazine is unique in that it addresses topics that are specific to high school learners and news relevant to them. It is available in hard copy as well as a website version where additional information is found. The website allows content to be easily accessed by young people beyond the targeted demographic.
“The MDDA congratulates all three (3) projects which were approved for funding during the 2022/23 financial year. These projects demonstrate the MDDA’s commitment to promoting diversity and access to information by providing grant funding and other non-financial support to historically disadvantaged communities, diminished indigenous languages and cultural groups. Through projects such as Inanda 88.4 FM, UniQ and Ulwazi magazines, the MDDA advances efforts to transform the media landscape at the level of access, ownership, control, and content diversity,” said MDDA Acting CEO, Ms Nomkhosi Peter.
Members of the media are invited to the launch event as follows: Date: Thursday, 10 August 2023
Time: 09h00 – 13h00
Venue: Inanda Seminary Clinic, Port 1, Inanda Glebe, Inanda, 4039
For more information, contact:
MDDA Communications unit
E-mail: [email protected](link sends e-mail)
Cell: 082 785 6071
Source: Government of South Africa