The Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), in partnership with Google, has unveiled the Digital News Transformation (DNT) Fund, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revitalising South Africa’s community media sector. This R114-million fund, rolling out over three years from March 2025, is the largest investment of its kind in the country’s grassroots journalism. Its goal is to enhance local journalism, develop digital platforms, and foster inclusivity and sustainability.
The fund is a response to the challenges faced by independent publishers, many of whom struggled to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. AIP Chairperson Anita Mangxaba described the DNT Fund as a lifeline for publishers who have long been underfunded and under-resourced. She emphasised that local publishers are the backbone of democracy, playing a crucial role in holding power accountable, preserving cultural heritage, and combatting misinformation. Mangxaba said the fund also represents a turning point, offering publishers the tools to innovate and thrive in the digital era.
The DNT Fund is open to local or independent news publishers committed to public interest journalism. Eligible organisations must produce original stories that serve their communities and either have an existing digital presence or plans to develop one. To ensure adherence to ethical journalism, applicants must also be members of the Press Council of South Africa.
However, there are exclusions. Aggregators that primarily republish content, general interest magazines without a clear public interest focus, and broadcasting services are not eligible for support. Publishers with over a million unique monthly website visitors are also excluded unless they qualify under specific Google News Showcase agreements.
Tshikululu Social Investments, a well-established social investment fund manager, will administer the DNT Fund. Oversight will be handled by an adjudication committee made up of independent industry experts, as well as a governance board that includes representatives from AIP and the Press Council of South Africa. Transparency will be a priority, with details of beneficiaries publicly disclosed. Google, while the primary sponsor, will have no role in deciding who receives funding.
The fund provides financial support across three tiers, catering to different levels of digital maturity among publishers. For those with little or no digital presence, up to R380,000 per project per year is available to help them establish a strong digital foundation. Publishers with basic digital operations looking to grow their reach can apply for up to R950,000 per year, while advanced publishers seeking to invest in new technologies can access up to R1.9 million annually.
Google News Partner Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa, Marianne Erasmus, highlighted the fund’s focus on empowering local, community-focused publishers, especially those serving South Africa’s diverse linguistic audiences. She explained that the initiative aims to help these publishers expand their digital presence, engage more effectively with audiences, and develop financially sustainable business models.
The DNT Fund comes at a critical time for South Africa’s media industry, which has faced severe disruptions in recent years. Job losses and restructuring have hit major media houses, including Media24, Independent Media, and Arena Holdings, as they grapple with declining revenues. In this challenging environment, the DNT Fund offers a lifeline for smaller, independent publishers to innovate and secure their place in the evolving media landscape.
In addition to this initiative, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) has established the Sustainability & Media Relief Fund, which has provided over R2.1 million in assistance to journalists and community media organisations since 2020. SANEF Secretary-General Dr Glenda Daniels noted that while the challenges in the industry are vast, the robust civil society in South Africa provides a strong foundation to promote diversity and plurality in media.
The launch of the DNT Fund signals a renewed commitment to preserving local journalism and fostering its growth in a digital world. For South Africa’s independent publishers, it represents not just financial support, but an opportunity to innovate, grow, and continue telling the stories that matter to their communities.
