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Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has called for a united push toward building a thriving, inclusive media landscape in the North West Province, rooted in innovation, technology, and local storytelling. Addressing the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Pre-Grant Call Workshop and Governance Training at Mmabatho Palms, Morolong urged stakeholders to invest in the sustainability of community media.
“As a son and product of the North West soil, I am encouraged to see us investing our collective energy into building a province that is not only resource-rich, but idea-rich—where creativity, innovation and technology become the new currency of development,” said Morolong, receiving applause from community media practitioners and local leaders in attendance.
The Deputy Minister emphasized the transformative power of media in the digital age, noting its potential to serve as more than just a communication tool but a driver of economic opportunity, youth empowerment, and social cohesion.
“In the hands of young entrepreneurs, activists, artists, and innovators, media has the potential to stimulate local economic activity, build social cohesion, and amplify the unique voice of our communities,” he said.
From Mahikeng to Christiana, Morolong pointed out, the North West is bursting with untold stories capable of inspiring investment and capturing global audiences—if the right support systems are in place.
He outlined four key areas where the government is committed to collaborating with stakeholders to advance the sector:
- Youth Empowerment through Digital Access – Enabling youth to access affordable digital tools and training to actively participate in the media and creative economy.
- Support for Community Media Houses – Strengthening community radio and media outlets as incubators of local talent and enterprise.
- Public-Private Partnerships – Partnering with the private sector to unlock funding, training, and digital storytelling resources.
- Modernizing Regulatory Frameworks – Evolving policy to both support innovation and safeguard intellectual property and community interests.
“We cannot allow rural and peri-urban communities to be left behind in the digital revolution. Let this province and other rural provinces become a model for inclusive digital participation,” Morolong emphasized.
With global demand for authentic African stories on the rise, Morolong believes the North West holds a competitive advantage. “The North West has these stories in abundance—stories of resilience, innovation, cultural richness, and everyday triumph,” he said.
The workshop, hosted in collaboration with the MDDA, aimed to equip community media outlets with governance tools, funding insights, and strategies to strengthen their operations ahead of the upcoming grant cycle.
Attendees included emerging broadcasters, print media owners, digital content creators, and representatives from government, all committed to shaping a vibrant and sustainable media ecosystem in the province.
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