South Africa’s newly formed Digital News Transformation (DNT) Fund has appointed its first-ever board, tasked with steering a R114 million initiative aimed at supporting small, independent publishers. The diverse group of media leaders will provide strategic direction, ensure transparent governance, and uphold the fund’s public interest mandate.
The eight-member board includes notable figures such as ICT expert and Broadband CEO Vincent Maher, who serves as co-chair alongside publisher Anetta Mangxaba. Mangxaba, CEO of Dizindaba Media, emphasized the importance of independent publishers in fostering democracy and community development, especially in rural and diverse language settings.
“The backbone of local democracy and community storytelling lies with independent publishers,” said Mangxaba. “This fund is a crucial step to ensure they have the resources to survive and thrive, regardless of size or location. Our goal is real accessibility, fairness, and meaningful transformation that strengthens media diversity and empowers local voices.”
Announced last year, the fund is a partnership between Google and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), managed independently by Tshikululu Social Investments. Leanne Kunz has been appointed as the fund’s head, overseeing daily operations, with funding decisions made by an adjudication committee based on a clear eligibility framework.
As the fund prepares to launch its first call for proposals later this month, the board will guide initiatives aimed at modernising newsrooms, expanding audiences, and diversifying income streams. This includes overhauling content management systems, piloting new products and membership models, and exploring innovative commercial experiments.
Every grant will include hands-on training, mentorship, and peer support to help publishers embed these innovations and build resilient, community-focused journalism for the long term.
Other inaugural board members include:
- Styli Charalambous, CEO of Daily Maverick
- Marietta Lombard, Editor-in-Chief of Caxton Greater Johannesburg Metro
- Mbali Dhlomo, founder of Intuthuko Newspapers
- Sebenzile Nkambule, regional director at MDIF
- Dr. Kate Skinner, AIP executive director (advisor)
- Izak Minnaar, media consultant (advisor)
This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening media diversity and digital transformation across South Africa’s news landscape.