Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA)
The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) is a government-backed organisation dedicated to fostering and safeguarding media growth and variety. Through collaboration with South African authorities and leading media entities, it supports initiatives aimed at nurturing community and small-scale media ventures across the country. Founded in 2003 under the MDDA Act No. 14 of 2002, it began disbursing grant funds to projects on January 29, 2004.
Mr. Thembelani Mpakati, our respected founder, is a member of the board, dedicated to fulfilling its mission, which is to bolster the growth of a dynamic, inventive, enduring, and community-focused sector within community and small commercial media by providing resources, crucial sector knowledge, capacity enhancement, and ensuring the inclusive involvement of historically marginalized communities.
Parole Board, Free State and Northern cape region
The Parole Board functions as an independent entity with the primary objective of safeguarding the public by evaluating the risk posed by offenders to determine if they can be safely reintegrated into society. The key responsibility of the Chair (and Vice Chair in the Chair’s absence) is decision-making, considering various factors such as the rights of the offender in accordance with relevant legislation, determination of the minimum detention period, comprehension of the criminal justice value chain, review of court documents including sentencing remarks and warrants of detention, examination of case law and relevant reports by Department of Correctional Services (DCS) professionals. Additionally, the Chair and Vice Chair must understand the rehabilitation process, conduct risk assessments, demonstrate empathy towards victims and the community, and prioritize public safety.
