Key Facts
Our Purpose
The Digital News Transformation Fund helps local and independent publishers grow digitally, produce impactful journalism, and build long-term sustainability.
We fund projects that:
- Deliver public-interest journalism
- Drive digital transformation
- Boost financial sustainability and audience engagement
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- Local and independent news publishers in South Africa
- Industry bodies, associations, or support organisations serving the local media ecosystem
- Collectives or consortiums proposing industry-wide projects
Applicants must:
- Be legally registered entities
- Be Press Council members in good standing
- Be tax compliant
- Demonstrate organisational capacity and a genuine commitment to digital transformation
Who cannot apply?
The following are ineligible:
The following are ineligible:
- Aggregators, general-interest magazines, and broadcasters
- Political parties, campaigns, or projects with political propaganda
- Publishers with over 1 million monthly unique visitors
- Unregistered or non-compliant entities
- Projects implemented outside South Africa (unless benefiting SA audiences)
- Completed activities (no retrospective funding)
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- Local and independent news publishers in South Africa
- Industry bodies, associations, or support organisations serving the local media ecosystem
- Collectives or consortiums proposing industry-wide projects
Applicants must:
- Be legally registered entities
- Be Press Council members in good standing
- Be tax compliant
- Demonstrate organisational capacity and a genuine commitment to digital transformation
Who cannot apply?
The following are ineligible:
The following are ineligible:
- Aggregators, general-interest magazines, and broadcasters
- Political parties, campaigns, or projects with political propaganda
- Publishers with over 1 million monthly unique visitors
- Unregistered or non-compliant entities
- Projects implemented outside South Africa (unless benefiting SA audiences)
- Completed activities (no retrospective funding)
Next Steps
Independent publishers are the future of a stronger, more diverse media landscape. Now is the time to take your business further; to innovate, grow, and transform. Look ahead with confidence and apply to the Digital News Transformation Fund.
Applications open in Q1 and Q3 of each funding year. Keep an eye on the news tab and our social media channels for more information.’
