The North-West University (NWU) successfully hosted the inaugural North West Media Sustainability and Collaboration Summit at its Mahikeng Campus on 23 and 24 April 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from the government, academia and the media industry to chart a sustainable future for community media in South Africa.
The two-day summit created a platform for robust dialogue on collaboration, policy development, innovation and the long-term viability of community and independent media.
Proceedings opened with a welcome address by Dr Joe Molete, NWU deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people and culture with the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus. He highlighted the commitment of the university to strengthening partnerships with media and communication institutions. He emphasised the openness of the NWU to collaboration and the strategic importance of establishing a multi-media hub to support innovation, research and skills development in the sector.
William Baloyi, deputy spokesperson for the government, commended the organisers for prioritising community media and expressed appreciation to the NWU for hosting the summit. He noted that the government continues to elevate community media through progressive policy interventions, including a draft media buying policy aimed at addressing non-compliance with the 30% advertising spend allocation to community media. The policy, already presented to stakeholders, is expected to be implemented within the year.
The first day of the summit featured a series of insightful panel discussions with contributions from leading institutions and industry voices. These included Lethabo Dibetso from the Media Development and Diversity Agency, Luenne Kunz and Kate Skinner. The session was facilitated by David Magae, who steered discussions on sustainability and transformation in the media landscape.
A second session featured prominent voices such as Paula Fray, Prof. Lida Holtzhausen, Reggy Moalusi and Louis Jacobs, who explored collaboration, ethics and the evolving role of communication in society.
On the second day the conversation continued with contributions from Prof. Gilbert Motsaathebe, Nick Motloung and Kopano Molefe. The session was facilitated by Berlina Lekgethwane and included inputs from Keletso Ratlhagane and Orapeleng Motlagomang.
Delivering a powerful message to delegates, Khumalo Molefe, the executive mayor of the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, urged journalists to go beyond reporting and actively contribute to closing societal gaps and building stronger communities.
The keynote address was delivered by the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, who underscored the critical role of community media. “Community media can become the vanguard of news in communities and households,” he said, highlighting its power in shaping credible local storytelling and strengthening democracy at grassroots level.
The summit is the brainchild of Ananius Ndlovu, who is also the author of the forthcoming book, The Real Death of Community Media. Reflecting on his journey, he noted how the media landscape has shifted significantly over time, from an era where print circulation was guaranteed to the rapidly evolving digital environment of today.
Closing remarks were delivered by Koketso Rakhudu, who reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration and innovation to sustain the sector.
The summit marked a significant step in fostering partnerships and shaping a collective vision for a resilient, inclusive and future-ready media ecosystem in North West and beyond.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong gives the keynote address.
Dr Joe Molete, NWU deputy vice-chancellor for student life, transformation, people and culture with the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus, with Khumalo Molefe, executive mayor of the Ngaka Modiri Molema district Municipality.
