First DNT Fund cohort highlights new trends in SA’s independent media

21 grantees share R10.5 million as Fund maps where independent media is growing and pilots a new entry-level micro-grant tier

Johannesburg, 21 November 2025 – The Digital News Transformation Fund (DNTF) has awarded grants to 21 independent publishers in its first funding round, committing R10.5 million to support their digital transformation. The cohort spans legacy community titles, newer digital start-ups and niche outlets across all nine provinces, offering an early view of where South Africa’s independent media is heading.

“South Africa’s independent publications are closest to the communities they serve and best positioned to understand what digital innovation their audiences need. These grants empower smaller newsrooms to experiment, take risks, and build the digital capacity essential for their survival and growth in a rapidly changing media landscape.” – Vincent Maher, DNTF Co-Chair.

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First DNT Fund cohort highlights new trends in SA’s independent media