Media Programme

The sustainability of independent journalism in Southern Africa remains problematic. Rampant illiteracy, poor infrastructure and the resulting low circulation makes it difficult for print media to survive. The economic climate in the region is also less than ideal, so advertisements offer only limited revenues to media.

Companies in the region are often hesitant to invest in independent media for fear of being associated with the opposition. Sometimes legislation itself presents limitations. Finally, a lack of knowledge about media management, leadership, financial management and sales in the region causes reduced financial viability in the media sector.

NiZA helps media organisations to increase their organisational viability while still remaining a strong source of independent information. The Media Programme does so in part by supporting training courses in management and operational administration and by promoting research. NiZA also initiates networks in the region to facilitate practical exchanges.

Examples of organisations that work with NiZA to improve sustainability and viability include the Southern Africa Institute for Media Entrepreneurial Development (SAIMED) in Botswana and the regional Sol Plaatje Media Leadership Institute. In 2006, these partners organised various workshops in countries in Southern Africa.

Example: SAIMED

Besides the Sol Plaatje Institute, SAIMED is one of the few training institutes in the region that focuses on improving the sustainability of media organisations. SAIMED does so by offering training in marketing, management and financial administration to media managers. The training courses give managers the opportunity to become good leaders in the media sector and give media companies in the region the chance to develop into viable, mature organisations.

SAIMED operates in Mozambique using support from NiZA. Training materials and manuals have been translated into Portuguese and the first workshops have taken place. In Mozambique, SAIMED targets the community radio sector. Financial viability presents the greatest challenge to this sector. In the coming year, SAIMED will be starting a follow-up process at a number of the stations, in which a SAIMED trainer will come and work with the staff at their location for a week. This method makes it possible for the organisation to tailor their efforts to the stations’ needs.

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