MambaOnline is proud to announce that the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) has been supporting the organisation since April 2026, helping to strengthen South Africa’s longest-running LGBTQIA+ news and information platform.
The funding marks an important milestone as MambaOnline continues to provide independent, community-focused journalism that informs, empowers and connects LGBTQIA+ communities across South Africa.
For more than 25 years, MambaOnline has reported on issues affecting LGBTQIA+ people while celebrating the community’s diversity, resilience and achievements. The support from the MDDA will help strengthen the newsroom’s capacity and ensure the continued production of credible, impactful journalism.
According to Ayabulela Poro, MDDA Stakeholder Relations & Communications Manager, community and LGBTQ+ media are essential to a healthy democracy.
“Community and LGBTQ+ media play a vital role in advancing media diversity, inclusion and democratic participation. A diverse media landscape must reflect the voices, experiences and realities of all communities, particularly those that have historically been underrepresented or marginalised.”
Poro said platforms such as MambaOnline help fill important gaps in the country’s media landscape.
“Platforms such as MambaOnline make an important contribution by providing trusted, relevant and community-focused information that may not always receive adequate coverage in mainstream media.”
Poro added that LGBTQIA+ media create opportunities for meaningful public engagement.
“They create spaces for informed dialogue, amplify diverse perspectives, raise awareness of issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities and help combat discrimination and stigma through credible journalism and storytelling.”
Poro noted that investing in community media ultimately strengthens access to information for all South Africans.
“By strengthening the sustainability and capacity of community and special-interest media, we help ensure that all South Africans have access to reliable information and platforms through which they can tell their own stories.”
MambaOnline Managing Editor Nompilo Gwala welcomed the partnership, saying it comes at a crucial time for independent LGBTQIA+ journalism.
“For many LGBTQIA+ people, community media is more than a news source. It is a place where they see themselves represented with dignity and accuracy. The MDDA’s support strengthens our ability to continue telling stories that matter and ensuring our communities have access to trusted, affirming journalism.”
Editor-in-Chief Luiz De Barros said the funding represents an investment in the future of inclusive journalism.
“For more than 25 years, MambaOnline has documented our community’s history, celebrated its progress and reported on the issues that still demand attention. We are incredibly grateful to the MDDA for recognising the importance of LGBTQIA+ media and helping us continue this work for the benefit of our readers and South Africa’s broader media landscape.”
MambaOnline thanks the MDDA for its confidence in the organisation and looks forward to continuing its mission of producing journalism that informs, empowers and amplifies LGBTQIA+ voices.
One Comment
It’s about time. Thank you for always being there for our community, for writing what others don’t.