Responses to Draft Position Paper on establishment of MDDA

01 March 2001

1 March 2001

Responses to the Media Diversity and Development Agency (MDDA) draft position paper were received from a wide range of organisations and individuals by the submission deadline yesterday.

The draft paper was published by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on 29 November 2000, and the initial deadline for submissions was extended to 28 February 2001.

The paper proposes that the MDDA be established as a statutory, but independent, agency based on a partnership between government, civil society, the media industry and other donors.

Its prime purpose is to help redress historical imbalances in the media sector, so that the full diversity of South Africa’s voices can be heard and all citizens can be fully informed, in order to participate meaningfully in the governance and development of the country.

All submissions received will be fully considered so as to enrich both the form and content of the final position paper, and any ensuing legislation.

Submissions have been received from the following organisations and individuals: