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The Digital News Transformation Fund (DNTF) helps small and medium news publishers in South Africa go digital. It’s run by Tshikululu Social Investments, and supported by Google and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP).
The fund provides:
- Grants for digital projects
- Skills development and mentorship
- Support for diversifying income
- Tools to grow online audiences
In its first call for funding, the DNTF aimed to boost long-term sustainability in community journalism.
Who Qualified for the First Round?
The fund received 164 applications, requesting nearly R163 million. However, only R10.7 million was available in this round.
As a result, only 23 projects were recommended for funding. A panel of independent experts reviewed each application using a structured 100-point scoring system.
To qualify, projects had to meet the Fund’s goals for:
- Public interest journalism
- Digital readiness
- Revenue innovation
- Organisational sustainability
Funding Tiers and Project Distribution
The 23 selected projects were grouped into three support tiers:
| Tier | Focus Area | Number of Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Build | Foundational digital infrastructure | 13 |
| Grow | Growth-stage digital innovation | 8 |
| Engage | Sector-wide collaboration and engagement | 2 |
This tiered model allows the fund to support newsrooms at different stages of digital maturity.
Key Dates and What Happens Next
The adjudication process is complete. However, the final list of grantees still requires board approval. Below is the timeline for what comes next:
| Phase | Date Range |
|---|---|
| Board Ratification | 10–11 November 2025 |
| Contracting Period | 12 Nov – 7 Dec 2025 |
| Grantee Support Begins | December 2025 onwards |
Grantees will receive more than just funding. They will also get access to:
- Personalised training
- Capacity-building workshops
- Ongoing monitoring and evaluation
Why This Fund Matters
Makhosazana Zwane-Siguqa, a member of the adjudication committee, said the panel spent time carefully assessing impact.
“This fund helps independent publishers adapt and innovate in a digital-first world,” she said.
In addition, she emphasised how AI and online platforms are changing news consumption. As a result, local publishers must transform how they work.
This fund offers them the tools to survive — and thrive.
Summary
This first funding round confirms strong demand for digital support in the local news sector. The 23 grantees will lead the way in innovation, with more funding opportunities expected in future rounds.
