Parliament, Tuesday, 16 September 2025 – At its plenary sitting this afternoon, the National Assembly (NA) resolved to recommend candidates for consideration to serve on the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) board.
The NA approved the reports of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies following vacancies that arose as a result of a resignation and the expiry of the term of office of board members.
The NA recommendation was done in terms of section 4(1)(b) of the Media Development and Diversity Agency Act 14 of 2002.
The committee undertook an extensive public consultation process, which included publishing an advertisement in the media calling for nominations to fill the two vacancies. In its report to the NA, the committee recommended Ms Moipone Malefane and Dr Natalie Skeepers to be appointed to the positions.
Ms Moipone Malefane is an award-winning journalist with over 18 years of experience in well-regarded media publications, specialising in political journalism, communications and stakeholder relations. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of Vutivi Business News, a digital platform dedicated to empowering small businesses through informative reporting. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and is committed to mentoring the next generation of journalists and fostering media sustainability.
Dr Natalie Skeepers is an executive with experience in corporate governance, risk, safety and compliance. She possess the necessary financial expertise at board level and has a good understanding of board governance in terms of King IV principles and the relevant legislation. Her experience includes auditing, in conjunction with the relevant governance structures and risk management frameworks, including risk identification and evaluation processes, amongst other things.
The MDDA is a statutory development agency for promoting and ensuring media development and diversity. It is a partnership between the South African government and major print and broadcasting companies to assist in, amongst other things, developing community and small commercial media in South Africa. It was established in 2003, in terms of the MDDA Act No. 14 of 2002.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo
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