The SAMIP cohort has been hard at work, here are some updates from in and around the program.
Scrolla bags investment deal from MDIF
Founded by Mungo Suggot, Scrolla is the latest media start-up to secure equity investment from Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF). Scrolla was launched in 2020 in both English and isiZulu, with plans to rapidly expand the continent. Scrolla joined SAMIP soon after its launch to focus on its digital expansion and has enjoyed impressive growth within the program over the last 18 months. In the past year, Scrolla has seen 400% audience growth across all its channels and introduced new products, such as its daily isiZulu news podcast, Scrollacast.
We are pleased to announce our investment in South African mobile-first startup @ScrollaAfrica, as it develops its apps and expands coverage in English and isiZulu #impinv #mediadev https://t.co/7jfn1EkYaC
— Media Dev Inv Fund (@mdiforg) June 23, 2021
gsport celebrates Momentum headline sponsorship renewal for gsport awards
gsport together with Momentum continues to back women in sport as Momentum renews headline sponsorship of the gsport awards for three more years. The online initiative committed to covering women’s sports news will be celebrating the 16th edition of the Momentum gsport awards on the 14th of August 2021, where 20 winners will be recognised and awarded for their outstanding performance over the past year.
Viewfinder
Viewfinder is dedicated to investigating the abuses of power and police criminality. The organisation has launched a #VukaniMaAfrica campaign in partnership with Eldos FM, in commemoration of the death of Nathaniel Julies who was killed by the police in Eldorado Park about a year ago. The #VukaMaAfrica campaign aims to channel the voices and experiences of communities affected by police brutality and abuses to local station commanders.
To get in touch, you may reach Viewfinder directly on their WhatsApp hotline 066 533 5142.
Remember Nathaniel Julies? From Eldorado Park? Next month marks a year since his killing. Together with @Eldosfm_876 we want to hear your stories of #SAPSbrutality. Viewfinder whatsapp line is 066 533 5142. https://t.co/8t5jpuDVXB
— Viewfinder (@viewfinderjourn) July 9, 2021
#SMWX launches new website and Youtube memberships
#SMWX has launched its newly designed website. The youth-centered digital current affairs channel founded by Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh boasts a fresh new and sophisticated look. The website is easy to navigate and provides visitors access to who Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh is.
#SMWX has also launched YouTube memberships as one of their latest initiatives. The memberships give access to exclusive content, custom emojis, and a chance to join a monthly Zoom call with Sizwe. To join, click here.
Volume
Volume has launched an investigative podcast membership program. The membership program has 4 tiers to choose from and provides various exclusive benefits. Joining the membership program costs as little as R20 and members can start and stop contributions at any anytime.
To become a member of Volume’s investigative podcast program, click here.
Okay! Very excited about this. We are launching our investigative podcasts membership program. You can help us fund the kind of content you love, like Alibi and Too Many Enemies (and get a bunch of perks) https://t.co/vtT1cJnamZ Thanks to @mdiforg @SAMIP_MDIF and @membershippzzle
— Paul McNally (@mcnallypm) July 7, 2021