From rethinking digital journalism to reviving indigenous-language publishing, the Amplify South Africa program is helping a new generation of media outlets break barriers and build sustainable futures. The following five case studies demonstrate the range of impact achieved by Amplify South Africa-supported organizations, each one transforming media, their audiences and the broader ecosystem in unique ways.
1. MambaOnline: Growing with the LGBTQ+ Community
For more than 20 years, MambaOnline has served South Africa’s LGBTQ+ community. With Amplify South Africa’s support, it has transitioned from a solo-run passion project into a strategically led newsroom. The key milestone? Hiring a full-time Managing Editor, which improved editorial planning, content output and business focus. Today, MambaOnline boasts a revamped mobile-friendly website, a growing WhatsApp channel and diversified revenue streams, including sponsored content and events. Moving past being more than a publication, it’s now an anchor for LGBTQ+ visibility and community engagement. Read more here.
2. The Continent: Rethinking the News Product
Launched in 2020, The Continent defies traditional digital media logic by distributing its weekly newspaper via WhatsApp and email, not a website. This shareable, reader-first format prioritizes trust over traffic. In just a few years, it has grown from two people to a team of 15, reaching more than 30,000 subscribers in 160 countries. A unique “seasonal” publishing model, with built-in rest periods, has helped retain talent and avoid burnout. Audience love and loyalty power its growth, not algorithms. Find out more here.
3. Likhanyile Group: Putting isiZulu at the Centre of Financial Journalism
Umbele, published by the Likhanyile Group, is South Africa’s first isiZulu-language financial magazine. Recognising that digital isn’t always accessible, the team launched a print edition in 2024 to reach underserved audiences, especially in churches, clinics and libraries. As a result, Umbele has increased its visibility and ad revenue, and is now seen as a leading voice for inclusive economic storytelling. Its success demonstrates the power of indigenous-language journalism to drive both reach and relevance. Read more here.
4. Currency News: Building from the Ground Up
Starting with limited funding and a bold idea, Currency News used Amplify’s mentorship to turn an emerging financial newsletter into a credible business. The turning point came with the appointment of a full-time Sales and Business Development Manager, leading to steady income from sponsored content and newsletters. Now reaching more than 193,000 monthly website views, Currency News is proof that clarity, consistency and audience-first journalism can lay the foundation for long-term sustainability. Read here.
5. Xenor Projects: Data, Design and Deep Community Roots
With a legacy of storytelling in Johannesburg’s Deep South, Xenor Projects faced a digital reckoning after COVID. Through Amplify’s support, it embraced analytics, rebuilt its websites and grew its Facebook reach to more than 4.9 million. A strategic focus on selling “impact” over ad space – and launching a sister creative agency – has diversified revenue while preserving journalistic integrity. Xenor now blends grassroots trust with digital fluency, ensuring local voices remain loud and visible. Read here.
Started in 2024, Amplify South Africa provides tailored mentoring, capacity strengthening and grant funding to selected independent media. Focused on enhancing revenue streams, expanding audience reach and exploring innovative business models, it builds on the successes of MDIF’s South Africa Media Innovation Program (SAMIP) which, from 2017 to 2023, worked with 27 media outlets and carried out six investments. Find out more about Amplify South Africa here.