The Association of Independent Publishers (AIP) celebrated its 20-year anniversary last night at the Holiday Inn in Houghton, bringing together South Africa’s community media in a dignified, heartfelt, and history-rich gala event.
As a proud AIP member, I arrived ready to honour this milestone. At the entrance, the security guard asked where I was going, I said I was attending the AIP celebration, she smiled and said, “Ohhh, so you’re joining all those well-dressed people taking pictures by the entrance?” I laughed and replied, “Yes, it’s expected. They work with cameras and tell stories for a living.” She laughed loudly as I walked into a hall already alive with familiar faces, warm greetings, and the soft click of cameras capturing the moment.
Publishers from across all provinces stood proudly in their finest attire a symbolic reflection of the pride, dignity, and hard work that has sustained independent community media for two decades.
The programme director, Silindile Khanyile, founder of Umbele and an AIP board member, guided the evening with professionalism and grace. Her presence set the tone for a celebration that honoured the past while looking boldly toward the future.
AIP Chairperson Anetta Mangxaba opened with a powerful address on the indispensable role of community media in South Africa’s democracy. She stressed that grassroots publications are often the only platforms documenting the everyday realities of ordinary people. Mangxaba directed her message firmly toward the keynote speaker, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenneth Morolong, while reminding the audience of the important role of community media in SA democracy, calling for stronger and more consistent support from government.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister Morolong acknowledged the challenges faced by community media and reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the sector. He emphasised that government has implemented measures ensuring that 30% of all public advertising spend is allocated to community media and a directive that will now cascade through all government departments and entities. His message brought a renewed sense of optimism to a room filled with publishers who have long fought for fair access to resources.
A deeply moving portion of the evening was dedicated to honouring those who shaped, defended, and strengthened community media over the past 20 years.
Founders of the AIP were recognised with warm applause for their courage in establishing the organisation at a time when independent media had scarce support, limited funding, and almost no formal recognition.
In a strong message of solidarity, Prof. Hlengani Mathebula of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) congratulated the AIP on its remarkable 20-year journey. He praised the organisation’s resilience, noting that many independent publishers have survived against all odds. Prof. Mathebula emphasised that the AIP’s contribution to media diversity is invaluable, and reaffirmed MDDA’s commitment to supporting the sustainability and growth of community media in South Africa.
His words reinforced a shared understanding that without independent publishers, many communities would remain unseen and unheard.Current Executive Director of the South African Editors Forum (SANEF) Reggy Moalusi added a poignant and heartfelt message, remembering fallen journalists whose work helped build the industry and uphold the values that AIP champions today. Moalusi reminded attendees that many reporters, photographers, and editors gave their lives or dedicated them entirely to ensuring communities had access to information, justice, and truth. His tribute cast a reflective silence over the room, grounding the celebration in gratitude and remembrance.
The AIP also launched its Veterans Committee, a structure designed to guide the organisation through its next chapter by drawing on decades of wisdom and experience.
Publishers who have been members for more than 15 years, and those surpassing 10 years, were recognised for their resilience and dedication, especially in a sector that has weathered financial strain, digital disruptions, and shifting audience behaviours.
Another standout speaker was Dr Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, founder of the fast-growing SMWX digital platform. Mpofu-Walsh spoke of the immense opportunities emerging in digital media and emphasised that the future of journalism lies in collaboration between traditional and digital storytellers. He painted a vision of a media ecosystem where print publishers and digital creators work hand-in-hand to serve audiences more effectively.
A surprise moment closed the formal proceedings when AIP’s Executive Director Dr Kate Skinner was presented with a beautiful portrait by the board in recognition of her unwavering leadership and service. Skinner thanked the membership for their unity, passion, and commitment to keeping community journalism alive.As the evening progressed, it became clear that the celebration was not just about the past 20 years it was a reaffirmation of purpose.
Independent community media matters because it honours local stories. It matters because it keeps democracy accessible. It matters because communities deserve to see themselves reflected in the national narrative.The gala underscored that independent community media play a crucial role in giving historically marginalised communities a platform to tell their own stories.
The AIP has contributed to media diversity, ensuring that ownership and content reflect the racial, cultural, linguistic, and geographic realities of South Africa.Transformation in this sector is not only about representation; it is about justice, access, and correcting historical imbalances. The AIP’s work ensures that voices from rural villages, townships, informal settlements, and small towns are heard alongside those from the mainstream media giants helping build a truly inclusive media landscape.
As I left the venue, the earlier exchange with the security guard echoed in my mind. Behind the suits, the speeches, and the photos stands an unwavering truth: we are storytellers. And for 20 years, the AIP has ensured that every village, township, suburb, and city has a voice.
Judging by the passion in that room, community media is not only alive it is evolving, rising, and ready for the next 20 years.
Saki Mabhele
