Marietta Lombard, editor-in-chief of Caxton Greater Johannesburg Metro, has been appointed to the inaugural board of the Digital News Transformation Fund (DNT Fund).

This is a R114m initiative supporting the future of independent journalism in South Africa.

The Fund, a partnership between Google and the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), aims to strengthen small-to-medium independent news publishers through project-based grants, capacity building and digital innovation.

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It is independently administered by Tshikululu Social Investments.

The board’s mandate is to provide strategic direction and uphold the Fund’s public interest mission.

Lombard joins a group of respected media leaders, including co-chairs Vincent Maher (Broadband CEO) and Anetta Mangxaba (AIP Chair and CEO of Dizindaba Media), alongside board members Styli Charalambous (Daily Maverick), Mbali Dhlomo (Intuthuko Newspaper) and Sebenzile Nkambule (MDIF).

The Fund’s governance model is designed for transparency, fairness and long-term impact.

While the board will offer strategic oversight, an independent adjudication committee will handle funding decisions, based on a clearly defined eligibility framework.

Specialist advisers, including Dr Kate Skinner and media consultant Izak Minnaar, will contribute sector expertise.

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The DNT Fund’s first call for proposals opens on August 25. Each successful applicant will not only receive grant funding but also mentorship, training and peer support to embed sustainable digital transformation.

Lombard’s appointment underscores a strong commitment to empowering local voices and building resilient, community-serving journalism across South Africa.

She also serves as press representative on the Press Council of South Africa and deputy executive director of the Forum of Community Journalists.

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