MDDA pays tribute to Soweto TV co-founder Ntate Meshack Oupa Mosia

Ntate Mosia, affectionately known as Bra Mesh, will be remembered as a committed community media pioneer whose contribution to the growth of community television in South Africa leaves an indelible mark on the sector. He is widely recognised for his dedication to youth media skills development, the strengthening of community broadcasting, and the growth of Soweto TV as a platform that amplified local voices, stories and talent.

Throughout his leadership journey, Bra Mesh played a central role in some of the key milestones in Soweto TV’s development and expansion within the community media landscape, including:

• 2011: As a Soweto TV board member, he welcomed the Urban Brew Studios partnership, recognising it as a critical step in advancing community television.
  
• 2014: He endorsed the Times Media partnership as a strategic move to improve airtime sales and further strengthen the station’s mandate.
  
• 2018: He acknowledged MultiChoice for its support in enhancing the station’s technical capacity and long-term sustainability.

Bra Mesh was also deeply invested in youth empowerment and skills development. He actively championed initiatives that saw graduates being absorbed into the station as interns, reinforcing his belief in community media as a vehicle for opportunity, mentorship and transformation.

His passing is a profound loss not only to Soweto TV, but to the broader community and media development sector, where his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

The MDDA board, management and staff extend their heartfelt condolences to Soweto TV, the Mosia family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by Ntate Meshack Oupa Mosia during his distinguished career.

We honour his memory and the enduring legacy of service, leadership and empowerment that he leaves behind.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.