Question NW1255 to the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
21 July 2022 - NW1255
Majozi, Ms Z to ask the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies
In light of the fanfare that has been made by her department about the long-awaited and delayed migration from analogue to digital and the concerning flurry of media reports over the past week in the run-up to the 31 March 2022 cut-off date, with broadcasters claiming that they are not ready and are asking for an extension (details furnished), (a) what number of (i) set-top boxes still need to be installed and (ii) South Africans will be left without television come 31 March 2022 and (b) will she furnish Ms Z Majozi with the complete figures?
Reply:
I have been advised by the Department as follows:
That the digital migration process commenced in South Africa around 2008 where the necessary Broadcast digital migration (BDM) Policies and Regulations guiding the broadcasters about the process was established. It is quite concerning and appalling that some broadcaster can claim that they are not ready after these many years.
(a) (i) At the time of publication of the question, the Gauteng High Court had extended the date for analogue switch off to 30 June 2022. As of 25 April 2022, 398 251 households were awaiting installations which must be completed by 30 June 2022.
(ii) Majority of South African television households are already receiving television services through satellite platforms. In addition, Digital television is also received through digital television sets which aresold in South Africa since 2012. Between 2016 to date, more than 2.6 million Digital TV sets have been sold.. Furthermore, government has taken measures to ensure South Africans do not unknowingly buy Analogue TV sets.
(b) Refer to (a) above