Question NW2368 to the Minister of Social Development
05 July 2023 - NW2368
Abrahams, Ms ALA to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to her department’s new channel on DSTV that she announced during the debate on Budget Vote 19 which took place on 30 May 2023, (a) on what date will the channel be accessible to the public, (b) how will the public access the channel, (c) what costs will the public incur in order to watch the channel, (d) what are all the total financial expenditure to set up and run the channel, (e) what is the duration of the contract agreement with DSTV, (f) what is the reason for the decision not to use the national broadcaster, the SA Broadcasting Corporation, as a suitable service provider in this regard, (g) who is the target audience, (h) who will determines the content aired on the channel, (i) under which programme within her department will the project be coordinated and (j) what are the job titles and functions of government employees tasked with the operationalisation of the DSD channel project?
Reply:
- The DSDTV is due to be launch in the second quarter of the current financial year. It is important to clarify that the platform that I referred to during the Budget Vote 19 is DSDTV, and not DSTV.
- Once officially launched, DSDTV will be accessible to the public on the online platform on www.dsdtv.org.za. This online platform is commonly known as Over the Top (OTT) platform, a media service in which streaming of content is offered directly to viewers via the internet with no support of cable, broadcast, and satellite television platforms.
- During the pilot phase, the Department will explore ways of monetising and zero rating the platform to cut down on data cost for the public.
- It cost the Department R81 250 a month to set up, load information, design and maintain the platform.
- There is no contractual agreement with DSTV. The platform will be piloted for a period of 12 months. Thereafter it will be evaluated before a final decision is taken on the way forward.
- Financial constraints preclude the Department from entering into any arrangement with the SABC. The OTT platform provides Government with an invaluable opportunity to talk directly to its beneficiaries at a reduced cost. It also creates internal capacity and skills to produce DSD Portfolio-related content.
- South African population.
- The content will be sourced directly from the DSD Portfolio interventions and programmes and overseen by the Chief Directorate; Communication.
- Refer to (h) above.
- The content on the platform will focus on all areas of the DSD Portfolio.
- Refer to (h) above.