Question NW1293 to the Minister of Communications
06 June 2016 - NW1293
Bhanga, Mr BM to ask the Minister of Communications
(1)(a) What is the current cost estimate of (i) producing and (ii) installing 5,2 million (aa) set-top boxes and (bb) antennae and/or satellite dishes, (b) what funding has already been allocated by the National Treasury for these purposes, (c) where will these funds be drawn from and (d) over what time frame; (2) from where will any extra funding needed to produce and install the specified set-top boxes and antennae and/or satellite dishes be sourced; (3) have these funds been secured to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details in each case; (4) (a) what amount has been paid to the (i) producers and (ii) suppliers of the (aa) set-top boxes, (bb) antennae and (cc) satellite suppliers and installers as at 31 March 2016, (b) in each specified case please provide a detailed breakdown of the payments made to each producer and/or supplier and (c) over what timeframe?
Reply:
(1) (a) National Treasury has appropriated R2.5 billion for the procurement and supply 5 million set-top-boxes to poor television owning households in South Africa.
(b) National Treasury has already allocated R2.251.554.000 ( R2.2 billion)
(c) These funds have been allocated from the Universal Service and Access Funds.
(d) The allocation in (b) above is for the current financial year (2016/17) which includes the rollover from the previous years.
(2) There are ongoing engagements with National Treasury regarding the extra funding that might be required.
(3) No, extra funds have not yet been secured.
(4) (a) All payments for manufacturers and installers during the 2015/16 financial year were made during the 4th quarter:
(aa) Set-Top-Boxes:
CZ R49,600,474.00
Leratadima R680,984.00
Bua R0
(bb) Antennae
Temic R499,833.00
QEC R17,770.00
(cc) Satellite Dishes
Ellis R8,834,200.00
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: