Question NW1605 to the Minister of Communications
01 September 2016 - NW1605
Shinn, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Communications
(a) What steps are being taken to fund the dual illumination period of the broadcasting digital migration process, (b) how much funding is being sought and (c)(i) from whom and (ii) for what time period is funding being sought?
Reply:
(a) Extensive discussions with all relevant stakeholders including Portfolio Committees, National Treasury and affected broadcasters are being pursued to find a sustainable solution to the shortfall by Sentech. These steps include among others, reallocation of existing funds towards digital migration to cover dual illumination costs and the borrowing capacity of the state.
(b) The dual illumination related costs being sought amount to R509 million over the MTEF period with approximately 90% of these costs being attributable to satellite rental, maintenance and energy.
(c) (i) The funding request was made to the National Government;
(ii) MTEF Dual Illumination breakdown:
|
Financial Year |
Amount (R’000) VAT Included |
|
FY 2017 |
159 252 |
|
FY 2018 |
169 604 |
|
FY 2019 |
180 628 |
|
Total MTEF Request |
R509 484 |
|
Less Funding Allocated |
(R100 000) |
|
Total Funding Outstanding |
R409 484 |
Thus far, the Government has made available R100 million through the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services (DTPS). Therefore leaving a shortfall of R409 million over the period.
MR NN MUNZHELELE
DIRECTOR GENERAL [ACTING]
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE:
MS AF MUTHAMBI (MP)
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS
DATE: