Gauteng households can register for free digital TV decoders

SINCE September 1, qualifying households in Gauteng have been able to register at their local post office for a subsidised digital television decoder.

Television viewers will need a decoder (commonly called a set-top box) to watch television in areas where transmission has switched over to digital television signals.

To qualify, the applicant must be a South African citizen and the household must have a working television set. The total income for the household must not be more than R3 200 per month.

Paul Fouché, Post Office regional manager in the Witwatersrand, said applicants need a copy of their identity document, proof of residence, proof of income and an affidavit to confirm that they have a television set when they apply.

The Post Office coordinates the installation of the decoder and antenna. Local contractors will be enlisted to do the installation. This boosts the local economy.

Fouché said it would be wise to apply as soon as possible and avoid a last-minute rush.

Households that already have a satellite subscription television service will not need a decoder.

Johan Kruger of the communications division of the South African Post Office said: “This project of providing free digital decoders to poorer households is run by the Department of Communication. The Post Office simply coordinates the application and installation processes, because it is the only governmental organisation that has branches everywhere, as well as computers that can handle the application processes for the decoders.

“The Constitution states that all South Africans have a right to information. The government is responsible for creating platforms for broadcasting, which gives people access to radio and television. This puts liability on the government to also provide this access to less fortunate people. That is why the SABC channels are accessible to all, even those without satellite decoders – it’s the government broadcaster.

“According to international telecommunication regulations, South Africa was supposed to implement digital television in 2015 already. Digital television has no white noise or interruptions from other channels, the sound and visual quality is much better and it requires less bandwidth,” Kruger said.

For more information, visit www.doc.gov.za and click on “Go Digital SA” at the bottom of the page.

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za

Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.