Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi says cabinet has confirmed the extension of the analogue for March 2025 to provide set-top boxes to indigent households before transitioning to digital broadcasting.
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Communications and Digital Technologies Minister, Solly Malatsi, confirmed Cabinet’s approval to extend the analogue switch-off deadline from December 31, to March 31, 2025.
"This postponement provides necessary relief and ensures that as many South Africans as possible can migrate before the final switch-off,” Malatsi said.
The extension aims to ensure that indigent households could access broadcasting services, particularly through the provision of set-top boxes — a critical step in South Africa's long-overdue transition to digital broadcasting.
Malatsi acknowledged the delays in the Broadcasting Digital Migration (BDM) project since its inception but emphasised the government’s commitment to expediting the process.
He also highlighted that approximately 467,000 indigent households registered for government-provided set-top boxes have not yet received them.
"Our immediate focus between now and the end of March 2024 is to aggressively accelerate the delivery and installation of set-top boxes," he said.
The dual illumination process simultaneously transmitting analogue and digital signals has already cost the government R1.23 billion and cannot continue indefinitely, given the fiscal constraints, he said.
Malatsi appealed for cooperation from all South Africans to ensure the successful migration of remaining households.
He also called on broadcasters to play a critical role in raising awareness, ensuring households can access devices needed for digital signals.
To address delays, Malatsi instructed the Department's Director-General to implement "consequence management" for failures within the department.
Meanwhile, the government will continue subsidising indigent households and engaging with stakeholders to deliver on this long-overdue project.
IOL
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