Today, the first phase of the Analogue Switch-Off was a cause for celebration for many, and sparked a mixed reaction on social media.
Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi lead the event to mark the first phase of the switch-off, in Carnarvon the Northern Cape.
This major national milestone forms part of the country’s Broadcasting Digital Migration (BDM) process.
Min Muthambi: I thank all of you the people of Carnarvon. Keep up the good work and ensure that we move SA forward #AnalogueSwitchOff
— GCIS Media Liaison (@GCISMedia) October 28, 2016
Min Muthambi: We are gathered here today as part of an international agenda which is a big economic agenda #AnalogueSwitchOff #GodigitalZA
— GCIS Media Liaison (@GCISMedia) October 28, 2016
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) area in the Northern Cape is the first to switch off the analogue signal.
Analogue transmitters were switched off in the following towns: Van Wyksvlei; Brandvlei; Williston; Vosburg and Carnarvon.
South Africans shared their response to the switch-off:
Mxxxm took them long enough....can't be celebrating mediocrity #AnalogueSwitchOff
— Thick & Proud (@PrudyOBusisiwe) October 28, 2016
A step in the right direction #AnalogueSwitchOff
— #VoiceOfReason (@SanelleNgobster) October 28, 2016
#AnalogueSwitchOff should have happened 7 years ago, yet then it was already a couple of years behind.
— Aygan (@TheRealAygan) October 28, 2016
It was nice being with Minister @faithmuthambi in Carnavon (NC).
Her humility is to die for #Analogueswitchoff pic.twitter.com/d1iZuHIiOo
— Palesa Chubisi (@PalesaChubisi) October 28, 2016
Perfect for more SABC re-runs! #AnalogueSwitchOff https://t.co/Xd1tCuojC7
— IG: @ilikebrandon (@i_likebrandon) October 28, 2016
How @GovernmentZA and @faithmuthambi can be proud of this!? It's 7 years OVERDUE. We're like the last country on earth. #AnalogueSwitchOff
— IG: @ilikebrandon (@i_likebrandon) October 28, 2016
The mobile network companies have been waiting for this to happen, i wonder what change will they bring to the table. #AnalogueSwitchOff
— Mohamed Farhaan (@Farhaan444) October 28, 2016
Finally finally finally 😁😁😁 i feel like we finally coming out of the dark ages. #AnalogueSwitchOff
— Mohamed Farhaan (@Farhaan444) October 28, 2016
Congratulations to @GovernmentZA @faithmuthambi @Brand_SA #AnalogueSwitchOff #Winning #Leadership pic.twitter.com/zHuOoLtL2z
— African (@ali_naka) October 28, 2016
Have they sorted out the set top boxes saga yet? How long b4 the whole country is covered? #AnalogueSwitchOff
— Thembha Mlotshwa (@tlmlotshwa) October 28, 2016