South Africa’s transition from analogue to digital broadcasting is at risk of further delays due to a series of ongoing challenges, as highlighted in a recent parliamentary briefing.
The country is under pressure to meet the 31 December 2024 deadline for the switch to digital broadcasting. However, there are growing concerns that millions of households still depending on analogue signals may lose access to free-to-air television, a situation that could significantly affect the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and other channels like e.tv.
During a session recently, Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Solly Malatsi discussed the difficulties surrounding the analogue switch-off timeline. He acknowledged that moving ahead with the current deadline would pose serious challenges, stressing that many South Africans still rely on analogue services for their television access.
“The progress made so far indicates that proceeding with the deadline poses considerable difficulties, as thousands of South Africans are still dependent on analogue broadcasting,” Malatsi stated.
He pointed out that funding remains a critical issue, emphasizing that maintaining both analogue and digital systems simultaneously would be unsustainable without financial backing.
“If we consider extending the deadline, it presents a need for discussion regarding funding sources to support the costs associated with dual illumination,” he explained.
Sentech, the state-owned signal distributor, has also reported financial constraints and is struggling to maintain coverage for both systems. Malatsi mentioned that the Universal Service and Access Fund (USAF) has not made a financial provision for the upcoming fiscal year, though discussions are in place with the National Treasury to assist.
Malatsi conveyed the potential operations and viewership risks for broadcasters if the deadline is not extended. He noted communications from various broadcasters, including SABC and eMedia, expressing their concerns about the impending deadline. He pointed out that careful consideration is necessary if an extension is granted to avoid future discussions about modifying the deadline.
Deputy Director-General for ICT Infrastructure Development Tinyiko Ngobeni highlighted that despite increasing awareness of the switch-off, many indigent households have yet to register to install set-top boxes (STBs), which are essential for the transition to digital broadcasting.
Sentech has sped up the installation process, but 469,370 households still need to be connected by December 2024. While the overall number of completed installations stands at over 1.3 million, various challenges, including issues with physical addresses, have hampered the progress. Ngobeni emphasized the difficulties faced in locating households, particularly in informal settlements.
As of 31 October, only 21 of South Africa’s 195 analogue transmitters have been completely switched off. Major hurdles concerning data integrity have slowed down the installation rate, delaying the completion of the 90% threshold needed for broadcasters to authorize the switch-off.
Ngobeni revealed that over the years, the government has invested R1.23 billion in maintaining dual systems since 2014. The department and Usaasa have sought Treasury approval to reallocate funds from the USAF for the upcoming financial year.
Highlighting the situation’s urgency, the deputy director-general remarked that the analogue network is outdated, as the equipment necessary for its operation is no longer being manufactured. “Should any equipment fail, there are no spare parts available,” Ngobeni concluded.
