South Africa’s slow rate of progress in its digital migration process received another blow on 1 April when the Minister of Communications General (Ret) Siphiwe Nyanda dissolved the Digital Dzonga Advisory Council, which was set up in 2008 to ensure the country’s smooth transition to digital terrestrial television (DTT).
The Council was dissolved because Minister Nyanda had received a report suggesting a possible conflict of interest by some of its members, most of whom are employed by organisations that have interests, directly or indirectly, in the value chain of the migration process. The 12 member Council consists of representatives from the ICT industry, broadcasting, labour and consumer groups.
Minister Nyanda expressed the view that the DoC and the migration process shouldn’t be compromised as a result of this issue. He is looking at reconstituting the Council as a matter of urgency and invitations for nomination of suitable candidates will be issued shortly.
Addressing the outgoing Council members the Minister said: “I wish to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you for laying a solid foundation for this crucial project. It is my belief that we will be able to use this basis you have laid to ensure an efficient and smooth migration process.’
The Council’s outgoing chairperson Lara Kantor thanked the Minister, on behalf of the entire Council, for the opportunity afforded to them to be part of this process.
Meanwhile, there is no word yet about when the commercial launch of DTT, which was initially slated to commence in November 2009, will take place. Government’s original deadline for the switch-off of the analogue signal was scheduled for November 2011 but this has now been postponed to 2013.
