An amount of R279m has been allocated by South Africa’s Department of Communications to state-owned signal distributor Sentech to prioritise the rollout of digital terrestrial television (DTT) country-wide. The commercial launch of DTT is expected in April next year.
Meanwhile, public service broadcaster SABC has been allocated R84m by the DoC to improve its technological capabilities and educational programming.
This was revealed by Minister of Communications Roy Padayachie on 31 May at the National Assembley. “Another R41m has been allocated to SABC for Channel Africa, whose future role and social obligations will be discussed as part of the Broadcasting Policy review process. The SABC further intends to launch a 24-hour news channel on the free to air space which will contribute to the diversity of views in society.
“We are engaging the SABC on the future funding required to facilitate the introduction of new digital channels which will be broadcast to the population on a free to air platform. The number of TV channels will increase from 3 to 10. We will continue to engage the SABC with regard to the implementation of their turn-around strategy.’
He said that the SABC was a critical focus for the DoC and that they had made significant strides in stabilising the corporation. “We will soon conclude the appointment of the remaining four (4) Board members. The announcement of the appointed Board members will be made by the President in the near future. The appointment of the Group CEO will be concluded soon.’
The Minister noted that the newly appointed Chairperson, Board and Chief Executive Officer of Sentech “are showing remarkable commitment in working together to stabilise the organisation to fulfil its mandate.
“Specific focus will be given to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) to increase its capacity to regulate a fast changing technological and market environment. In June 2011, we will present the performance management system of ICASA Chairperson and other councillors for deliberations in Parliament. We will also review the current ICASA Act to, amongst others, introduce a new funding model for ICASA so as to strengthen its capacity to regulate the sector.
“In the current financial year, R313 million has been allocated to ICASA to cater for operational and project expenses. ICASA will pursue further liberalisation of the Pay TV market by issuing new television licences. Commercial radio services will also be licensed in the Free State, Eastern Cape and the Northern Cape following the licensing of similar services in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West in 2007. ICASA will soon announce the successful bidders for the commercial radio licences in Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban.’
