Minister Muthambi Launches Digital Terrestrial Television in uMfolozi

Minister of Communications Faith Muthambi held a Digital Terrestrial Television Imbizo in uMfolozi Municipality at the Donda Sports Field, ward 17. The aim of the DTT Imbizo was to raise public awareness on Digital Terrestrial Television and the migration from analogue to digital television.

Minister Muthambi said the decision to migrate from analogue to digital television was influenced by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) resolution that countries in region 1, which include our continent should migrate their broadcasting services from analogue to digital. “Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) offers better compression. This enables broadcasters to offer several channels of programming in spectrum that previously was only able to transmit a single analogue channel. Therefore, viewers are likely to be offered a wider range of channels subject only to the broadcasters finding a business model to make the channels financially viable,” said Minister Muthambi. The Minister further stated that DTT will offer more possibilities of more channels which can include vernacular languages. This the Minister said, will make television more inclusive for everyone in South Africa.

Minister Muthambi together with uMfolozi Mayor Cllr Smanga Mgenge installed the Set-Top Box decoders to three needy households. Mayor Mgenge encouraged residents of uMfolozi to register so they can qualify for the government subsidized Set-Top Box decoders.

The uMfolozi Municipality has welcomed the training of local youth to install the STB decoders. The Municipality welcomes the initiative to provide employment within the community.

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Minister Muthambi addressing the community at the Donda Sports Field with Director of Corporate Service Ms Nonhlanhla Ndlela with a sign language translator

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Mayor Smanga Mgenge addressing the community about DTT at the Donda Sports Field.

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Post Office employees registering community residents for the government subsidy on the STB’S.

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Community members listening attentively at the DTT Imbizo.