Qualifying households can apply for subsidised decoder for switch from analogue television signal

ALL South African households, with an income of R3 500 per month or less, and a working television, are asked to apply for a government-subsidised set-top box at their nearest post office.

“The analogue television signal will be switched off and only digital television transmissions will be broadcast. Analogue television sets will then only work if they are connected to a decoder,” said the South African Post Office spokesperson, Johan Kruger.

Government plans to complete this transition by March 2022.

Qualifying households that apply before November 1 will receive a decoder before the analogue television signal is switched off. Those who apply after November 1 will only receive a decoder later.

Should you wish to apply, carry the following documentation with you:

* A South African identity document.

* Proof of address.

* An affidavit to confirm that the family has a working television set.

* A bank statement or affidavit to confirm that the family’s income is R3 500 per month or less. If you receive a Sassa grant, you do not need to bring proof of income. Proof that you receive a Sassa grant is enough. There will be a separate queue for this application.

“The post office branches have standard affidavits that the applicants can use to declare their income, to confirm that they own a working television set, and to confirm their residential address. You do not need to visit a police station,” said Kruger.

Once an application has been approved, the information is given to Sentech to appoint a local installer to set up the set-top box.

“If you registered for a set-top box at the beginning of the campaign, but no installation has been done yet, there is no need to register again,” he said.

There are 22 television channels and 19 radio channels available on the set-top box.