Minister of Communications Ms Faith Muthambi congratulates the South African television industry which marks 40 years of educating, informing and entertaining the public this month. This week in January 1976 the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) first broadcast, in colour, to audiences across the country. This was followed by the establishment of Mnet in 1986, and etv the first commercial free-to-air channel in 1998. Minister says “Although much has been achieved to diversify the industry, more focus is required for the realisation of a fully diversified and transformed sector.” After 40 years, the SABC is still the medium of choice for many South Africans, with its TV channels and radio stations reaching millions of viewers and listeners every day.
The Ministry of Communications is also pleased that progress has been made in transforming the country’s broadcasting industry, resulting in black people also owning and managing broadcasting assets. A key development has been the flourishing of diverse community television stations, reaching millions of South Africans each day.
The installation of the first government subsidised digital set-top-box that kicked-off the Broadcasting Digital Migration programme in the Northern Cape last year further adds a new dimension of opportunities in the broadcasting field.
“Since my appointment to this portfolio I have not only been engaging with the broadcasting sector, but with various other key stakeholders who have a role to play in broadcasting.
I have maintained an open-door policy and welcome discussions and engagements that may assist in moving the sector forward to help it reach its full potential. As the Department of Communications, together with Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), we will continue to work hard to create an environment that encourages the entry and creativity of new entrants to the broadcasting environment,” said Muthambi.
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