The Minister of Communications General (Ret) Siphiwe Nyanda today held a meeting with members of the Digital Dzonga Advisory Council.
The Digital Dzonga Advisory Council was appointed by the Minister of Communications to advise the minister on and oversee the complex process of migrating South Africa's analogue broadcasting services to a new digital technology known as digital terrestrial television or Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).
The 12 member council consists of representatives from every sector including the information and communications technology (ICT) industry, broadcasting, labour and consumer groups.
The council was appointed in 2008.
Minister Nyanda told the members that he received a report suggesting a possible conflict of interest by some of the members of the council.
This was due to the fact that most members are employed by organisations that have interests, directly or indirectly, in the value chain of the migration process.
The minister feels that the Department of Communications and the migration process shouldn't be compromised as a result of this issue.
In the wake of these issues, Minister Nyanda has taken a decision to dissolve the Digital Dzonga Council with a view to reconstitute it urgently.
Invitations for nomination of suitable candidates will be issued shortly.
Minister Nyanda thanked the outgoing members of the council for their contribution.
"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.
For more information contact:
Tiyani Rikhotso
Cell: 083 800 9936
Issued by: Department of Communications
1 April 2010
Source: Sapa
