The 21st of November was declared by the United Nations in 1996 as the World Television Day. The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Khumbudzo Ntshavheni joins the world in taking a moment to celebrate Television as one of the most powerful mediums. Television has contributed immensely to the growth of the creative industry, the arts, sports and further shaped our country and the world at large. Television has played a role over the years in shaping public opinions, influence decision-making, inform, entertain, and most importantly educate society.
We celebrate TV today because when we are divided as people due to our different beliefs and traditions, it is through television that nations come together and watch different activities like we are currently doing with the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar where the world is united as one. It is through TV that we were able to watch the recent 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifying matches where our own Springboks qualified. Soon in 2023, we will watch Banyana during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Millions of people rely on television for information that they can readily trust, be it in politics, sports, events, and movies.
Television has evolved over the years, from analogue to digital. In South Africa we are at an advanced stage towards the completion of the Broadcast Digital Migration with only four provinces out of nine remaining to be switched off. We are currently conducting installation drives across the country to ensure that all qualifying registered beneficiaries receive their set-top-boxes and are connected. The Department is working with local government structures to resolve any challenge that may arise in the installation process.
“On this global World Television Day, I wish the people of the world well as we reminisce on our favourite television programmes and further call upon members of the public who are still watching analogue TV to self-migrate or purchase compliant digital television sets from the retail market identified through the Go-Digital logo.” concluded Minister Ntshavheni.
Enquiries:
Tlangelani Manganyi (Tlangi)
Cell: 060 886 4670
E-mail: Media@DCDT.gov.za
