Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
14 March 2025 | 11:30 CAT
2 min read

You switch on the telly and all you get is a blank screen.

That is the reality facing South Africans as the government moves ahead with switching off analogue television signals. This means that televisions that still rely on an old antenna, and you don’t have a decoder or satellite dish, free-to-air channels will disappear.

The change represents a global transition to create space for newer technologies like 5G, which appears very progressive. However, South Africa’s journey towards digital television has not been smooth. Delays, policy changes, and leadership failures have put more than 4.5 million households at risk of losing access to television. With the final switch-off date approaching, most people remain unaware of what is happening or how it will affect them.

Why Is This Happening?

In 2006, South Africa committed to moving from analogue to digital TV. The idea was that Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) would offer better picture and sound quality while using less frequency space. However, the technology became outdated before being fully implemented due to years of mismanagement and poor planning. Meanwhile, other parts of the world moved towards satellite TV and internet streaming.

What Are the Problems?

1. Lack of Awareness: Most South Africans are unaware of the switch-off or how to prepare 
2. Outdated Technology: DTT is no longer the preferred choice globally, yet South Africa is still pushing for it.
3. High Costs: Setting up and maintaining DTT infrastructure is expensive and does not reach enough people.
4. Slow Rollout of Decoders: Government-subsidised set-top boxes meant to help poorer households are in short supply and have been delayed for years.
5. Impact on Broadcasters: Free-to-air channels like SABC and community TV stations depend on advertising revenue. With fewer people able to watch, their income will drop, threatening their survival.

What Can You Do?

If you still rely on an old analogue TV, here’s what you need to do to stay connected:

• Get a Decoder or Satellite Dish: If you can afford it, switch to satellite TV (like OpenView or DStv) to ensure you don’t lose access to your favourite channels.
• Apply for a Government Decoder: If you earn below a certain amount, you may qualify for a free set-top box. However, the registration process has been slow and inefficient.
• Consider Streaming: If you have internet access, you can watch news and entertainment online. However, data costs in South Africa remain high, making this option difficult for many.

The Bigger Picture

The rush to switch off analogue TV is creating more problems than solutions. While digital TV is the future, the transition has been poorly handled. Millions of people who rely on free TV for news, education, and entertainment may be left in the dark—There’ss still time for the government to rethink its approach. Instead of pushing a failing DTT system, a nationwide shift to satellite TV with proper subsidies for people with low incomes would make more sense. Public awareness campaigns must also be improved so that people understand their options.

If you or someone you know still uses an old TV with an antenna, act before the switch off happens. Otherwise, you may wake up one day with a screen full of static and no way to fix it.