By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – The national Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is continuing the rollout of digital TV decoders in rural communities as government accelerates the country’s migration from analogue to digital broadcasting.
Chief director for digital infrastructure and broadcasting technologies, Dr Fhatuwani Mutuvhi, visited Makhalaneng village in Ward 07 on Wednesday following an invitation from the Monontsha Traditional Council and the Makhalaneng Community Forum, who sought clarity on the programme.
Mutuvhi assured residents that government is still installing decoders for qualifying households and that those who qualify but have not yet received devices should not be concerned.
“We do not have a cut-off date for the programme. Government will continue assisting until all qualifying households are equipped with digital decoders as the country migrates from analogue to digital broadcasting,” he said.
Makhalaneng Community Forum chairperson Isaac Pholo said the community invited officials after confusion arose over the status of the rollout.
Pholo said residents wanted clarity on who qualifies, the application process and how the village could submit a list of potential beneficiaries.
“We approached the department because we do not want anyone to be left behind in government programmes meant to assist communities,” he said.
Mutuvhi said residents who have not yet applied still have an opportunity to do so, adding that those already on the waiting list will also be assisted.
Applicants must submit proof of identity, proof of address and evidence of a social grant or income.
“To date, we have assisted households that applied and qualified between 2016 and late 2024.
However, some households could not be reached during the implementation phase due to changes of address or contact details not being updated on the system,” he said.
