Apply online for subsidized TV decoder now,

Apply for subsidised TV decoder now,

Qualifying households should visit their local post office as soon as possible to apply for a free government-subsidized decoder (also called a set-top box).  Qualifying households do not have to pay anything for the set-top box – it is free.

During the  State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa must complete the migration to digital broadcast .  The analogue television signal will be switched off and only digital television transmissions will be broadcast. Analogue television sets will then only work if they are connected to a decoder.

Qualifying households that apply before 1 October 22 will receive a decoder before the analogue television signal is switched off.  Those who apply after 1 November will only receive a decoder later.

All South African households with an income of R3500 per month or less and a working television set qualify for a government subsidized set-top box.  Qualifying beneficiaries must visit their nearest Post Office branch as soon as possible with the following documentation:

1. A South African identity document.
2. Proof of address.
3. An affidavit to confirm that the family has a working television set.
4. A bank statement or affidavit to confirm that the family income is R3500 per month or less. If you receive a SASSA grant, you do not need to bring proof of income.  Proof that you receive a SASSA grant is enough.

Television channels

1. SABC 1
2. SABC 2
3. SABC 3
4. SABC Sport
5. SABC Education
6. SABC Encore
7. SABC News
8. Parliament
9. Africa Magic Epic
10. Mzanzi Bioskop
11. M Movies 4
12. Mzanzi Wethu
13. S Sport Blitz
14. SS Select sport
15. Discovery TLC
16. Disney JNR
17. Nick Toons
18. Mzanzi Music
19. Channel O
20. Dumisa
21. Mnet Go
22. 790 CSN

Radio stations

1. Radio 2000
2. Metro
3. Good Hope
4. RSG
5. 04 Channel Africa
6. 5FM
7. Lesedi Fm
8. Lotus
9. Ukhozi
10. SAFM
11. Umhlobo
12. Thobela
13. Metsweding
14. Munghana Lonene
15. Phalaphala
16. Ligwalagala
17. Ikwekwezi
18. Tru FM
19. X K FM

The quality of digital television broadcasts is better than an analogue signal.  The subsidized set-top box also gives a much bigger selection of channels: