Apply for a free, subsidised TV decoder now, says SA Post Office

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This is how to get your free* set-top box at the Post Office.

The South African Post Office is encouraging low-income families to apply for a free government-subsidised decoder (also called a set-top box).

According to the SA Post Office, qualifying homes do not have to pay anything for the set-top box. This follows the 2021 State of the Nation Address, according to the postal service. During SONA, President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that South Africa must complete the transition to digital transmission by March 31, 2022.

Only digital television transmissions will be aired when the analogue television signal is turned off.

Analogue television sets will no longer function unless they are linked to a decoder.

As a result, the SA Post Office asks qualified families to apply for the decoder as soon as possible. “Qualifying households that apply before 1 November 2021 will receive a decoder before the analogue television signal is switched off. Those who apply after 1 November will only receive a decoder later,” the national post office says.

Who qualifies for a free government subsidised decoder?

All South African homes with a monthly income of R3500 or less with a functioning television set are eligible for a government-subsidised set-top box.

What documents must you take with you to the nearest Post Office branch?:

1. A South African identity card.
2. Address verification.
3. An affidavit confirming that the family owns a functioning television set.
4. A bank statement or affidavit confirming that the household income is R3500 or less per month. You do not need to bring evidence of income if you get a SASSA award. It is sufficient to show that you have received a SASSA award.

Standard affidavits are available at Post Office branches for applicants to use to declare their income, prove that they own a functional television set, and establish their residential address.

“You do not need to visit a police station to do an official affidavit before you go to the Post Office,” SA Post Office adds.

Sentech receives the information and assigns a local installer to install your set-top box when an application is granted.

The South African Post Office is aware that some families registered for a set-top box at the start of the campaign, but the installation has yet to take place.

The postal service highlights that installations are done per province, while Sentech makes the appointment of local installers via local municipalities.

According to the National Post Office, there is no need to re-register to get a set-top box.

If your local Post Office is swamped with grant payments, be assured that you will be placed in a separate line if you apply for a subsidised set-top box.

According to the South African Post Office, digital television transmissions have higher quality than analogue signals.

The subsidised set-top box also has a considerably larger channel selection:

Television channels:

• SABC 1
• SABC 2
• SABC 3
• SABC Sport
• SABC Education
• SABC Encore
• SABC News
• Parliament
• Africa Magic Epic
• Mzanzi Bioskop
• M Movies 4
• Mzanzi Wethu
• S Sport Blitz
• SS Select sport
• Discovery TLC
• Disney JNR
• Nick Toons
• Mzanzi Music
• Channel O
• Dumisa
• Mnet Go
• 790 CSN

Radio stations:

• Radio 2000
• Metro
• Good Hope
• RSG
• 04 Channel Africa
• 5FM
• Lesedi Fm
• Lotus
• Ukhozi
• SAFM
• Umhlobo
• Thobela
• Metsweding
• Munghana Lonene
• Phalaphala
• Ligwalagala
• Ikwekwezi
• Tru FM
• X K FM

For enquiries on the subsidised set-top box and any postal service, contact the SA Post Office on:

SMS enquiries: 31133

E-mail: Customer.Services@postoffice.co.za

Customer Services telephone: 0860 111 502

Website: www.postoffice.co.za

Twitter: @PostofficeSA

Facebook: @PostofficeSA

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