How to qualify for a free set-top box Digital Migration

​To qualify for a free government-subsidized set-top box (decoder) in South Africa's digital migration, you must meet the following criteria:​

1. Income Requirement: Your household should have a combined income of R3,500 per month or less.

2. Social Grant Beneficiaries: If you are a recipient of a South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant, you automatically qualify. ​

3. Television Ownership: You must possess a working television set. ​

To apply for the free decoder, visit your nearest South African Post Office (SAPO) branch with the following documents:​

• South African Identity Document (ID): Proof of citizenship.​

• Proof of Address: A utility bill or official document displaying your residential address.​

• Affidavit Confirming Television Ownership: A sworn statement verifying that you own a functional TV set.​

• Proof of Income: A bank statement or affidavit confirming that your household income is R3,500 per month or less. SASSA grant recipients can provide proof of grant receipt instead. 

SAPO branches offer standard affidavits for income declaration, television ownership, and residential address confirmation, simplifying the application process. Once your application is approved, an installer will contact you to set up the decoder at your home.

It's important to apply promptly to ensure continued access to television broadcasts, as the analogue signal is scheduled to be switched off soon. ​

Qualifying households in the Free State and Northern Cape can from today apply for a subsidised set-top box at their local post office.

“South African households with a combined income of R3 200 or less qualify for a subsidised set-top decoder,” the South African Post Office (Sapo) said.

The set-top box decoders will give access to more than 18 television channels, including the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) channels, e-TV and community channels.

The Post Office said set-top box decoders will be necessary to continue watching television when South Africa switches to digital television transmission.

“To qualify, the household members must be South African citizens and have a valid television licence. Applicants should bring their identity book, proof of address, proof of income (in the form of an affidavit or salary slip) and television licence to the post office when they register,” Sapo said.

Local contractors will be enlisted to install the satellite dish and decoder.

“Households that do not qualify for a subsidised item can buy a decoder from their local post office at a once-off cost with no monthly subscription fees,” Sapo said.

The registration of households for digital television decoders started on 1 October in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope area of the Northern Cape, where 2 000 households had registered for a set-top box by 26 November.