The aim is to ensure that every South African has access to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in a medium and cultural relevance of their choice. Other municipal areas that will get new transmitters during the course of the year include Indermark and Vhulaudzi in Limpopo and Agterwitzenberg and Genadendal in the Western Cape.
It is envisaged that that the low-power initiative will address the needs of approximately 1.5 million people without access through the deployment of about 300 low power transmitter sites over a three-year period which began in April 2008.
The SABC also hopes to transform the country into a hub of passion during the world cup by activating public viewing areas, affording an alternative viewing experience to the South African public.
"There are an estimated 3.6 million South Africans who do not have free-to-air access to any SABC television services and about 5.4 million who do not have access to radio services. Most of these people live in remote areas; others reside in more densely populated localities but are denied access by buildings or geographical features. For many of them, the prospect of SABC reception prior to 2010 FIFA World Cup has now become a reality," says SABC acting GCEO Gab Mampone.
"It is a privilege to make a difference in the lives of South Africans and to bring the 2010 World Cup to these communities. SABC's vision for the 2010 FIFA World Cup is to drive African access and legacy behind the world cup and installing these transmitters will provide improved universal access to SABC's services to all affected areas during and after the world cup," says GM 2010 Peter Kwele.
