On the platform’s website, DSDTV has live TV, videos, broadcasts, and podcasts.
Zulu said that during the pilot phase, management will explore ways to monetize and zero-rate the platform to reduce data costs.
“The department costs R81,250 per month to set up, load, design and maintain the platform. There is no contractual agreement with DStv. The platform will be piloted for 12 months. Thereafter it will be evaluated before a final decision is made on moving forward.”
The platform will provide the government with an opportunity to “speak directly to its beneficiaries at a reduced cost,” Zulu said, and “create in-house capabilities and skills to produce wallet-related content.”
“Content will be obtained directly from portfolio and program interventions and overseen by the Communications Principal Directorate.”
News24 reported that ministry spokeswoman Lumka Oliphant defended the streaming platform, saying, “Media houses also own news websites, some if not all of which have paywalls and sometimes our content can become inaccessible.”