Siyaya pay TV to launch before year end: report

According to a report in the City Press, pay TV group Siyaya “seems ready to launch” some of its offerings before the end of 2014, using direct-to-home (DTH) satellite broadcasting.

Siyaya made headlines recently when the group secured the live broadcast rights to Bafana Bafana – SA’s national men’s soccer team – matches from May 2015.

The deal between Siyaya and the South African Football Association (Safa) is reported to be worth R175 million per year, over six years.

According to the City Press report, Siyaya was one of five new broadcasters which received conditional licences to be pay TV broadcasters that had now submitted the necessary “additional information” required of them, to Icasa.

This submission ensures compliance with Icasa’s requirements, and allows Siyaya to continue with its expansion plans.

We will change broadcasting

Siyaya’s main shareholder Bakgatla-ba-Kgafela – led by John Molefe Pilane – last week said they planned to “transform” the broadcasting industry in South Africa through Siyaya TV.

Pilane said the Bakgatla were at the heart of rural development, building a city and developing the economy in Moruleng village in the North West.

“When government first called for expressions for digital terrestrial television (DTT), one of its goals was that DTT should reach rural communities. The Bakgatla are seizing that opportunity.”

“We were advised to get other programmes. We decided to get the soccer before other products. Soccer is hugely popular in this country and is supposed to be bigger than rugby and cricket.”

Pilane said the television station targeted black middle class and lower income earners, who were also at the forefront as soccer lovers.

It has been reported that Siyaya said in its submission to Icasa for its license that it plans to charge a subscription fee of R70 per month.

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