Today marks the start of the dual illumination period in the country's digital migration process.
Dual illumination, or simulcast, is the interim period in which both analogue and digital terrestrial television (DTT) signals are allowed to be transmitted at the same time before the analogue signal is switched-off.
Communications minister Faith Muthambi says this period seeks to ensure all citizens have ample time to install the digital set-top boxes (STBs) required for DTT transmissions.
"The picture is now coming together; from gazetting the Broadcasting Digital Migration Policy on the 18th of March 2015, to the first installation of set-top boxes on 17th of December 2015 in the Northern Cape.
"We are now in the dual illumination phase; it's truly exciting. It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, but it's been quite a fulfilling journey."
Muthambi says at the end of the dual illumination period, all analogue television broadcasts will cease, yielding a digital dividend that will be used to launch new broadband and broadcasting services.
The uptake of set-top boxes is steadily growing, she adds.
Since the launch of the STB distribution and installation process on 17 December, registration in the Northern Cape and Free State provinces is recording an improved uptake from 167 and 250 daily registrations for the reception devices and accessories, according to the communications ministry.
Government plans to distribute five million free STBs. The next distribution and installation process for STBs will be in the Free State this month.
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