PhD Study Explores Factors behind SA’s Slow Adoption of Digital Terrestrial TV

BY: .

The continual long delays of South Africa’s transition from analogue broadcasting to digital terrestrial television set to have concluded across all nine provinces by the end of January motivated PhD in Management graduate Dr Brian Mabaso to examine possible reasons for the slow adoption of digital terrestrial television (DTT) and the intention to adopt DTT in eThekwini Municipality.

The study supervised by Professor Brian McArthur and Dr Karunagaran Naidoo aims to shed light on factors that are contributing towards the adoption of household technology like set-top boxes.

‘The study focused on three areas: firstly, it set to establish possible reasons for the slow adoption of digital terrestrial television in eThekwini Municipality - the biggest municipality in KZN. Secondly, it was to measure appetite (adoption intention) for DTT from the citizens of eThekwini Municipality, and lastly to develop a framework for DTT adoption,’ explained Mabaso.

The study’s findings revealed that policy inconsistencies, leadership instability at senior government level, poor awareness campaigns, political interference, budget and stakeholder engagement amongst other reasons as the possible reasons for the slow adoption of DTT.

 ‘It also found that the intention to adopt DTT by citizens of eThekwini municipality was significant thus implying that the city’s residents were willing to adopt it. Furthermore, the research has successfully developed a framework for DTT adoption,’ added Mabaso.

With this qualification, Mabaso plans to pursue an academic career as a researcher or lecturer.

‘Possessing a PhD as a Black person creates endless opportunities! I can develop policies for government or even go the route of consulting for big corporates. My experience was made easy by the fact that I had a strong and supportive team of supervisors whose assistance, patience and guidance I am grateful for.’

Words: Thandiwe Jumo

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan