THE abrupt encryption of SABC signal by the South African Broadcaster has thrown the lives of millions of Zimbabwean television viewers and traders into disarray.
Report by Silence Charumbira
For many years, Zimbabweans have relied on the pirate decoders for entertainment with SABC threatening countless times to encrypt their signal, but on Monday morning the doom was spelt in bold letters for the local viewers when the channels were scrapped.
Traders who had stocked the Wiztech and Philibao decoders in Harare who spoke to NewsDay were, however, optimistic that something positive may still come out of the development.
“People are still buying Wiztech decoders because we have been made to understand that technicians are working on cracking new codes for the SABC channels,” said one Alistair from Gulf Market in Harare.
Another trader identified as Sam said he has now resorted to selling DStv decoders only.
“The Wiztech decoders are no longer selling well. Instead there has been a boom in business in terms of DStv decoders which are selling at $55 for a full set,” said Sam.
Technician Zivanai Mapisa from Glen Norah said he is receiving numerous calls daily from people enquiring about SABC channels. On the issue of cracking codes he said he has not heard of anyone who has attempted to do it, but said it was unlikely.
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The majority of Zimbabwean television viewers have been relying on the free-to-air decoders for entertainment due to the State broadcaster ZBC’s archaic programing.
In the high density suburbs, a single household could have two or more satellite dishes mounted on the roofs.
Now that the decoders have been rendered useless since they now only view religious channels, there has also been a surge of subscriptions for DStv with shops being crowded for many hours as people jostle to purchase decoders and to subscribe.
What had made SABC popular is their competitive programming particularly soaps like Generations, ISidingo, 7 de Laan, Zone 14 and Muvhango among others.
For cross-boarder traders, the channels also helped in getting information on new goods on the market and their prices.
The few lucky ones that can afford DStv will still be able to watch the soap operas on other channels, but others will have to revert to ZBC or worse DVDs for entertainment
