Over the years, the communication and media environment has taken different shapes and ordinary South Africans have a choice of receiving information and news via the internet, on their phones and on social media pages.

This has also helped consumers of information and news to be active participants, set the agenda on the news of the day, share opinions and speak directly to decision makers on their dissatisfaction on service delivery matters.

It is in this context that the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, will on Thursday, July 27, launch the DSD’s ‘Over-the-Top’ platform to enhance access to social development portfolio programs.

OTT is an online service from which streaming is offered directly to viewers through the internet without the support of cable, broadcast and satellite television platforms.

It brings to the communication space a rapid expansion in the streaming media service and every form of entertainment which provides new orientation for telecommunication growth. This digital platform comes at a time when traditional methods of access and sharing of information are gradually taking new shape and giving a chance for people to consume content anywhere and everywhere.

In 2016, parliament was briefed by industry on how the OTT will dramatically shape the ICT sector in South Africa and many organisations seeing the benefits of this service began to develop their own platforms. Recognising the inevitability of the OTT, the CSIR assisted in the development of a streaming service which enables cost effective video downloads (Tuluntulu).

The DSD’s OTT platform aims to be a credible source of information of the Department of Social Development portfolio content for South Africans, public service officials and media alike and can be accessed on www.dsdtv.org.za(link is external)

Source: Government of South Africa