A major ruling — but it may not end dispute
But finding at least breaks log-jam in endless encryption process
The victory this week in the Constitutional Court by former communications minister Faith Muthambi over e.tv may not mark the end of the long-running dispute over encryption in South Africa's digital television migration programme, but it should finally allow the government to move ahead with the long-delayed project. The court ruled on Thursday that Muthambi acted lawfully when she amended the broadcasting digital migration policy developed by her predecessor, Yunus Carrim, dealing a blow to e.tv, which had contended that encryption was crucial in ensuring the future success of the free-to-air broadcasting sector. The judgment is a victory for MultiChoice and the SABC, which were both party to Muthambi's appeal against an earlier judgment in e.tv's favour at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein. But it may be premature for MultiChoice, which owns M-Net and DStv, and the SABC to celebrate the judgment. Ayanda Dlodlo, appointed by President Jacob Zuma in a cabinet reshuffle in...
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