Western Cape :: Media and Communications

          The South African constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression, including freedoms of communication, academic freedom and of scientific research. Not surprisingly, the Western Cape has a complete and completely modern portfolio of information and entertainment media, and communications, services.

News Media

          South Africa's press has always been world-renowned as free, robust and flourishing - even in the apartheid years. South Africa ranks 26th out of 139 in the world press freedom index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders - the United States ranks 17th. All in the top 50 are said to have "genuine press freedom".

• The Cape Argus (afternoon) and Die Burger (morning, Afrikaans) are the most widely read Western Cape newspapers.
• The Cape Times carries more international news and political analysis.
• The Sunday Times, Weekend Argus and Rapport are typical Sunday newspapers - sensation, summary and depth.
• The Mail and Guardian is an influential weekly news magazine.
• There are also internet news sites - including Cape Argus and Media 24.

Broadcast Media

          There is a wide choice of local, regional and national radio and television broadcasting.

• K-FM (94.5 FM) is the most popular Western Cape radio station - hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s etc.
• Good Hope FM and P4 Radio are popular radio stations for Cape Town.
• The South African Broadcasting Corporation SABC provides three television channels -
• SABC 1 and SABC 2 broadcasts in all South African languages including English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.
• SABC 3 broadcasts in English, including many UK and US programmes.
• DSTV is the main South African satellite channel and relays BBC, CNN, MTV and other world broadcasters.

Telecommunications

          The landline telephone system is fully automatic, with direct dialling to most parts of the world and there is a comprehensive mobile phone network.

• Public telephones are bright blue (take coins) or bright green (take phone cards).
• Mobile operators are MTN (083 and 073 prefix), Vodacom (082 and 072 prefix) and Cell C (084 prefix).
• Mobile phones can be hired at Cape Town airport, or a local SIM card can be bought for local rate calls.

Cyberspace

• All major towns have cyber-cafes and most public libraries have internet access.
• WiFi and VoIP coverage has started but is as yet undeveloped.

Despatch

          Post Offices open from 8:30 to 16:30 weekdays and 8:00 to 12:00 on Saturdays. Rates are reasonable and international airmail deliveries take 5 to 14 days. Parcel, shipping and courier services are widely available.