The relationship between media development and politics is inherently intertwined, and characterised by a push and pull as one is steamrolled ahead by the introduction of new technologies and the other scrambles to keep up with the implications. Nowhere is this clearer than in the history of television in South Africa. This edited volume, 50 Years of Television in South Africa, explores the evolution, impact, and future of television in South Africa. It's unique contribution lies in its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together scholars, media practitioners, policymakers, and cultural commentators to offer diverse perspectives on television’s role in South African society. Television’s introduction in South Africa was not just a technological event; it was deeply intertwined with the country’s political and social landscape. Documenting this historical context provides insights into how media and technology intersect with political regimes and societal norms in this context and the world over.