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Professional Guides

DStv and CCTV in a Complex: A Practical Guide for Body Corporates and Managing Agents

By the Remtech Installers team · Updated November 2026 · 3 min read
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The short answer

Trustees should decide three things: whether the complex uses a communal DStv system or allows private dishes, how residents apply for approval, and how CCTV on common property is run, including signage, who may view footage, retention and load-shedding backup. Put each decision in a written rule, keep records and vet installers. This is general information, not legal advice.

Communal system or private dishes

Some complexes already have a communal distribution system. DStv’s Explora manual notes the Explora can connect to existing single-cable distribution systems, such as those in some apartments and complexes. DStv also says its Smart LNB is not suitable for multiple-unit dwellings. See Smart LNBs in complexes.

Points for a dish policy

  • Where dishes may go, and where they may not.
  • Size and colour limits.
  • Cable routes and who may drill.
  • Insurance and damage: who pays and who restores.
  • Removal when a resident leaves.
  • Who may install: require proof of accreditation. See how to check an installer.

A simple approval process

  1. Resident applies in writing with the dish size, position and route.
  2. Trustees or the managing agent review against the policy.
  3. Approval is given in writing, with conditions.
  4. The installer is told the conditions.
  5. The managing agent inspects the finished work.

Residents can use our guide to approvals to prepare their request.

Reviewing your complex’s dish or CCTV rules?

We can walk the site, explain the options and quote you for free. Tell us the name of your complex.
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CCTV on common property

  • Define the purpose: security of the property.
  • Signage at entrances.
  • Who may view live and recorded footage, and how it is controlled.
  • Retention: set a clear period and delete after it.
  • No audio recording without proper consent.
  • Don’t aim cameras into private homes.

See is CCTV legal in South Africa? for the basics. Complexes have extra duties, so take advice from a privacy or legal specialist.

Load-shedding backup

A system that stops recording in an outage fails when it is needed most. Plan backup for recorders, switches and routers. See CCTV and load shedding and how many cameras you need.

Vetting installers

  • Proof of accreditation for DStv work.
  • For CCTV, ask for security-industry registration and verify it with the regulator.
  • Insurance for work at height.
  • A written scope and quote.
  • References from other complexes.

Keep records

Keep approvals, installer details, camera positions, retention rules and maintenance dates in one file. It protects the scheme if a dispute arises.

Frequently asked questions

Rules differ by scheme and by what its conduct rules say. Take advice if you are unsure.

It depends on the building, the number of units and the cost. An installer can assess your options.

It is good practice and supports POPIA compliance.

The scheme, as the party that operates the cameras. Ask a privacy specialist about your duties.

We can advise on the technical side. For rules and legal wording, use your managing agent or an attorney.

Written by the Remtech Installers team.
We are DStv installers serving Gauteng. Details here are indicative as of November 2026, so ask us about your own home. About us
REM TECHNICIAN (PTY) LTD, company registration no. 2024/633074/07

In this guide

  1. Communal system or private dishes
  2. Points for a dish policy
  3. A simple approval process
  4. CCTV on common property
  5. Load-shedding backup
  6. Vetting installers
  7. Keep records
  8. Frequently asked questions

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Talk to us before you decide

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Remtech Installers · REM TECHNICIAN (PTY) LTD 
Company registration no. 2024/633074/07
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