South Africans who own television receiving equipment still need an SABC TV licence, despite growing public frustration over the fee and low compliance rates.

However, there are limited legal ways to stop paying. According to the SABC, a TV set must be permanently altered so it can no longer receive a broadcast signal before it can qualify for exemption.

SABC TV licence rules remain in force

The SABC TV licence remains a legal requirement for most South Africans who own a television set. Although licence payments have dropped sharply, the current system has not yet been replaced.

The supplied source states that SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli told Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts that less than 20% of households that should pay for a licence are doing so. She also warned that falling licence revenue has placed pressure on the public broadcaster’s finances.

According to the SABC’s own FAQ page, a licence holder may be exempt only if the television set is “denatured”. This means the tuner must be removed so the device can no longer receive any TV signal.

The SABC says the owner must submit written notice and documentary proof, such as a letter, invoice, or receipt from a reputable TV repairer or installer. A R300 payment must also accompany the application before an authorised agent inspects the equipment.

What if you no longer own a TV?

South Africans may also cancel an SABC TV licence if they have sold, disposed of, or lost their television set.

Government guidance says the licence holder must notify the SABC in writing. This must be done through a pro forma affidavit from the SABC or by making the relevant statement before a Commissioner of Oaths.

This means non-payment alone does not end the obligation. A person must formally update the SABC and follow the required process.

The same applies to households that have stopped watching broadcast television but still own a TV with a working tuner. Under the current rules, the equipment itself remains the issue, not viewing habits.

New SABC funding model under review

The future of the SABC TV licence remains uncertain as government considers new ways to fund the public broadcaster.

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies appointed BMIT Knowledge Group to develop a sustainable funding model for the SABC. The department said the appointment formed part of Minister Solly Malatsi’s commitment to prioritise a new funding approach for the broadcaster.

The source article also notes that several funding options have been submitted to government for possible legislative changes. However, no final replacement for the licence system has been confirmed.

Responses and reactions

The SABC has maintained through its FAQ that denaturing a TV set is the recognised route to exemption. The public broadcaster also requires proof and inspection before it grants relief from licence fees.

Meanwhile, government has signalled that the current funding model needs reform. Until Parliament changes the law, South Africans who own working TV receiving equipment remain liable for an SABC TV licence.