Owning or using a TV in South Africa usually means you need a TV licence. The licence funds public broadcasting and is enforced by national rules. If you watch live TV, use a decoder to receive free-to-air channels, or have a functioning television receiver, this guide shows what to do next.
If you have a working television set, a decoder or any device that receives free-to-air broadcast signals, you generally must hold a valid TV licence. That includes households, businesses with waiting rooms or bars, and rental properties where a TV is available to tenants. If you only watch streamed content from paid services and truly have no receiver, you may not need one. Still, check the official SABC or regulatory site for definitive rules in your case.
Start by checking the current annual fee on the SABC website or at your local Post Office. Fees change, so don’t rely on old numbers. To register, visit the official TV licence portal, call the SABC licence office, or go to a Post Office counter that handles licence payments. You will need ID and an address. Payment options usually include cash at the Post Office, bank transfer, card payments online, or debit orders. Keep a copy of your receipt or reference number.
If you sell, scrap or stop using your TV, cancel the licence quickly. Contact the licence office, provide proof of disposal or a signed statement, and ask for written confirmation. That avoids future billing or misunderstandings when new occupants move in.
There are concessions and special cases. Seniors, pensioners and people with certain disabilities may qualify for reduced fees or exemptions. Also, businesses pay different rates depending on use and number of screens. Always request written confirmation if you apply for a concession.
If you’re unsure, call the SABC licence helpline or visit a Post Office and ask for help at the counter. Local municipal offices and consumer help desks can point you to the right forms. Keep a screenshot of online payments and email correspondence. That documentation helps resolve billing errors quickly and stops repeated collection notices. Save licence numbers for emergencies.
Punishments for not holding a valid licence can include fines or prosecution. Enforcement is rare in casual cases, but it’s avoidable—pay on time and keep proof. If you receive a demand or threat of legal action you do not understand, ask the licence office for clarification in writing before responding.
Two quick tips: 1) Use a debit order or online payment to avoid missed renewals. 2) Keep all payment receipts and a short note of the licence reference—this saves time if you need to prove payment later.
Want the latest fee or a payment link? Go to the SABC TV licence page or visit your nearest Post Office. If you are moving house, update the licence address the same day you leave.
A claim that radio host Sol Phenduka paid his TV licence live on air could not be verified, but it has reignited debate over South Africa’s TV licence system and how the SABC should be funded. Here’s what we know, what we don’t, and how the licence currently works, from costs and penalties to proposals for a new household levy.