Despite a low level of compliance with television licensing requirements, SABC has confirmed that there are currently no active inspectors visiting homes to check television receivers.
Only about 20% of South African households pay their SABC licenses. Because of this, some citizens may mistakenly believe that the public broadcaster is sending inspectors to monitor legal compliance.
The public broadcaster constantly urges households to pay the annual license fee, which amounts to R265. In recent years, SABC has intensified efforts to collect debts, including handing over unpaid accounts to collectors.
The license was introduced to ensure funding for SABC and support its mandate for public broadcasting. However, declining compliance rates and changing viewing habits are putting increasing pressure on the system, and the future of this license is also under discussion.
Although SABC's FAQs provide for authorized checks under certain circumstances, the public broadcaster previously stated that it currently has no active inspectors conducting home visits.
IOL previously reported that SABC learned about social media posts regarding individuals posing as SABC license inspectors. These individuals, it is reported, are attempting to gain access to homes under the pretext of burglaries.
SABC reminds the public that it has not appointed any inspectors or officials to conduct physical checks of televisions in households. Citizens are strongly advised to immediately report to the police any person claiming to be an SABC representative or agent who attempts to enter a home or premises, as such individuals are not affiliated with SABC and do not act on its behalf.
SABC communicates with TV license holders exclusively through secure and official channels; 'door-to-door' visits are not part of these established communication processes.
The Future of the TV License
Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Sulli Malatsi, also confirmed that the government is considering several options for a new SABC funding model, which could ultimately change how the public broadcaster is financed.
Malatsi instructed the Johannesburg-based research agency BMIT Knowledge Group to develop this model by September 2025 amid SABC's declining revenue and growing financial difficulties. The agency submitted its final report and recommended funding options, which are currently being reviewed by SABC and the National Treasury.
The Minister stated: 'The appointed service provider has met the extended deadline for submitting its final report and recommended funding model options. The department is now engaging with SABC and the National Treasury regarding the recommendations, after which there will be consultation with the Minister of Finance so that the government can consider and select the most suitable option.' He added: 'In accordance with the Service Level Agreement, the service provider remains available to provide technical support during these consultations. Thus, the process is proceeding as planned and is not delayed beyond the extended deadline.'