Struggling to cancel your SABC TV licence? Here’s how
As debates around the relevance of the SABC TV licence intensify, many South Africans are finding that cancelling their R265-a-year subscription
Image: File
As debates around the relevance of the SABC TV licence intensify, many South Africans are finding that cancelling their R265-a-year subscription is easier said than done.
The TV licence was introduced to fund the public broadcaster and ensure South Africans had access to local programming, and to provide a steady revenue stream for the SABC in an era before streaming and online content transformed how people consume media.
However, despite the official rules and required fees, many South Africans continue to avoid paying their TV licences, with many holding the belief that the cost is no longer relevant.
IOL previously reported that the SABC stated that less than 20% of South African households are paying their TV licence fees, with CEO Nomsa Chabeli having told Parliament last year that the cost of delivering the public broadcasting mandate remains significantly underfunded.
"55% of our mandate costs are funded, and they are funded by declining license fees, so in South Africa, less than 20% of households that should be paying for a TV licence actually pay for a TV licence," she said
"Unlike globally, in the BBC, for example, where you have more than 80% compliance, at the SABC, in terms of our commercial structure, 83% of our revenue comes from commercial activities and 13% of our revenue comes from TV Licences, and that money keeps on declining year on year," she said.
The public broadcaster has been weighing up the option of replacing the TV licence with a device-neutral media levy or household tax.
However, while the debate continues around the relevance of the TV licence, many South Africans are left wondering how they can cancel their accounts, especially after selling their television sets, moving abroad, or simply deciding they no longer watch traditional TV.
According to the SABC, South Africans who wish to cancel their TV licence must notify the broadcaster using an affidavit signed and certified by a Commissioner of Oaths.
"When one has sold or otherwise disposed of one’s television set(s), a TV licence is no longer required. The SABC must be notified on a prescribed form (affidavit) of the changed circumstances. No licence is cancelled while money is still outstanding on an account," says SABC on its FAQ page on its website.
Steps to cancel your SABC TV licence:
- Ensure all fees are paid – no licence can be cancelled if there are outstanding payments.
- Prepare the required documentation, depending on your situation:
- Affidavit confirming you no longer own a TV or that your TV has been denatured (tuner removed). An unofficial scan of the form is available here. Alternatively, the SABC says physical forms can be obtained from its regional offices, but do phone ahead.
- Proof of emigration (passport exit stamp, visa, work permit) if moving abroad.
- New owner details if your TV has been sold or donated, including TV licence number.
- Proof that your TV was stolen, including SAPS case number.
- Confirmation from a professional storage company if your TV is being stored.
- Submit the affidavit and documents either at an SABC branch or by email to tvlic.info@sabc.co.za.
- Await verification – the SABC may request additional information or send an inspector to confirm your claim. It is advisable to phone the relevant SABC office in order to confirm receipt of the cancellation.
- Licence cancellation – once verified and all fees are cleared, your TV licence account will be officially closed.
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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