MANY South Africans own television sets, but few use them to watch SABC channels or receive a broadcast television signal. Thanks to affordable, fast uncapped internet, many South Africans have shifted to streaming services such as Netflix and Showmax.This raises the question: Do they need a TV licence?

In short, no, but there is still a procedure to follow in order to have your TV licence cancelled, says the Lowvelder website.

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Who needs a TV licence?

In terms of the Broadcasting Act, No 4 of 1999, any person that has possession or uses a television set must have a TV licence. Even if the TV set is not used, you still need a licence. A TV set is any device designed or adapted to be capable of receiving a broadcast television signal.

Removing your TV’s tuner

Again, you cannot own a device which can receive a broadcast television signal. This includes a decoder or a TV set. To render your TV incapable of receiving a broadcast signal, you will need to remove its TV tuner. This has to be done by a professional, and must be checked by an SABC inspector (who charges R300) afterwards. After this you will need to send proof that your TV cannot receive a signal to the SABC every year.

If an inspector comes to check, you will have to fork out an additional R300.

Disposing of your TV set

• If you have sold, given away, or lost your television, you are no longer required to have a TV licence. The SABC must be notified on a prescribed form (affidavit) of the changed circumstances.
• If you donated or gave away your TV, you will need to supply the new owner’s details as well as their TV licence number, if applicable.
• If the TV was stolen, you need to provide the case number under which the crime was reported to the police.
• If your TV was repossessed, you need the store manager’s signature or store stamp on the affidavit.

Note that a TV licence cannot be cancelled while there is money outstanding on an account.
To cancel your TV licence, you will need a prescribed affidavit. The form needs to be completed and sent to tvlic.info@sabc.co.za as a cancellation request.

The SABC also said that it reserves the right to dispatch inspectors to verify whether you still have a TV or not and should a TV be found in your possession after the processing of your cancellation, you will be liable for the payment of outstanding TV licence fees, as well as penalties. If the matter ends up in court, you could also face a R500 fine, six months in prison, or both.

The correct Affidavit form looks like this:

Article originally published by Lowvelder 

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