Individuals attempting to settle their SABC TV licence fees are currently facing difficulties because of cybersecurity issues impacting the online payment system. In December 2025, Sentech, a government-run technology provider, indicated they might cease services to the SABC due to its growing debt. As stated in parliamentary discussions, Sentech is owed over R1 billion in unpaid transmission fees, which increases by R70 million each month as the service continues to operate.
Adding to the predicament, the SABC’s CEO, Nomsa Chabeli, remarked that the SABC TV licence is, “A broken and outdated funding model. It was designed for a world that no longer exists. Along with the shift to on-demand digital media, SABC TV licence compliance has remained static for years,” explained Chabeli.
WHY YOU CAN’T PAY YOUR SABC TV LICENCE
Moreover, even if you are keen to clear your SABC TV licence, doing so exposes you to cyber risks. Fraudsters have long used the TV licence as a method to trick unsuspecting individuals. Messages via SMS/text asserting unpaid dues and threats of legal action are often circulated.
Nonetheless, MyBroadband has reported that the SABC TV licence online payment system is currently at risk of hackers/scammers, as its Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificate is out of date. This technology is critical for protecting customers during transactions and keeping their banking information safe. Reports suggest that the TLS expired on Sunday 22 March 2026.
UNSECURE PAYMENTS BLOCKED
Fortunately, modern web browsers will block any banking transactions on a site lacking a valid SSL certificate. Thus, the SABC TV licence payment portal will be marked as unsecure. Any sensitive information shared—such as login credentials, payment data, or personal details—will remain safe from interception.
Additionally, major credit and debit card firms require websites to adhere to PCI/DSS standards. This guarantees that customer information is processed securely. If you attempt to make payments through the SABC TV licence pay portal, a message stating ‘Connection Refused’ or ‘SSL Handshake Error’ will appear. It’s likely that the national broadcaster has struggled to obtain a new TLS certificate due to its financial struggles.
But what are your thoughts? Are you still receiving reminders to settle unpaid fees? Do you have faith in these messages, and would you consider payment knowing the potential cyber risks involved? Share your opinions in the comments section below …
