{"id":40277,"date":"2026-10-26T10:21:33","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T10:21:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=40277"},"modified":"2026-10-26T10:21:33","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T10:21:33","slug":"transforming-broadcasting-a-new-era-beyond-sabc-tv-licences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/transforming-broadcasting-a-new-era-beyond-sabc-tv-licences\/","title":{"rendered":"Transforming Broadcasting: A New Era Beyond SABC TV Licences"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Parliament has urged the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies to establish a sustainable funding framework for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) within a six-month timeframe.<\/p>\n

The department recently engaged with the Portfolio Committee on Communications, which recommended<\/a> that the new framework should replace the existing TV licence collection model.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe second recommendation was that the DCDT had to ensure that a sustainable funding framework for public broadcasting was finalised and submitted to Parliament,\u201d stated the committee.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe framework had to address the replacement of the current television licence collection model, the funding of public service mandate obligations, and report back to the committee within 6 months.\u201d<\/p>\n

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi conveyed that his department aims to present options for a revised, sustainable funding model by 31 March 2027.<\/p>\n

This funding model will succeed the current TV licence system and will shape the final draft of the SABC Bill, expected to be put forward to Parliament between 1 April 2027 and 31 March 2028.<\/p>\n

Malatsi noted that, in the meantime, the SABC would still receive funding through the current government budgetary framework.<\/p>\n

He explained that the public broadcaster has been allocated R728.8 million from the National Revenue Fund for the three-year Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period.<\/p>\n

This allocation is intended to support the SABC\u2019s mandate, its programme productions, and Channel Africa, the SABC\u2019s international public radio service.<\/p>\n

Malatsi added that his department had sought additional funding through relevant budget processes to manage the broadcaster\u2019s immediate challenges, including its signal distribution responsibilities.<\/p>\n

However, he cautioned that the broadcaster should not base its operational plans on the expectation of receiving extra funding.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt should continue implementing the revenue, cost-containment, and financial-management measures contained in its Corporate Plan,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n

There has been a notable increase in the public’s reluctance to pay the TV licence fee. The broadcaster depends heavily on revenue generated from these fees.<\/p>\n

In 2024\/25, a mere 15% of TV licence holders complied with payment. The trend of avoiding these payments has persisted for several years.<\/p>\n

The public broadcaster indicated a payment avoidance rate of 69% for 2018\/19, climbing to 81% in 2019\/20, with the figure continuing to rise in the subsequent five years.<\/p>\n

This situation has led to the SABC losing approximately R22.8 billion in uncollected TV licence revenue from the 2019\/20 to 2024\/25 financial years.<\/p>\n

TV licences are still a legal requirement<\/h2>\n
\"Transforming<\/a>Wayne Duvenage, CEO at the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse<\/figure>\n

The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has asserted that, while it advocates for the elimination of the TV licence scheme, South Africans remain legally obligated to pay the associated fees.<\/p>\n

It has advised TV licence holders against neglecting payment, even if the likelihood of legal repercussions is minimal.<\/p>\n

\u201cOUTA believes that the current TV licence scheme is clearly failing, but until the legislation changes, consumers remain legally liable for TV licence fees where applicable,\u201d OUTA stated.<\/p>\n

The civil rights organization cautioned that TV licence holders should not presume that failing to pay carries no legal risks.<\/p>\n

\u201cFailure to pay a TV licence remains a contravention of the law and legal consequences are still possible, including fines or imprisonment upon conviction,\u201d OUTA explained.<\/p>\n

This warning coincides with the potential consequences of non-payment outlined on the SABC\u2019s TV licence FAQ page, which states that individuals who violate TV licence laws may face fines or up to six months in jail.<\/p>\n

\u201cOverdue accounts are handed over to the SABC\u2019s lawyers for debt collection. If payments are late, an account incurs a penalty of 10% per month to a maximum of 100% per annum,\u201d the SABC said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone found guilty in court of failing to comply with the law may be sentenced to a fine of not more than R500.00 or to imprisonment for up to six months, or both.\u201d<\/p>\n

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