Q: How do I check my TV Licence balance?

To check your SABC TV Licence balance in South Africa, you can use several convenient options. Send your ID number or TV licence number by SMS to 44210 from a South African mobile number, with standard SMS charges applying. You can also visit the official SABC TV Licences website to access your account and view your current balance or payment status. If you need personal assistance, contact SABC TV Licences customer care on (011) 330-9555 , available Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00 . Always use the official SABC channels when checking licence information or making payments.

Q: Do you still require a TV Licence in South Africa?

Yes. A TV licence is still legally required in South Africa for people or entities that possess or use a television set under the current Broadcasting Act framework. The South African Government states that anyone who owns a TV set must have a valid, paid-up television licence, while the SABC confirms that the current TV licence system remains in place. The current SABC FAQ also states that the licence requirement applies regardless of whether the television is actually being used. The SABC currently lists the standard annual TV licence fee as R265 , with a concessionary fee of R74 . The government and SABC continue to treat TV licence fees as a statutory obligation, and official 2026 planning documents indicate that licence-fee collection remains part of the SABC's financial plans. Although there have been discussions about alternative funding arrangements for the SABC, the existing TV licence requirement has not been replaced by a new system. Any future change would require the relevant legal and legislative process. Therefore, South African TV owners should continue to follow the current SABC TV Licence requirements unless an official change is announced.

Q: How much is a TV license in South Africa per month?

A standard domestic TV licence in South Africa costs R265 per year when paid as an annual fee. The SABC also offers a monthly payment option of R28 per month for eligible renewal accounts, which amounts to R336 over 12 months. First-time applicants are required to pay the full annual fee before the monthly instalment option becomes available. Eligible applicants may qualify for a concessionary TV licence costing R74 per year , subject to the SABC's requirements. Late payments can attract a penalty of 10% of the outstanding amount per month , subject to the applicable maximum. Fees and payment conditions can change, so it is advisable to confirm the latest charges directly through the official SABC TV Licences website before making a payment.

Q: How can I check that I have paid my TV Licence?

If you need to check your TV Licence payment status , you can use the official TV Licensing online service. Sign in to the View Your Licence portal using your licence number, surname and postcode to view your licence status, expiry date and relevant payment information. You can also review previous payments through your online account, although recently made payments may take up to 48 hours to appear. For additional assistance, the automated phone services are available 24 hours a day at 0300 555 0286 for payment-card customers and 0300 555 0281 for savings-card customers. You can also text INFO followed by your customer number to 64488 to request licence information. If you pay by Direct Debit, your TV licence number may also appear alongside the payment on your bank statement.

Q: What happens if you don't pay your TV Licence in SA?

Failing to pay an SABC TV Licence can result in additional charges and collection action. The SABC states that overdue accounts can attract a 10% penalty per month , up to a maximum of 100% per year. If an account remains unpaid, it may be referred for debt collection, which can result in additional costs. Depending on the circumstances, the SABC may also pursue the outstanding debt through legal channels. The Broadcasting Act provides penalties for certain offences relating to television licences, although the exact consequences depend on the circumstances and applicable legal process. Because unpaid amounts can increase over time, licence holders who no longer require a TV licence should follow the SABC's official cancellation or change-of-circumstances procedure rather than simply ignoring the account. For the most accurate information about an outstanding balance, penalties or enforcement action, check your account through the official SABC TV Licences service or contact TV Licences directly.

Q: What happens if my TV license expires?

If you do not renew your SABC TV Licence , overdue amounts may attract a 10% penalty per month , subject to a maximum of 100% per year. Continued non-payment can increase the outstanding balance and may result in the account being referred to debt collection or legal representatives, with additional costs potentially applying. Simply stopping payments does not automatically close or cancel a TV licence account, even if you have sold, discarded or no longer use your television. If you no longer require a licence, you should follow the official SABC cancellation or change-of-circumstances procedure and submit the required supporting documents. Addressing the account through the official SABC TV Licences service can help ensure that your records are properly updated and that any outstanding obligations are dealt with through the appropriate process.

Q: Can I renew my TV Licence by phone?

You can renew your TV licence by phone by contacting TV Licensing on 0300 790 0368 for a one-off payment or Direct Debit. Before calling, keep your current 10-digit TV licence number and a valid debit or credit card registered to a UK address available. Customers using a payment card cash plan can call 0300 555 0286 , while general enquiries and over-75 licence support are available on 0300 790 6117 . Phone lines are generally open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6:30 pm , and calls to 0300 numbers are charged at standard national rates and are usually included in mobile or landline call packages.

Q: What happens if I refuse to pay my TV licence?

Refusing or failing to pay an SABC TV Licence can result in penalties and collection action. The SABC states that overdue accounts may attract a 10% penalty per month , subject to a maximum of 100% per year, which can significantly increase the amount owed. Unpaid accounts may also be referred for debt collection or legal recovery, potentially resulting in additional costs. The Broadcasting Act provides legal penalties for certain TV licence offences, although the consequences depend on the specific circumstances and applicable legal process. Simply stopping payments does not automatically cancel an account or prevent further charges. If you no longer own a television and believe you no longer need a licence, you should follow the SABC's formal cancellation procedure and submit the required documentation. For an accurate assessment of an outstanding account, contact SABC TV Licences directly or check your account through the official online service.

Q: Do pensioners pay TV licences in South Africa?

Pensioners in South Africa may qualify for a concessionary SABC TV Licence fee rather than paying the standard domestic rate. The current concessionary fee is R74 per year , compared with the standard annual fee of R265, and it is generally payable as a single annual amount rather than monthly instalments. People aged 70 or older may apply for the concessionary rate, while applicants below 70 may qualify if they meet specific social-grant requirements. Applicants need to provide the required supporting documentation to verify their eligibility. The concessionary rate is subject to the SABC's conditions, so applicants should confirm the latest eligibility requirements and documentation directly with SABC TV Licences before applying.

Question 1

How do I check my TV Licence balance?

Accepted Answer

To check your SABC TV Licence balance in South Africa, you can use several convenient options. Send your ID number or TV licence number by SMS to 44210 from a South African mobile number, with standard SMS charges applying. You can also visit the official SABC TV Licences website to access your account and view your current balance or payment status. If you need personal assistance, contact SABC TV Licences customer care on (011) 330-9555, available Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00 and Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00. Always use the official SABC channels when checking licence information or making payments.

Question 2

Do you still require a TV Licence in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A TV licence is still legally required in South Africa for people or entities that possess or use a television set under the current Broadcasting Act framework. The South African Government states that anyone who owns a TV set must have a valid, paid-up television licence, while the SABC confirms that the current TV licence system remains in place. The current SABC FAQ also states that the licence requirement applies regardless of whether the television is actually being used. The SABC currently lists the standard annual TV licence fee as R265, with a concessionary fee of R74. The government and SABC continue to treat TV licence fees as a statutory obligation, and official 2026 planning documents indicate that licence-fee collection remains part of the SABC's financial plans. Although there have been discussions about alternative funding arrangements for the SABC, the existing TV licence requirement has not been replaced by a new system. Any future change would require the relevant legal and legislative process. Therefore, South African TV owners should continue to follow the current SABC TV Licence requirements unless an official change is announced.

Question 3

How do I cancel my SABC TV Licence?

Accepted Answer

If you no longer own or use a television, you can request cancellation of your SABC TV Licence by following the official cancellation process. Before submitting your request, check your account and settle any outstanding amount where required. You may need to provide a sworn affidavit explaining why the licence is no longer required, together with supporting documents relevant to your circumstances. For example, if the television was sold or donated, you may need information about the new owner; if it was stolen, supporting police documentation may be required; and if you are emigrating or placing the television in professional storage, relevant proof may be requested. Have the affidavit properly commissioned by a Commissioner of Oaths and submit the required documents through the SABC TV Licences service or the official TV Licences contact channel. After submitting your request, contact SABC TV Licences on 011 330 9555 to confirm that your documents were received and to check the status of the cancellation. Requirements can vary depending on the reason for cancellation, so confirm the latest document requirements directly with the SABC before submitting your application.

Question 4

How much is a TV license in South Africa per month?

Accepted Answer

A standard domestic TV licence in South Africa costs R265 per year when paid as an annual fee. The SABC also offers a monthly payment option of R28 per month for eligible renewal accounts, which amounts to R336 over 12 months. First-time applicants are required to pay the full annual fee before the monthly instalment option becomes available. Eligible applicants may qualify for a concessionary TV licence costing R74 per year, subject to the SABC's requirements. Late payments can attract a penalty of 10% of the outstanding amount per month, subject to the applicable maximum. Fees and payment conditions can change, so it is advisable to confirm the latest charges directly through the official SABC TV Licences website before making a payment.

Question 5

How can I check that I have paid my TV Licence?

Accepted Answer

If you need to check your TV Licence payment status, you can use the official TV Licensing online service. Sign in to the View Your Licence portal using your licence number, surname and postcode to view your licence status, expiry date and relevant payment information. You can also review previous payments through your online account, although recently made payments may take up to 48 hours to appear. For additional assistance, the automated phone services are available 24 hours a day at 0300 555 0286 for payment-card customers and 0300 555 0281 for savings-card customers. You can also text INFO followed by your customer number to 64488 to request licence information. If you pay by Direct Debit, your TV licence number may also appear alongside the payment on your bank statement.

Question 6

What happens if you don't pay your TV Licence in SA?

Accepted Answer

Failing to pay an SABC TV Licence can result in additional charges and collection action. The SABC states that overdue accounts can attract a 10% penalty per month, up to a maximum of 100% per year. If an account remains unpaid, it may be referred for debt collection, which can result in additional costs. Depending on the circumstances, the SABC may also pursue the outstanding debt through legal channels. The Broadcasting Act provides penalties for certain offences relating to television licences, although the exact consequences depend on the circumstances and applicable legal process. Because unpaid amounts can increase over time, licence holders who no longer require a TV licence should follow the SABC's official cancellation or change-of-circumstances procedure rather than simply ignoring the account. For the most accurate information about an outstanding balance, penalties or enforcement action, check your account through the official SABC TV Licences service or contact TV Licences directly.

Question 7

What happens if my TV license expires?

Accepted Answer

If you do not renew your SABC TV Licence, overdue amounts may attract a 10% penalty per month, subject to a maximum of 100% per year. Continued non-payment can increase the outstanding balance and may result in the account being referred to debt collection or legal representatives, with additional costs potentially applying. Simply stopping payments does not automatically close or cancel a TV licence account, even if you have sold, discarded or no longer use your television. If you no longer require a licence, you should follow the official SABC cancellation or change-of-circumstances procedure and submit the required supporting documents. Addressing the account through the official SABC TV Licences service can help ensure that your records are properly updated and that any outstanding obligations are dealt with through the appropriate process.

Question 8

Can I renew my TV Licence by phone?

Accepted Answer

You can renew your TV licence by phone by contacting TV Licensing on 0300 790 0368 for a one-off payment or Direct Debit. Before calling, keep your current 10-digit TV licence number and a valid debit or credit card registered to a UK address available. Customers using a payment card cash plan can call 0300 555 0286, while general enquiries and over-75 licence support are available on 0300 790 6117. Phone lines are generally open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, and calls to 0300 numbers are charged at standard national rates and are usually included in mobile or landline call packages.

Question 9

What happens if I refuse to pay my TV licence?

Accepted Answer

Refusing or failing to pay an SABC TV Licence can result in penalties and collection action. The SABC states that overdue accounts may attract a 10% penalty per month, subject to a maximum of 100% per year, which can significantly increase the amount owed. Unpaid accounts may also be referred for debt collection or legal recovery, potentially resulting in additional costs. The Broadcasting Act provides legal penalties for certain TV licence offences, although the consequences depend on the specific circumstances and applicable legal process. Simply stopping payments does not automatically cancel an account or prevent further charges. If you no longer own a television and believe you no longer need a licence, you should follow the SABC's formal cancellation procedure and submit the required documentation. For an accurate assessment of an outstanding account, contact SABC TV Licences directly or check your account through the official online service.

Question 10

Do pensioners pay TV licences in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Pensioners in South Africa may qualify for a concessionary SABC TV Licence fee rather than paying the standard domestic rate. The current concessionary fee is R74 per year, compared with the standard annual fee of R265, and it is generally payable as a single annual amount rather than monthly instalments. People aged 70 or older may apply for the concessionary rate, while applicants below 70 may qualify if they meet specific social-grant requirements. Applicants need to provide the required supporting documentation to verify their eligibility. The concessionary rate is subject to the SABC's conditions, so applicants should confirm the latest eligibility requirements and documentation directly with SABC TV Licences before applying.

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