ARE SOME PERSONS OR ENTITIES EXEMPTED FROM PAYMENT OF LICENCE FEES?
Yes. Public schools are the ONLY educational institutions exempted from the legal requirement of having a television licence.

Private schools, universities and other tertiary educational institutions, hospitals, old age or frail-care homes, charities and churches or religious organisations are NOT exempted. If one’s television equipment (TV set and VCR) has been “denatured” by having the receiving capability (signal receiver or “tuner”) removed, a television licence is not required

WHAT HAPPENS IF A BANK DISHONOURS A CHEQUE FOR PAYMENT OF ONE’S TV LICENCE?
An amount of R100.00 excluding VAT is payable by the licence holder per dishonoured cheque returned to the SABC by its bankers or paypoints.

Some Frequently asked Questions on TV licence

OUR FAMILY HAS MORE THAN ONE TELEVISION SET. HOW MANY TV LICENCES DO WE NEED?
A single domestic licence is required per household, provided that: all sets so licensed are used only at the licence holder’s residential premises; all sets so licensed are used only by members of the licence holder’s family.

WHO ARE REGARDED AS “MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY”?
All persons who are permanently resident with the licence holder and are dependent on him/her and are owed a legal duty of support by the licence holder are covered by the single domestic licence in his/her name. In other words, persons such as adult (non-dependent) children earning their own keep but residing with their parents, elderly parents receiving a pension or own income and living with their adult children, and boarders/lodgers living with a family are separately liable for payment of TV licence fees in respect of television sets in their possession or used by them.

IS A TELEVISION LICENCE TRANSFERABLE FROM ONE LICENCE HOLDER TO ANOTHER?
No, EXCEPT between spouses or between “life partners” in a permanent relationship sharing the same residence, on the death of a husband/wife or partner.

MAY ONE USE SOMEONE ELSE’S TV LICENCE TO PURCHASE A TELEVISION SET?
NO – one needs one’s own licence unless one is a family member of a licence holder.

DO UNMARRIED “LIFE PARTNERS” LIVING TOGETHER NEED SEPARATE LICENCES IF THEY HAVE MORE THAN ONE TV SET?
No – a single domestic licence is required, provided that the partners furnish the SABC with a standard affidavit confirming their status as unmarried parties to a life partnership.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR A CONCESSIONARY DOMESTIC TELEVISION LICENCE?
One must apply to the SABC for such a licence and submit the prescribed documentation with one’s application. Those who qualify are a receiver of a Social Grant from the State, on the basis of being an aged or disabled person or a war veteran, as defined in the Social Assistance Act of 1992; a person of 70 years or older, as from the beginning of the first licence year after turning 70, subject to certain provisions.

WHAT DOCUMENTATION MUST BE FURNISHED WITH MY APPLICATION FOR SUCH CONCESSION?
The following documents are required: In the case of receiving a State old-age, disability or war veteran’s grant, confirmation thereof in the form of a letter from the Department of Social Development, indicating the date from which the grant is being received.

In the case of a person of 70 years or older, a duly completed and certified affidavit (sworn/solemn statement) confirms the applicant’s living conditions. If the applicant (and his/her spouse) shares a home with another family, a concession is granted only if such family has its own, valid (paid-up) television licence.

Read More TV Licence in South Africa