With the South African television industry facing significant challenges, many people are wondering if paying for their TV licence is really worth it.
The TV licence fund was initially founded to support the SABC and the shows which the broadcaster produces. But in light of the alleged corruption and maladministration at the SABC offices, many South Africans are asking the same question: should they pay for their TV licence, or not?
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While many may share the same concerns over the abuse of taxpayers’ hard-earned money, paying for one’s TV licence feels like another prescribed way of taking taxpayers’ money. Paying for your TV licence costs an individual R265 a year.
IOL reports that “The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, has previously said the government is exploring new funding models for the SABC, including possible alternatives to the traditional licence fee, while also considering the economic impact on households”.
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Currently, the policy has not been implemented, and licences remain in effect. Therefore, individuals who own televisions are legally required to pay for their licences. According to the SABC’s FAQ, households that fail to make payments may incur interest on overdue accounts. These overdue accounts are then given to the lawyers at SABC and debt collectors.
At this current rate, forgetting to pay for your TV licence means a penalty of 10% per month to a maximum of 100% per annum. Paying by annual debit order is the most convenient method to prevent this from happening to you.
The SABC FAQs further state that “those found in possession of a television set without a valid licence may also be liable for fines of up to R500, and in some cases, imprisonment for up to six months”.
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Feature Image: Gettys
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