South Africans who no longer own a television or who have emigrated may no longer need a TV licence, but many say ending that obligation is far more difficult than the official procedure suggests.
Under South Africa’s Broadcasting Act of 1999, households with equipment capable of receiving television broadcast signals must hold a valid TV licence. The legislation also places responsibilities on television retailers, requiring them to confirm that customers have a valid licence before completing a sale or to assist buyers in obtaining one.
According to guidance published by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), a licence holder who sells or disposes of all television sets can apply to cancel their TV licence. However, any outstanding balance must first be settled before the broadcaster will process the cancellation.
Applicants are required to complete a prescribed affidavit explaining their change in circumstances and submit it either in person at an SABC office or via email.
Although the procedure appears relatively straightforward, numerous South Africans have reported ongoing administrative difficulties, with some claiming their licences remained active years after they believed they had completed the cancellation process.
Many users have shared experiences online, saying they continued receiving payment demands despite settling their accounts and submitting the required documentation.
Some emigrants have also reported receiving collection notices years after leaving South Africa, even after providing proof that they had permanently relocated overseas.
Additional Documentation Required For Emigrants
The SABC requires individuals leaving South Africa for more than one year to provide documentary evidence supporting their departure. Acceptable documents include passport departure stamps, visas, work permits, employment contracts or overseas utility bills.
People taking their televisions abroad must also submit shipping documentation confirming that the equipment has left the country.
If televisions are instead sold, donated or given to another person in South Africa, the broadcaster requires details of the new owner.
Those placing televisions into commercial storage while living overseas must provide confirmation from the storage or removals company, including documentation showing the storage period. Keeping a television at a relative’s home, with friends or in a private garage does not qualify for licence cancellation.
Should the licence holder later return to South Africa, the broadcaster says the licence remains active and any unpaid fees may continue accumulating.
Removing A TV Tuner Is Another Option
The SABC also provides a process allowing owners to keep a television without paying annual licence fees by permanently removing its broadcast tuner.
To qualify, owners must obtain written proof from a reputable installer or retailer confirming the tuner has been removed. Applicants are also required to pay a300 inspection fee before an authorised representative verifies that the television can no longer receive broadcast signals.
If approved, the exemption applies only for the remainder of the current licensing period. A new affidavit must be submitted annually, at least three months before the licence expires, to maintain the exemption.
The broadcaster also reserves the right to inspect exempted televisions in future. If inspectors determine that broadcast reception has been restored, licence fees, penalties and an additional300 inspection charge may apply.
Despite these rules, the SABC confirmed to MyBroadband in January2026 that it currently has no inspectors carrying out television equipment inspections.
As debates continue over the future of South Africa’s TV licence system and the SABC’s long-term funding model, consumer complaints about cancellations and account administration remain a recurring concern.
Source: Adapted from MyBroadband and information published by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).