The SABC says households that do not pay their TV licence fees may still face legal and financial consequences, even as compliance with the system continues to decline.
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The SABC says households that do not pay their TV licence fees may still face legal and financial consequences, even as compliance with the system continues to decline.
The annual TV licence fee remains R265 and is intended to help fund the public broadcaster and support local content production.
Reports suggest that only about 20% of South African households currently pay their TV licence fees.
The SABC has also intensified efforts to recover outstanding fees, previously sending SMS reminders warning licence holders that overdue accounts could be handed over to debt collectors.
The debt recovery campaign comes as rising non-compliance places increasing financial pressure on the public broadcaster.
SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli previously told Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) that declining TV licence revenue was affecting the broadcaster's ability to fulfil its public service mandate.
According to the SABC's frequently asked questions, overdue accounts incur interest and may be referred to the broadcaster's lawyers for debt collection.
"If payments are late, an account incurs a penalty of 10% per month to a maximum of 100% per annum," the SABC states.
The broadcaster also warns that people found in possession of a television set without a valid TV licence may face a fine of up to R500 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, if convicted by a court.
"Anyone 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," the SABC says.
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