TV licence fees in South Africa are set to increase in 2020, with the SABC proposing a hike of between 4.5% and 6.5%. This means that the annual cost of a TV licence will go up by between R62 and R85. The SABC has attributed the proposed increase to the need to cover the costs of digital migration, as well as to improve its financial sustainability.
The increase in TV licence fees has been criticised by some, who argue that it will place an additional burden on already struggling consumers. However, it is important to remember that the SABC is a public broadcaster that provides a valuable service to the people of South Africa. It is also worth noting that the proposed increase is in line with inflation, which means that it is not unreasonable.
In conclusion, the proposed increase in TV licence fees is not excessive, and is necessary to cover the costs of digital migration and improve the financial sustainability of the SABC.
TV licence in South Africa refers to the fee charged for owning and using a television set. The fee is currently R265 per year and is payable to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
The SABC is the public broadcaster in South Africa and is funded by the licence fee, as well as advertising revenue. It is required by law to provide free-to-air television services to all South Africans.
The SABC operates eight TV channels, including the popular SABC1, SABC2 and SABC3. It also runs 24-hour news channel, eNCA.
The licence fee is used to fund the SABC’s public service mandate, which includes providing news, information and entertainment for all South Africans.
The SABC has come under fire in recent years for its poor financial management and for allegedly using licence fee money to fund lavish salaries for its executives. In 2017, the SABC was declared insolvent by the National Treasury.
Despite its financial troubles, the SABC remains the most popular television broadcaster in South Africa, with millions of viewers tuning in every day.
