Question NW1431 to the Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies
26 June 2023 - NW1431
Tambo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies
What (a) total amount is owed by South Africans for television licences and (b) proposals has he put in place to ensure that the television licence model for revenue collection by the SA Broadcasting Corporation is replaced by a model that works? NW1526E
Reply:
a) A total of 9.2 million accounts has outstanding balances valued at R44.2 billion. These balances comprise of unpaid invoices and penalties levied for non-payment over several years. At least 5.6 million accounts have been handed over for external debt collection.
b) In terms of the South African Broadcasting Corporation SOC Ltd Bill 2022 that was approved by Cabinet on 29 November 2022 for the submission to Parliament for processing, the DCDT is proposing that the television licence model be replaced with the household fee model. Pending the legislative changes, the DCDT will continuously engage with the SABC and Treasury to examine the options for the necessary reform and enhancement required of the current TV licence system to properly provide for the funding requirements of SABC and the most appropriate collection, enforcement systems and a timeframe for implementation.
Thank You.