Your TV licence could become a tax on every household. Here's the plan
Government is weighing a household levy or a streaming tax to replace the failed SABC TV licence. Options go to Parliament by 31 March 2027, and the R265 licence still applies for now.
Government is working on a replacement for the TV licence, and the options on the table include a levy that every household would pay, whether or not you watch the SABC. Nothing has been decided yet, and the current R265 licence still applies.
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies wants to submit revised funding options to Parliament by 31 March 2027, then table a final SABC Bill between April 2027 and March 2028 (MyBroadband).
What are the options being considered?
| Option | Who would pay | Who backs it |
|---|---|---|
| Household levy | Every household, regardless of what you watch | SABC CEO Nomsa Chabeli and board chair Khathutshelo Ramukumba |
| Streaming levy | Local and international streaming services, with valid TV licence holders exempt | Explored by Minister Solly Malatsi |
| Collection by others | Fees collected through SARS, municipalities or utilities | Option in the BMI TechKnowledge study |
| Commercial revenue | Advertisers, sponsors, subscribers | Recommended alongside public funding |
Source: MyBroadband
Ramukumba has said SARS could collect a household levy, arguing the licence failed because people now watch on phones, laptops and consoles, not just one TV in the lounge (MyBroadband).
The department's spokesperson, Kwena Moloto, said several models are being explored and "none of which have been adopted as a proposal at this stage" (MyBroadband).
Do you still have to pay your TV licence now?
Yes. Paying for a TV licence remains a legal requirement under the Broadcasting Act, and the SABC lists the fee at R265 a year (TV Licences). Any new levy would first need to go through Parliament.
Why is the TV licence being replaced?
Too many people stopped paying. Many argue they shouldn't pay if they don't watch SABC content, and the non-payment has badly hurt the broadcaster's finances (MyBroadband).
In October 2026, Parliament's communications portfolio committee told the department to finalise a funding framework within six months, covering how the licence collection model will be replaced (MyBroadband).
When could a new levy start?
Not before the final SABC Bill passes, which on the department's timeline is tabled sometime between 1 April 2027 and 31 March 2028. No amount for a household levy has been announced (MyBroadband).
FAQ
Is the TV licence being scrapped?
Not yet. Government is studying replacements and plans to send options to Parliament by 31 March 2027.
Do I still need to pay my TV licence?
Yes. It is still required under the Broadcasting Act, at R265 a year.
How much would a household levy cost?
No amount has been announced, and no option has been adopted.