A TV license in South Africa is required by law for anyone who owns or possesses a television set. The license fee is used to fund the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which is responsible for providing public service broadcasting in the country.
There are a few different ways to check your TV license balance in South Africa:
Online
- Go to the SABC TV Licenses website and log in to your account.
- Once you are logged in, you will be able to see your current balance and payment history.
SMS
- Send an SMS to 44210 with your ID number or TV license number.
- You will receive an SMS reply with your current balance.
Phone
- Call the SABC TV Licenses customer service center on 011 330 9555.
- A customer service representative will be able to check your balance for you.
In person
- Visit any SABC regional office or pay point to check your balance.
Note: There is a small fee for checking your balance by SMS or phone.
Tips for managing your TV license account
- To avoid paying a late fee, make sure to renew your TV license before it expires. You can renew your license online, by phone, or in person.
- If you are struggling to afford to pay your TV license fee, you can apply for a payment plan.
- If you move house, be sure to update your TV license account with your new address.
Why is it important to have a TV license?
A TV license is important because it helps to fund the SABC, which provides public service broadcasting in South Africa. The SABC produces a variety of educational, informative, and entertaining content that is accessible to all South Africans.
In addition, having a TV license is required by law. If you are caught watching TV without a license, you could be fined.
How to apply for a TV license
To apply for a TV license, you can visit the SABC TV Licenses website or go to any SABC regional office or pay point. You will need to provide your name, address, and contact information.
Once you have applied for a TV license, you will receive a license number in the mail. You should keep your license number safe, as you will need it to renew your license and to make payments.
Checking your TV license balance is easy and can be done in a variety of ways. By keeping your balance up to date, you can avoid paying a late fee and ensure that you are complying with the law.