Home Entertainment SABC wants Netflix subscribers, smartphone, and laptop users to pay for a TV license

SABC wants Netflix subscribers, smartphone, and laptop users to pay for a TV license

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SABC

Got a TV and looking for something to watch? Chances are, regular TV like South African Broadcasting Corporation and E-TV aren’t on your viewing schedule. After all, why would you want to be told what and when you can watch something, when the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime offer you a choice of content that you can view at your own leisure?

For many, paying a TV license is something that we couldn’t be arsed about. Few of us care enough to support the SABC, and we’d rather grab some YouTube content on our smart devices. Or butter up that one member in our family who does have a license and use their account to grab a new TV that will never know what it’s like to display a Sunday night showing of 1997’s Anaconda on Eeeeeeeeeee-TV. Hi mom!

That could all change soon, as the SABC is looking to expand the definition of a TV license according to MyBroadband. According to the SABC, it wants services such as Netflix, MultiChoice (DStv) and video on demand to be included, as well as to handle the collection of TV license fees. What’s more, the SABC also wants people who prefer to watch their content on smaller screens such as smartphones and laptops to cough up some coin.

“Including engaging with those who have been carrying the SABC programs on their pay-TV, how do we through ICASA make sure that they too are able to assist us to collect TV licenses?” Deputy Communications Minister Pinky Kekana said to Parliament.

But we are not only limiting it to TV. We also have other platforms where people consume content and in all of those areas, that is where we should look at how we are able to get SABC license fees from those gadgets.

How the SABC plans to enforce this idea, could likely come down to people having to purchase a TV license on top of their new devices, or have the cost added to their monthly bill as well. I’m naturally expecting the reaction to this proposed amendment to the TV license act to be a resounding raising of a person’s three primary fingers and telling the SABC to read between the lines.

Last Updated: October 20, 2020

100 Comments

  1. SagatatiaRZA

    October 20, 2020 at 11:26

    You’re telling me that an organisation where CEO’s give themselves millions in annual pay rises without even presenting an even remotely desirable product are in hot water and somehow need money?

    Well I don’t know about you guys but I’m both shocked AND surprised.

    Reply

    • SagatatiaRZA

      October 20, 2020 at 11:26

      Forgot to add this:

      I suggest you buy some vaseline SABC, because you’ll need the help when you inevitably shove it up your ass.

      Reply

      • Banana Jim

        October 20, 2020 at 12:35

        Don’t forget that custom-made rhino dildo called “No Payment” 😛

        Reply

    • Insomnia is fun

      October 20, 2020 at 11:37

      Every SOE in this country works like this. after 94 they tossed out all the people that knew how to run power stations, broadcasting stations, airlines, hospitals, etc. and they made themselves cozy in their new freedom office while looting, enriching their comrades, inhaling buckets of KFC and driving they latest and greatest German cars paid for by the tax payers for over a quarter of a decade and all the while the country’s infrastructure rots while the Rand sinks ever lower.

      but at least we have democracy now.

      Reply

      • Johan

        October 22, 2020 at 06:26

        Spot on, but it’s not normal democracy like a developed 1st world country, instead it’s known as African style democracy. It’s a toss up of a cultural mxed bowl of crap and crime.

        Reply

    • Johan

      October 22, 2020 at 06:26

      The scary part is in this 3rd world country anything is possible and could this very well happen eventually. But hopefully sanity prevails ffs!!!!!

      Reply

  2. MechMachine

    October 20, 2020 at 11:10

    More money for their corrupt coffers.

    Reply

  3. Insomnia is fun

    October 20, 2020 at 11:15

    This is just the schedule for SABC 1 for today
    00:00 Koze Kuse
    05:02 Geleza Nathi
    06:00 Kids’ News And Current Affairs
    06:30 Numtums
    06:45 Numtums
    07:00 DBE Learning Tube
    08:00 Generations: The Legacy
    08:30 Muvhango
    09:00 Uzalo
    09:30 Skeem Saam
    10:00 Emzini Wezinsizwa
    10:30 Daily Thetha
    11:30 One Mic
    12:00 Soccer Zone
    13:00 Lunch Time News
    13:30 Mam’ Sakhile’s Story House
    14:00 My World
    15:00 The Anthena
    15:30 YO.TV
    16:30 Yilungelo Lakho
    17:30 Siswati/Ndebele News
    18:00 Nyan’Nyan
    18:30 Skeem Saam
    19:00 Xhosa/Zulu News
    19:30 Selimathunzi
    20:00 Generations: The Legacy
    20:30 Uzalo
    21:00 Cutting Edge
    22:00 Nyan’Nyan
    22:30 The Chat Room
    23:00 Ispani

    And they want money for this???????????????????????

    Reply

    • RinceThis

      October 20, 2020 at 11:15

      Sweet gods, I forgot how bad it is.

      Reply

    • Banana Jim

      October 20, 2020 at 12:15

      I’m looking forward to some Mam’ Sakhile’s Story House.

      Reply

    • Banana Jim

      October 20, 2020 at 12:51

      I can’t even remember when last I watched SABC or even eTV for that matter…

      Reply

      • Insomnia is fun

        October 20, 2020 at 12:51

        Why would you? Except if you’re into Vin Diesel reruns

        Reply

        • Banana Jim

          October 20, 2020 at 15:10

          Anaconda… every sunday evening on e! 😀

          Reply

      • MechMachine

        October 20, 2020 at 13:01

        Toniiiight…on ETV.

        Reply

        • Banana Jim

          October 20, 2020 at 13:01

          Whatever happened to that guy lol, his voice was epic.

          Reply

      • MechMachine

        October 20, 2020 at 13:01

        The guy that does the ETV voice, or used to, Did that on purpose. It’s a meme.

        Reply

      • Johan

        October 22, 2020 at 06:30

        The only time I watched something on SABC &Etv in years was when the tjotsi president Cyril made his announcements during Covid lock down.

        Reply

    • Gavin Mannion

      October 20, 2020 at 12:51

      Remember though your licence fee also pays for radio as well. It’s not just TV that a TV licence pays for, it’s broadcasting

      Reply

      • Insomnia is fun

        October 20, 2020 at 14:05

        I hardly listen to radio anyway.

        Reply

        • Banana Jim

          October 20, 2020 at 15:10

          Why listen to radio when you can choose a podcast with content that you want to listen to.

          Reply

          • Insomnia is fun

            October 20, 2020 at 16:58

            Or Spotify, no Jerusalema for me thanks

          • Johan

            October 22, 2020 at 06:36

            I hate podcasts, still prefer radio, especially the community radio stations in your own language at times, but not always of course.

      • Johan

        October 22, 2020 at 06:30

        Radio is much better one can argue, especially good community radio stations in different parts of the country.

        Reply

  4. Lu

    October 20, 2020 at 11:15

    So I have a TV and even though I consume no content from that anachronous organization, the law is the law and I pay my license.
    But streamed content has blow all to do with them and as far as I’m concerned they should have been scrapped years ago.

    Reply

    • MechMachine

      October 20, 2020 at 11:26

      The UK also has TV licenses. So don’t feel too bad. I’ve just been handed over because of mine, Here in good ol SA. I’ll pay it in December again when I usually do.

      Reply

      • RinceThis

        October 20, 2020 at 11:26

        We have a TV license, yup. The difference is the content is watchable, there are 10 channels, and an entire online platform where you can watch their content like it’s Netflix.

        Reply

        • MechMachine

          October 20, 2020 at 11:26

          Yeah, And I bet you don’t feel like you’re being propositioned by thugs ? Right.

          Reply

          • RinceThis

            October 20, 2020 at 11:26

            Haha. I wouldn’t go THAT far. I am paying just over 13 pounds a month for it, and to be completely honest rarely even use it.

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 11:37

            I once stumbled across videos on YouTube with those guys who try get outstanding money from people in the UK or England who owe on their TV license. Don’t let them in to your house. The home owner is not here. It’s actually tragic how far reaching other peoples rules can be.

          • RinceThis

            October 20, 2020 at 11:37

            Oh god yeah. They have entire series of those dudes trying to get money from people, and they are complete thugs. They more often than not end up in court too.

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 11:37

            I must admit, 13 pounds sounds like a lot though. I guess it all makes sense with the lifestyle change.

          • RinceThis

            October 20, 2020 at 11:37

            To put it in perspective, it’s like 3 pints of beer.

          • schitsophrenic-toothbrush

            October 20, 2020 at 12:27

            Yeah dude, I died a little inside every time I paid £5 for a pint when I first arrived in the UK. I started comparing everything I bought to beer prices haha

      • Lu

        October 20, 2020 at 11:37

        Look I really don’t mind paying, cos it’s like 25 rand a month or summing.
        But like Eskom and SAA, the money is just going to the wrong places, and that’s what irks me.

        Reply

        • MechMachine

          October 20, 2020 at 11:37

          I currently owe R 700. eina.

          Reply

          • RinceThis

            October 20, 2020 at 11:37

            it took me 2 years of emails and calls to get them to stop charging me. Do me a solid, fuck em and don’t pay. Take it out of what I’ve paid!

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 11:37

            MY friend was overseas, and they were still trying to get her to pay her TV license. WTF !

          • RinceThis

            October 20, 2020 at 11:37

            Me too! been over here for 2 years and the fucks kept debiting my bank. I am still blown away at how banks in SA won’t block a direct debit, surely that’s my money, I decide who the hell takes it!?

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 11:37

            Are you there permanently ?

          • RinceThis

            October 20, 2020 at 11:45

            Atm yeah, but things tend to change a lot in my life ahah! Maybe I’ll be in Germany next year.

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 11:55

            Man, with all the local rumblings of madmen in these parts, I envy your position, I feel that horse has bolted for me.

          • For the Emperor!

            October 20, 2020 at 11:56

            I had the option to go to NZ or Canada for free end of 2018. Decided against it as parent are getting old and with uncles/aunts dropping like flies I was not willing to potentially never see one of them again (due to having to stay in country for 2 years before allowed to vacation back home). Yeah, kinda starting to think I made the wrong move, though those 2 countries might not really be for me politically…

          • gamemaker2

            October 21, 2020 at 21:38

            Wrong move

          • Banana Jim

            October 20, 2020 at 12:20

            Yeah, I have a friend in Australia, and they went through the whole process of getting a police affidavit when they sold their TV, and they forwarded all the necessary documents to the SABC. They’ve been in Oz for 7 years now, last month they received a bill for outstanding TV lic fees and a letter from the SABC’s debt collection department.

            My buddy just laughed and sent them an email saying “get fucked”.

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 12:24

            That’s ridiculous. You should see the adventures I have with the electricity bill. Fun times.

          • Gavin Mannion

            October 20, 2020 at 12:35

            They are trying to make me pay.. I’ve proven I’ve paid, shown proof I no longer live there and they keep on hassling… they are now blocked

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 12:39

            It’s absolutely crazy.

          • Lu

            October 20, 2020 at 13:46

            Yeah that’s annoying

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 13:46

            My fault.

          • Lu

            October 20, 2020 at 13:46

            Eh It happens. I’ve got annual reminders set for all my once off payments because keeping track is a pain

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 13:46

            I normally only pay when I buy a new TV. The last time, It was over 2k.

          • Lu

            October 20, 2020 at 16:57

            hahaha ouch! Aren’t there penalties for late payment too though?

          • Banana Jim

            October 20, 2020 at 17:37

            Yeah, they start adding on the penalties almost immediately after non-payment. I’m growing a nice little amount. I want to see if I can get to 5 000 before they fold or undergo restructuring.

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 17:41

            LOL, I love your ambition.

          • Banana Jim

            October 20, 2020 at 17:41

            Incidentally, my gran passed away about 22 years ago, and every once in a while she gets a letter from the SABC demanding that she pays her TV lic. My uncle used to send them her death certificate, but I think after a while he just ignored them too. I mean if they can’t even get the basics right, do they really deserve a cent from anyone? How ethical is it to reward gross incompetence?

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 18:33

            Yeah, That’s pretty incompetent.

          • Banana Jim

            October 20, 2020 at 18:33

            Every few years, she gets a bill. Like clockwork. I don’t know if their billing department’s database keeps on getting corrupted and they have to roll back, but it’s become a bit of a family joke to be honest.

            The SABC, keeping my gran’s memory alive.

          • HvR

            October 21, 2020 at 12:08

            Same with my late dad, even had call once they demanded his last known address AFTER I told them he passed away x years and they have all the documentation; gave them the Maitland Crematorium’s address

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 16:57

            To be honest, I don’t know. I just wanted to get out of there. I bought the TV on terms, so I had been sitting there for a good long while, I just paid the cash for the TV license and left.

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 17:07

            I don’t actually know. Probably. I bought the TV on terms and I was getting impatient, I had been sitting in the store for a over an hour. So I paid the License
            and left.

  5. RinceThis

    October 20, 2020 at 11:15

    Yeah, this is utter garbage that will not help consumers in any way. This is literally done because the SABC want money, and are bleeding it from their shitty management.

    Reply

  6. For the Emperor!

    October 20, 2020 at 11:37

    I can get behind the idea of companies like Multichoice paying them for content, and perhaps because they broadcast said content to include the option of a tv license fee there.

    But if they touch our streaming services or make us pay for using other devices, they will see levels of online piracy never before witnessed in SA when even the law abiding citizen will say “shove it up your behind”.

    They are taking the desperation to replace all the stolen money (probably to be stolen again) too far now, the corrupt so-and-so’s!!

    Reply

    • MechMachine

      October 20, 2020 at 11:55

      It’s heartbreaking, but our industry is dying, slowly. As an insider, the uncertainty one feels about the future is disconcerting. Streaming services are the future.

      Reply

      • For the Emperor!

        October 20, 2020 at 12:00

        I would GLADLY pay a TV license if there was anything worth watching on SABC, and sports and stuff. But heck, if not for Netflix I would just grab DVD’s of everything to get what I want.

        Reply

        • MechMachine

          October 20, 2020 at 12:20

          Even sports, one of my other loves, is getting a little meh. Rugby is the last bastion of pleasure. F1 has become a bore and Cricket is just too much of a time investment with absolutely no reward, and now with all the off field political meddling and possible international ban, it’s all looking a little pointless. The glory, if there ever was any, is past. Rugby is the only sport that has delivered on a consistent basis for SA, and the occasional awesome Olympic athlete. Again, all this can be attributed to poor government and corruption. We could have been great, we are now just slogging along, woe is me.

          Reply

    • Insomnia is fun

      October 20, 2020 at 11:37

      We don’t even get access to the best online streaming has to offer. Not without a VPN which is another expense we have to deal with.

      Reply

    • Johan

      October 22, 2020 at 06:36

      You have to take not that even Multichoice is now infiltrated by the ANC cadres too.

      Reply

  7. MechMachine

    October 20, 2020 at 11:37

    Such a bizarre concept. A tv license. It’s not like someone is going to mess up when using the TV. Oh, is that the on button, I thought that was the switch for the microwave.

    Reply

  8. Alien Emperor Trevor

    October 20, 2020 at 11:38

    What the SABC wants, and what the SABC will get, are two entirely different things.

    Reply

  9. Viper_ZA

    October 20, 2020 at 12:15

    Lol, I pay mine just so I can buy the latest TV’s without too much of a hassle :/

    Reply

  10. CrAiGiSh

    October 20, 2020 at 12:16

    What a joke …

    Reply

  11. Banana Jim

    October 20, 2020 at 12:16

    Less than a third of potential TV Lic owners paid last year, and it’s been the same for the last few years (especially after the Great Cloudy regime). The SABC can try to charge me a TV lic for my laptop or Prime subscription, but they’re not getting a cent from me.

    It’s time for the SABC to die. They offer nothing of value.

    Reply

    • MechMachine

      October 20, 2020 at 12:24

      I disagree. It’s time for the rot to go. It’s that simple. Remove the rot, replace it with solid new beams and things will be good.

      Reply

      • Banana Jim

        October 20, 2020 at 12:27

        I think the whole cancer needs to be excised, then the wound needs to be cauterised, and only after it’s healed, should they even attempt to rebuild. The whole structure of the SABC is rotten to its core, and it’s time that their doors are shut for good.

        What follows should be free from a government mandate. It should operate like an independent TV network, completely free from public money and completely dependent on producing and delivering quality content.

        Reply

        • MechMachine

          October 20, 2020 at 12:39

          Yeah, This is my philosophy. We, ” as another African country “, probably need to go through this. It probably sounds crass and unsavory to say it and I personally wouldn’t or don’t want to. But, here we are. This widespread corruption serves as an education to our future generations as an example of what not to do. All these failures will come back as an example of exactly that, rank failures of the current regime.

          There will be an end to the tolerance, like that for apartheid and the loud voices that preach hate will not be not be looked at with admiration, but with a wariness. I’ve heard these words uttered many times, South Africans just want to prosper and have peace. In my mind, that’s what gives me the strength to get up and earn a living and try and live my best life.

          Reply

          • Banana Jim

            October 20, 2020 at 12:46

            The problem is, clearly we’re not learning from our past mistakes. The old SAUK was a corrupt beast that oozed out of the old Nats propaganda machine, and the SABC adopted a lot of that, under the guise of using it all for good.

            I think originally the idea that the SABC would also offer educational programming was a great idea, it still is. I have no problem with their supplementary content for matrics or even lower grades. But, clearly and we saw it during the Cloudy years (and even before Hlaudi) the SABC is “his master’s voice”, and it’s not intended to be politically inclusive. It’s very much a relic of the past, and it’s been allowed to exist purely because it’s a boon to the current regime.

          • MechMachine

            October 20, 2020 at 12:56

            I agree, but when the reality on the ground is poverty with no changes in sight, things will change. Give people more credit. Traditional media is not as important as it used to be. Even in SA. And truth be told, The state owned broadcaster will always spread the message of whatever political party is in power.

  12. Gavin Mannion

    October 20, 2020 at 12:51

    A large portion of the British are trying to stop the BBC licence fee as well, which I feel is insane as the BBC really offers a ton of quality content for that charge. But right wing nutjobs don’t like that the news is mean to their people so now they want to destroy the BBC.

    But the SABC can get stuffed, they offered me literally nothing of value and I still paid my licence and now that I’ve left they are hassling and threatening me constantly.

    Reply

    • Banana Jim

      October 20, 2020 at 12:51

      I hear sending them a photocopy of your man beans on a letterhead from Banana, Freidmann and Tim Attorneys always helps.

      Reply

      • cloudzn

        October 20, 2020 at 12:56

        I thought it was Banana , Curry and Bread ???

        Reply

        • Banana Jim

          October 20, 2020 at 13:01

          Tim Bread is no longer with my law firm. 😛 He’s a deviant!

          Reply

    • cloudzn

      October 20, 2020 at 12:56

      I agree, BBC gives highest quality television people need to get over themselves, SABC like SAA , on the other hand needs to die already

      Reply

      • Banana Jim

        October 20, 2020 at 13:01

        I used to love the documentaries that the BBC produced. I always wished that the SABC could follow suite and at one point they did. I mean Voetspore was a fantastic travel show. There have been a couple really good nature documentaries as well, but a lot of that stopped during the Cloudy regime.

        Reply

  13. Iskape

    October 20, 2020 at 13:35

    During the bygone years of when only SABC was available – sure, there was justification to pay a TV license. They have to make money somehow. But if I do not ustilise their services, why should I pay for them. I can’t see this going very far.

    Reply

  14. justlikemo

    October 20, 2020 at 13:55

    lol, funny article D! You really crack us up.

    Reply

  15. Incubus

    October 20, 2020 at 15:40

    Imagine needing a TV License to buy a new gaming PC. Meer soos Pinky Kakana, ’cause it’s a k@k idea.

    Reply

  16. Mabenito

    October 20, 2020 at 15:45

    Please check out [DA MP Phumzile Van Damme] twitter page and follow a link she posted between 14:00 – 16:00. This is enough now. Let’s all place our disapproval and concerns on record.

    Reply

  17. Mark Treloar

    October 20, 2020 at 16:58

    So how would this work exactly? ISP’s and Mobile providers hand over customer information to the SABC? We all have to sign new agreements allowing then to share this information or lose access to their services?

    Reply

  18. Skyblue

    October 20, 2020 at 20:45

    They can go and get f#$%*d so hard up their @$%$*&!$. I get on average 20 emails a week and I don’t know how many via SMS (I don’t read any SMS’s beyond banking) when my license has expired I’m considering approaching the civil court for an interdict on harassment.

    Reply

  19. Quentin Els

    October 20, 2020 at 23:05

    nice joke

    Reply

  20. HvR

    October 21, 2020 at 12:07

    Desmond Dube and his granny can fund the SABC shortfall out of their royalties from the only R1 lasting dignity plan that has been daytime 9 to 1 SABC tv viewing for the last 2 decades.

    Otherwise the SABC execs can SMS “Joumasep” to 33656

    Reply

  21. HvR

    October 21, 2020 at 12:07

    Desmond Dube and his granny can fund the SABC shortfall out of their royalties from the only R1 lasting dignity plan that has been daytime 9 to 1 SABC tv viewing for the last 2 decades.

    Otherwise the SABC execs can SMS “Joumasep” to 33656

    Reply

  22. Stephen Gor-Gen Gordon

    October 22, 2020 at 08:57

    The SABC does not broadcast Netflix, do they not understand how it works?
    Hopefully they try this and then get sued so hard that they don’t exist afterwards!!!!

    Reply

  23. Johan

    October 22, 2020 at 06:26

    What is this communication so called minister smoking, he’s a freakin tjtosi period. The SABC was robbed blindly, r in horrendous financial difficulties and now seek to bleed the public dry. I’d say they have a 1/10 chance of succeeding but in this crazy 3rd world country SA anything is possible. The fools in power are the reason the country is on it’s knees, unbelievable!!!!!!!

    Reply

  24. Kelly Johnson

    October 22, 2020 at 08:22

    Oh hell no! This is a load of bullshit. Who came up with this ridiculous idea? Streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime video has got nothing to do with the SABC. In the UK they do have TV licenses, but they do not let you buy another license for the streaming services or mobile devices that you own. They make sure that you have a license for the TV you own. That’s what a TV license is for.

    I am so angry at this moment. I will refuse to let the SABC rule the way I watch my streaming services on my mobile devices such as laptops and mobile phones.

    The SABC is so corrupt that they can’t see their own butts.
    We as South Africans should stand up against a corrupt organization like the SABC.
    We should speak out and tell them how we feel about all of this bullshit that is plaguing our country for years. ARE YOU WITH ME?

    Reply

  25. Stephen Gor-Gen Gordon

    October 22, 2020 at 08:57

    The SABC does not broadcast Netflix, do they not understand how it works?
    Hopefully they try this and then get sued so hard that they don’t exist afterwards!!!!

    Reply

  26. Cindy Louw

    October 22, 2020 at 09:35

    We already pay tv license. That covers everything under one roof. It’s not my problem that I don’t watch etv or sabc. If they do that I will cut all services and get rid of my TV.

    Then what they shoot themselves in the foot and loose a extra 275 a year. SABC being greedy is very very bad for service. Don’t bite the hand that feeds your salaries.

    Reply

  27. Quentin Els

    October 22, 2020 at 14:34

    hahahahahahahahahahahah…*gasp*, hahahahahahahahahahahahahahah

    Reply

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