TV license help

marine1

marine1

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I told the SABC that I will not pay my tv license as I do not watch TV, I have a TV that I do no use and paid that tv license for about 5 yrs. I also refuse to give money to a corrupt organisation that continues to waste the money we pay.
I understand the 2nd reason has no legal grounds.

I now get an SMS that I must pay R750-00 by the end of the month.

What are the laws regarding having a TV and not using it?
Why would you need to continue to pay for something you have no use for?

I have removed the tuner from my TV (plasma) so it cannot receive any signal.
 
You're not going to like this, but the law is rather simple: if you possess equipment capable of receiving a television signal - either satellite or terrestrial - you are required to have a valid tv license, regardless of whether you use it.
 
enigma243 said:
You're not going to like this, but the law is rather simple: if you possess equipment capable of receiving a television signal - either satellite or terrestrial - you are required to have a valid tv license, regardless of whether you use it.
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He says the tuner is removed, but apparently even then the SABC sends someone out once a year to check that this is still so. And the cost of this little service is more than that for a tv license. Neat:D
 
enigma243 said:
You're not going to like this, but the law is rather simple: if you possess equipment capable of receiving a television signal - either satellite or terrestrial - you are required to have a valid tv license, regardless of whether you use it.
Click to expand...

agree

Even if its a TV card in a PC , you are still required to have a license.
 
R13... said:
He says the tuner is removed, but apparently even then the SABC sends someone out once a year to check that this is still so. And the cost of this little service is more than that for a tv license. Neat:D
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Not so sure... marine1, could you clarify?

marine1 said:
I have a TV that I do no use and paid that tv license for about 5 yrs.
Click to expand...
 
marine1 said:
TV tuner is removed, it clips into the back and can be clipped off.
Click to expand...

OK, so is the "old tv" you referred to in your OP the same set as the "plasma" you mention later? If not, do you still possess the old tv? If it is, are you a DSTv/TopTV subscriber?

Regardless, this off the SABC's home page:
Q: How is a TV set “denatured” so that a TV licence is not required?

A: Removal of a television set’s "tuner" renders it incapable of receiving any TV signal and, consequently, exempt from the need to be licensed. Written notice to the SABC of such denaturing must be supported by documentary proof in the form of a letter/invoice/receipt from a reputable TV repairer or installer. A R300.00 payment must accompany such application to the SABC, after which an authorised agent will be despatched to inspect the applicant’s TV equipment. On receipt of confirmation from the agent that the applicant has NO television receiving equipment [TV set(s), VCR(s) or PC(s) fitted with a tuner card] in his/her possession, he/she will be exempted from payment of licence fees for the rest of the current licensing period. Should a licence holder thereafter require such exemption to be extended, written application by way of an affidavit confirming that the applicant still has no TV receiving equipment must be made on an annual basis three months before the end of each licence year. Should an authorised inspector visit an exempted licence holder’s premises and find that the receiving capability of his/her TV equipment has been restored, he/she becomes liable for payment of all applicable licence fees and penalties, plus a R300.00 inspection fee.
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Of course to top it off, I'll be the first to admit that the SABC has a bunch of poorly trained monkeys working for them, especially in the call centre. I believe at this point a wish of good luck would be in order. :p
 
enigma243 said:
OK, so is the "old tv" you referred to in your OP the same set as the "plasma" you mention later? If not, do you still possess the old tv? If it is, are you a DSTv/TopTV subscriber?

Regardless, this off the SABC's home page:


Of course to top it off, I'll be the first to admit that the SABC has a bunch of poorly trained monkeys working for them, especially in the call centre. I believe at this point a wish of good luck would be in order. :p
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Same TV, it was bought in 2003 therefore it is old. I do not have DSTV, cancelled it about 2 yrs ago.
 
cbrunsdonza said:
Actually you needed a TV electrician acknowleged by the SABC to have removed and disabled your tuner.
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and you have to pay him to do that.... which can amount to several hundred rand. Then you have to pay for a TV License inspector to come out and verify that it has been done. So by the time you have denatured your TV, you are already R800 down the hole. Not sure if it is once off... but the SABC website seems to say that the inspector can come back at any time and check. If it is found to be connected, you will have to pay the Inspector's fees again AND you will be liable for license fees retroactively. Sounds like a lose/lose scenario to me. Better just to pay the stupid TV tax so the masses can watch their soapies.
 
What is the purpose of these TV License fees? I've been quietly paying my TV License for years now but I don't watch any SABC channels or even eTV.
How does paying these fees benefit someone like me?

This concept of 'if you're able to receive a signal, then you must pay' is a load of crap.
 
It's got nothing to do with "benefit" to you. It's just a dumb tax. The SABC and their ANC overlords will do what they need to do to make sure you pay your dumb tax.
 
Garyvdh said:
and you have to pay him to do that.... which can amount to several hundred rand. Then you have to pay for a TV License inspector to come out and verify that it has been done. So by the time you have denatured your TV, you are already R800 down the hole. Not sure if it is once off... but the SABC website seems to say that the inspector can come back at any time and check. If it is found to be connected, you will have to pay the Inspector's fees again AND you will be liable for license fees retroactively. Sounds like a lose/lose scenario to me. Better just to pay the stupid TV tax so the masses can watch their soapies.
Click to expand...

Yup, TIA
 
Garyvdh said:
It's got nothing to do with "benefit" to you. It's just a dumb tax. The SABC and their ANC overlords will do what they need to do to make sure you pay your dumb tax.
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Actually this still comes from the bad old days, don't give the comrades too much credit for creating revenue sources.
 
MartyMarts said:
What is the purpose of these TV License fees? I've been quietly paying my TV License for years now but I don't watch any SABC channels or even eTV.
How does paying these fees benefit someone like me?

This concept of 'if you're able to receive a signal, then you must pay' is a load of crap.
Click to expand...

But do you listen to any South African radio stations?
 
if marine took out the gadget that allows the signal to come into the tv but still has to pay tv does the same apply to a pc and a cellphone both of these are capable of picking up tv channels?
 
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