I tried to cancel my TV licence — and it was a disaster
I recently tried to cancel my TV license using the official SABC channels, but I quickly realised it was a fruitless exercise.
This was after I pre-emptively bought the licence as I was planning to buy a TV, but my plans changed, and I no longer needed the permit.
The South African government states that if you have sold, disposed of, or lost your television set, you are no longer required to have a TV licence.
“You must notify the SABC of your changed circumstances in writing on a pro forma affidavit which is available from your nearest SABC offices or by making the relevant statement at any Commissioner of Oaths,” the government says.
I visited the TV licence portal as advised by the government and sent an email to the [email protected] address on 20 October 2021.
After receiving no response, I sent another email two weeks later. Once again, there was no response.
I then decided to give the TV licence department a call using the suggested 011 330 9555 number.
I reached an SABC consultant, who then transferred me to the TV licence department. Each time I was transferred, however, it was a dead-end without any further activity.
On one of the calls, I waited for over 10 minutes in silence, waiting for assistance that never came.
While the process of cancelling your licence may sound simple, you still need the cooperation of the SABC to allow it.
My experience showed that it is basically impossible to follow the government’s suggestions and receive assistance from the SABC to cancel a TV licence.