'Six months in prison for not paying TV licence is absurd,' says Free Market Foundation

South Africans are required by law, through section 27 of the Broadcasting Act No.4 of 1999, to pay for a TV license; making it legal to use/possess your television set at home. Non-payment will result in a fine not exceeding R500, imprisonment not exceeding six months, or both a fine and imprisonment.
A TV licence costs R265 per year. Forgetting to renew your TV licence means a penalty of 10% per month to a maximum of 100% per year.
Criminalising TV licence non-payment, with penalties of up to six months in prison, is 'absurd', says Zakhele Mthembu of the Free Market Foundation.
Africa Melane speaks to Zakhele Mthembu, policy officer at the Free Market Foundation.
This interview took place on 17 May 2024.
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[@oswaldbarnes5861]

Absolutely absurd! Can we sue the government for not servicing our basic needs? I.e. water, electricity, and protection.

[@pieteruys2032]

Make it a subscription service, like DSTV

[@danielturner9027]

We in the UK also have a TV licence. I don't as I just don't watch TV.