Ongoing Administrative Failures and No Resolution from SABC TV Licences and HAHN Collections

In 2021, SABC finally corrected my business TV licence after years of errors. The number of televisions was confirmed and updated correctly, and for the first time the account reflected accurate information. Shortly after this, COVID‑19 hit, and the hospitality industry — the sector with the highest number of TVs of any industry — was one of the hardest hit. We were unable to trade for long periods due to government‑mandated restrictions, making it impossible to settle annual licence fees during that time.

Since then, I have repeatedly requested a proper reconciliation of the account so that I can settle the legitimate fees. Instead of receiving a corrected statement, the account has continued to accumulate interest, penalties, and collection charges, even though the account has been under dispute and even though I have asked many times for these illegitimate charges to be removed.

What makes this even more frustrating is that only around 20% of South Africans are currently paying their TV licences, yet I continue to pay my personal TV licence every month by debit order, because I have no choice. Despite this, SABC has spent the past several years handing my business account to various legal and collections firms — and the legal costs they have incurred over nearly six years far outweigh the actual value of the disputed debt.

To add to the confusion, TV licences are reportedly going to be s****ped or replaced, yet SABC continues to pursue old, disputed balances without providing the basic reconciliation needed to resolve them.

All I am asking for is a clear, accurate reconciliation based on the corrected number of TVs, with the interest and penalties removed for the period when the account was under dispute and during COVID‑19 closures. Until SABC provides this, the account cannot be finalised. The lack of communication, accountability, and administrative follow‑through is unacceptable for a national broadcaster.

I hope this review prompts SABC to finally address this matter properly and professionally.