Questionable ethics

I received a mail +- a week ago regarding an outstanding tv license bill. When I opened the attached file it showed me that I have not paid last year and also that an additional +-R26 a month was added every month because of failure to pay and this now a year later has accumulated to an amount of +- R 800.

Last year June we were in the middle of a nationwide lockdown and I could not get around to paying my license and when the lockdown was lifted and we could move around more this completely slipped my mind and I forgot about it altogether.

I am however struggling with the idea that SABC can charge me rent on money not paid but fail to send aby sort of reminder and then 1 year (12 months) later send me another bill that is 3 times the normal rate...

Why was I not reminded as per any other company that I was behind on a payment? Surelly you could have send a remonder email reminding me to pay something that I only pay once a year?!?!?!

It looks to me like this is purposefully done and not just to me as I had this conversation with a colleague of mine and he is in the same boat.

If the above is true then this is theft and this is something that we will need to take further.

Please advise on the above...

I am however willing to pay for my license but we need to meet each other in the middle on fairgrounds.

Please advise