The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has confirmed to MyBroadband a critical public safety fact: it currently has no active TV licence inspectors conducting door-to-door visits. This official statement transforms a common suspicion into a definitive rule: anyone claiming to be an SABC inspector at your home is an impostor with criminal intent, and the correct response is to immediately call the South African Police Service (SAPS) or your armed response company.
This warning follows specific criminal activity, such as in Durban North, KwaZulu-Natal, where residents reported a silver VW Caddy with three well-dressed men posing as inspectors to gain entry for robbery. The SABC has explicitly stated it communicates with licence holders through official, secure channels and does not engage in unsolicited, in-person inspections.
End of the line for TV licences looms
Understanding the Historical Context vs. Current Reality
While the SABC’s own FAQ page historically mentioned the possibility of authorised inspectors, the broadcaster clarifies this is not current practice. This discrepancy between archived policy and present-day operations is precisely what scammers exploit. The public must rely on the SABC’s current, official position: no active inspectors. This shift away from physical inspections is partly due to the scheme’s impending obsolescence and the practical challenges of enforcement in a digital age.
The Impending End of the TV Licence and the Search for a New Model
The TV licence system is in its final chapter. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has appointed BMI TechKnowledge (BMIT) to develop a new funding model, with a final report expected by 6 February 2026 (extended from December 2025 to account for festive season disruptions).
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi noted that after finalisation, consultation with the Minister of Finance is required, as any new model affects Treasury resource allocation. This indicates a transition period will follow the report’s completion.
The SABC’s Preferred Future: A Universal Media Levy
Senior SABC leadership, including CEO Nomsa Chabeli and board chair Khathutshelo Ramukumba, have publicly declared the TV licence a failure. They argue it is an “archaic” and “outdated” model built for a single television in a living room, not for a multi-device reality where content is consumed on smartphones, laptops, and tablets via streaming.
Their proposed solution is a universal, device-neutral media levy collected by the South African Revenue Service (SARS). This model aims to create a fairer, more sustainable funding base that reflects modern media consumption, though its final design and implementation remain subjects of ongoing policy development.
Actionable Advice for the Public
1. Treat All Doorstep Inspectors as Threats: The SABC’s confirmation means there are no legitimate inspectors. Do not engage or open your door.
2. Verify Officially: Any communication regarding your TV licence should come via formal SABC correspondence, not in-person demands.
3. Report Immediately: Note descriptions, vehicle details, and report the incident to SAPS on 10111. This helps track criminal patterns.
4. Stay Informed on the Funding Transition: The shift from the TV licence to a new model is a significant public policy change. Follow announcements from the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies for updates on timelines and new obligations.
The convergence of criminal scams and systemic policy change creates a unique moment for South African households. Vigilance against immediate fraud must be paired with awareness of the broader transformation in how public broadcasting is funded, moving from a discredited enforcement model to one seeking relevance in the digital era.