A wave of public confusion has erupted after a media statement circulated online claiming that the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) would implement a new R401 annual car radio licence, allegedly enforceable by law.
However, the SABC has since issued a strong rebuttal, stating that the claim is false, misleading, and fabricated. The corporation says it has not issued any directive or policy relating to car radio licences, and no such announcement has been made via its official platforms.
The initial statement—branded with the SABC logo and attributed to an acting group executive—claimed that a new law under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 would require all South Africans with radios in their vehicles to purchase and carry a licence, with enforcement by SAPS and local law agencies. It warned that failure to produce a valid car radio licence could result in a fine of up to R750 or imprisonment for 90 days.
In its official response, the SABC firmly dismissed the circulating statement, stressing that any changes to the TV licence framework would require legislative processes under the Broadcasting Act of 1999 and the TV Licence Regulations of 2004.
“This disinformation is aimed at causing panic and destabilising the SABC,” the broadcaster said in its media release, urging the public to verify any media statements directly via SABC official platforms such as www.tvlic.co.za or by contacting their TV Licence office.
The incident has sparked widespread debate about the future of public broadcasting funding, particularly as streaming services continue to erode traditional TV licence revenue models.
