As more South Africans drop traditional TV for streaming, a common question follows: can you cancel your SABC TV licence, and how? The honest answer is that it’s less of a simple “cancel” button and more of a deregistration process you qualify for when you genuinely no longer own a television set. Here’s how it works and what you’ll need.
Can you actually cancel it?
Under South African law, a TV licence is required if you own or use a television set, so you can’t simply opt out while you still have a working TV. What you can do is deregister (cancel) your licence when you no longer own or use a TV set, for example because you’ve sold it, it’s permanently broken, or you’ve switched entirely to a computer or phone for viewing. The SABC then needs you to formally declare that, usually under oath.
Important: watching streaming services on a smart TV still counts as owning a television set. Deregistration is for people who genuinely no longer have a TV, not simply those who’ve stopped watching SABC channels. This article is general information, not legal advice.
When you qualify to deregister
You can typically apply to cancel your licence if you no longer have a television set in your possession. Common situations include:
- You’ve sold or given away your TV and don’t intend to replace it.
- Your TV is permanently broken and won’t be repaired or replaced.
- You’ve moved to watching everything on a computer, tablet or phone and own no TV set.
- The licence holder has passed away and the estate no longer keeps a TV (the estate must usually settle any balance first).
What you’ll need
Because you’re declaring a change in your circumstances, the SABC generally asks for supporting documents. Have these ready before you start:
- Your TV licence number and ID number.
- A sworn affidavit (commissioned at a police station or by a commissioner of oaths) stating that you no longer own or use a television set.
- Proof of the change where relevant, for example proof of sale, or a death certificate when cancelling on behalf of a deceased licence holder.
- Confirmation that your account is paid up, as you generally can’t deregister with money outstanding.
How to cancel, step by step
- Make sure your account is fully paid up first (see below).
- Get a sworn affidavit commissioned, confirming you no longer own or use a TV set.
- Contact SABC TV Licences through the official channel at tvlic.co.za, or their listed phone or email, and request deregistration / cancellation.
- Submit your affidavit and any supporting documents as instructed, quoting your licence and ID numbers.
- Ask for written confirmation that the licence has been cancelled, and keep it on file.
Because the exact procedure and contact options can change, treat the official SABC TV Licences website as the source of truth for the current steps and forms.
Settle your balance first
You generally cannot cancel a licence that has arrears, so clear any outstanding amount before you apply. It’s also worth getting written confirmation of the cancellation and then checking that no further invoices or renewal notices arrive. Keep your reference and confirmation in case you need to dispute a later charge.
Deregistration isn’t about disliking the channels. It’s a formal declaration that there’s no longer a TV set in your home. Get the affidavit right and keep the confirmation.
Cutting the cord instead
For many people the bigger picture is moving away from traditional TV altogether: streaming what they want, when they want, over a good internet connection. If that’s your plan, our guide to streaming services in South Africa compares the options and the internet speed each needs.
And a streaming-first home lives or dies on its connection. Check fibre coverage and compare the live deals at your address to make sure your internet can keep up once the dish and the licence are gone.