South Africans are legally required to hold a valid television licence if they own a TV set, and payment can be made at thousands of physical and digital outlets nationwide. The South African Broadcasting Corporation confirms that TV licence payments are accepted at major retail chains, banks, the Post Office, and through online platforms. With renewal penalties accruing monthly, knowing where and how to pay is critical for Gauteng households to manage compliance and avoid additional charges.
According to SABC TV Licences, the annual fee remains R265, while monthly payment arrangements total R336 per year due to an administrative premium.
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Why TV Licence Payments Still Matter in 2026
Despite ongoing public debate around broadcasting reform, the television licence system remains in effect. The SABC states that licences are payable annually in advance and that renewals must be made before expiry.
If a licence lapses, penalties apply at 10 percent per month, capped at 100 percent per year, according to SABC regulations.
For Gauteng residents, where urban enforcement and database tracking are more active than in rural provinces, compliance remains important to avoid account escalation.
Physical Retail Outlets Where You Can Pay
The SABC confirms that licence payments are accepted at major national retailers across South Africa. These include supermarkets, electronics stores, and general retailers.
Supermarkets and retail chains
TV licence payments can be made at:
• Pick’n Pay
• Shoprite
• Checkers
• Woolworths
• Spar
• Boxer
• Foodworld
• Saveworld
• Hypersavers
These outlets form part of either EasyPay or Pay@ payment networks.
Electronics and furniture retailers
Payments are also accepted at selected appliance and furniture retailers, including:
• Game
• Makro
• Incredible Connection
• Hi-Fi Corporation
• Lewis stores
• JD Group stores
These retailers process payments via integrated point-of-sale systems.
General retail outlets and service providers
Other physical locations include:
• PEP
• Ackermans
• South African Post Office branches
Customers are advised to bring their TV licence account number or statement when paying in-store.
Paying Through Banks and ATMs
SABC states that payments can be made at bank branches and ATMs using the TV Licences account details.
ATM payments accepted by:
• Nedbank
• ABSA
• FNB
• Standard Bank
Over-the-counter payments can also be made at these banks using the correct reference number.
Customers must use their nine-digit TV licence account number as the beneficiary reference when making a bank payment to ensure correct allocation.
Online and Electronic Payment Options
For residents who prefer digital methods, the SABC confirms that TV licence payments can be made online or via banking platforms.
Online payment methods include:
• Direct payment via the SABC website using a credit card
• EFT payment via internet banking
• Beneficiary payment using TV Licences account details
• EasyPay website
• Debit order arranged directly with SABC
Online payments allow residents to avoid queues and the physical handling of statements.
Debit Order and Monthly Payment Options
The SABC allows licence holders to spread payments throughout the year. According to the broadcaster, monthly payments are charged at R28 per month, totalling R336 annually due to an administrative premium.
While this option provides flexibility, it is more expensive than the annual once-off payment of R265.
SABC states that annual debit orders reduce the risk of missing renewal deadlines and incurring penalties.
Account Reference Details are Critical
The SABC emphasises that only the correct nine-digit TV licence account number should be used when making payments.
If an incorrect reference is used:
• Payments may not reflect
• Accounts may remain in arrears
• Penalties may continue to accumulate
Consumers are advised to ensure accuracy when capturing beneficiary details.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay
According to SABC regulations, failure to renew a licence results in monthly penalties of 10 percent, capped at 100 percent annually.
Accounts in arrears may also be handed over for collection processes, depending on the amount outstanding.
For Gauteng residents, where enforcement and database tracking systems are more active, outstanding balances can escalate quickly.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng households, especially in metropolitan areas such as Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, TV licence compliance remains a regulatory obligation. With over 10,000 pay points nationwide and multiple online channels available, access to payment facilities is widespread.
Residents can choose between physical retail locations, bank payments, online transfers, or debit order arrangements. The key factor is ensuring payments are made before expiry to avoid penalties.
As the broadcasting funding model continues to be debated nationally, the existing licence system remains legally enforceable in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a TV licence in 2026?
The annual licence fee is R265. Monthly payment arrangements total R336 per year.
Where can I pay my TV licence in person?
Payments can be made at major retailers such as Pick’n Pay, Shoprite, Spar, Game, Makro, PEP, Ackermans, and at Post Office branches.
Can I pay my TV licence online?
Yes. Payments can be made through the SABC website, via EFT through your bank, or through the EasyPay and Pay@ platforms.
What reference number must I use when paying?
You must use your nine-digit TV licence account number as the beneficiary reference.
What happens if I miss my renewal deadline?
Penalties are charged at 10 percent per month, capped at 100 percent annually.
What Happens Next
The SABC has not announced any structural changes to the TV licence model for 2026. Until policy reform is enacted into law, the current payment system remains in effect.
Residents are expected to continue renewing licences annually, using either physical pay points or digital platforms to maintain compliance.
