DA to oppose TV license fee for mobile phones, computers and tablets

The SABC's acting CEO James Aguma told Parliament's portfolio committee on communication that the public broadcaster wants South Africans  to pay a TV license fee when purchasing those devices. 

This would be achieved by changing the definition of 'receiving device' through an amendment to the Broadcasting Act.

The DA's Phumzile van Damme says the SABC should rather devote time to finding innovative ways to fund the public broadcaster.

"It is indeed possible for the SABC to stay afloat without seeking to further tax the already over-burdened South African taxpayer. The reason the SABC is currently in serious financial crisis is not because it does not have enough money; but because of corruption, financial mismanagement and a decline in advertising revenue," says Van Damme.

Van Damme says the public should not have to pay for the SABC's sins through additional TV license fees.

"Very few South Africans access SABC on their phones, computers and tablets. Why should they have to pay money to the SABC when they don't consume SABC products on those devices?" asks Van Damme.