SABC Shuts Down Fake Claims About Car Radio Licence Fees

The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has spoken out strongly against a fake news report that caused widespread confusion this week. A false statement, circulated across social media platforms, claimed the public broadcaster was introducing a car radio licence fee to offset declining television licence revenue.

According to the SABC, this claim is completely fabricated and does not reflect any current or proposed policy.

“There is no such directive or discussion within the organisation,” the broadcaster said in an official statement on Thursday. “This is disinformation designed to spread panic and undermine the credibility of the SABC.”

The Fake News That Sparked Public Panic

The viral message—falsely attributed to the SABC—suggested that South Africans would soon be expected to pay a licence fee just for owning a car with a radio. It went further to claim that the broadcaster was reacting to the growing popularity of streaming services like Netflix, which have impacted traditional TV licence revenue.

The rumour spread quickly and left many South Africans questioning whether such a fee could become reality. But the SABC has made it clear: it’s not happening.

“The current TV licence framework remains intact and applies only to television sets, as outlined by the Broadcasting Act of 1999 and associated regulations,” the broadcaster emphasized.

Any move to change this would require formal legislative amendments and a national consultation process, the SABC added.

Timing of the Hoax Raises Eyebrows

What’s especially concerning to the SABC is the timing of the misinformation. The broadcaster has just celebrated a major milestone—over one million users on its streaming platform, SABC Plus.

Some within the organisation believe the false claim was strategically released to distract from this positive news and sow distrust in the public broadcaster.

“The intention behind this disinformation is clear—it aims to destabilise the SABC at a critical time in its digital transformation journey,” the statement continued.

Streaming Success Amid Financial Challenges

While traditional TV licence revenue may be under pressure, the SABC is not sitting idle. SABC Plus, its over-the-top (OTT) streaming service, has seen steady growth, indicating that the broadcaster is successfully adapting to the digital age.

Still, the financial strain on the broadcaster is no secret. Questions about how to sustain funding in a streaming-dominated world are valid—but rumours like the “car radio tax” only serve to confuse and mislead.

As South Africa’s media landscape evolves, misinformation is becoming a growing threat. The SABC’s firm response to this fake report is a reminder to double-check sources before sharing viral content.

For now, your car radio is safe from any extra licensing fees—and the SABC’s current TV licence rules remain unchanged.