It added that these services have taken consumer attention away from cable television, reducing the SABCs television licence revenue.
Under the new section 69 of the telecommunications act of 1996, all South Africans who utilise motor vehicles with radios will be required to always carry a car radio licence with them, the memo reads.
Furthermore, the licences would attract a charge of R401 a year with noncompliance resulting in a fine of up to R750 or up to 90 days in jail. The widely shared memo purported to be from the SABC introducing car radio licences.
The memo caused quite a stir on social media with users pointing to the absurdity of the supposed revenue collection initiative.
In response, the SABC has released a press statement refuting the validity of the memo.
In the statement, the broadcaster stated that it did not make any public pronouncements pertaining to licences for car radios. The SABC has refuted the validity of the memo.
Regarding TV licences, research shows that the majority of South Africans dont pay for them, affecting the SABCs bottom line.
The memo was purportedly shared by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
The memo stated that over the course of the last few years, the broadcaster had seen its revenue dwindle as a result of streaming services like Netflix.
Keypoints
- Get the best African tech newsletters in your inbox