South Africans who want to buy a television on Takealot must have a valid TV licence, with purchases blocked if the licence is not in good standing or does not match the buyer’s identity. The requirement affects online shoppers nationwide, including thousands of Gauteng residents who rely on e-commerce platforms for household electronics. The issue matters now as retailers increasingly enforce licence verification at checkout to comply with national broadcasting regulations.
The rule applies regardless of whether the television will be used to watch broadcast channels.
ALSO READ: Things to Watch on Netflix This Weekend
TV Licence Requirement Enforced at Checkout
Takealot requires customers purchasing a television to provide a valid TV licence number together with a South African ID or passport number. The information is verified during the checkout process.
If the licence is expired, unpaid, or does not match the purchaser’s details, the transaction cannot be completed.
According to broadcasting regulations, retailers are prohibited from selling television sets to unlicensed individuals, placing the responsibility for compliance on both the buyer and the seller.
Why the Licence Must Match the Buyer
The name on the TV licence must correspond with the name of the person making the purchase. While some platforms may allow the use of a family member’s licence in limited circumstances, mismatches often trigger verification failures.
Retail systems validate the buyer’s ID number against the national TV licence database, meaning outstanding fees or incorrect details can prevent a sale from going through.
Buyers using shared Takealot accounts may encounter difficulties if the account holder’s name differs from the licence holder’s details.
What Counts as a Television Set Under the Law
In terms of the Broadcasting Act, a television set is defined as any device designed or adapted to receive a broadcast television signal.
This includes:
- Television sets with built-in tuners
- Televisions connected to decoders
- PCs or laptops fitted with TV tuner cards
- VCRs connected to a TV or monitor
Devices that do not require a TV licence include:
- Computer monitors without TV tuners
- Projectors without broadcast receiving capability
Retailers typically classify products at checkout to determine whether licence verification is required.
Types of TV Licences in South Africa
There are six recognised categories of television licences, depending on how and where a TV is used:
- Domestic licence for households and individuals
- Concessionary domestic licence for qualifying pensioners or grant recipients
- Business licence for commercial premises
- Dealer licence for businesses selling TVs
- Lessor licence for companies renting TVs
- Mobile licence for TVs used in vehicles, caravans or vessels
Most Takealot customers fall under the domestic licence category.
Licence Fees and Payment Structure
The annual TV licence fee for most licence holders is R265 per year. Concessionary licences are charged at R74 per year.
Licence holders may pay:
- The full amount upfront, or
- Monthly instalments of R28 for domestic licences
Late payments attract penalties of 10 percent per month, up to a maximum of 100 percent of the annual fee.
Failure to renew can result in the account being handed over for debt collection.
Legal Consequences of Not Having a Licence
Possessing a television set without a valid licence is a legal offence. Individuals found guilty may face:
- A fine of up to R500
- Imprisonment for up to six months
- Or both
Retailers selling televisions to unlicensed buyers may also be penalised under the law.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For Gauteng residents, where online shopping has become a primary way of purchasing appliances, TV licence enforcement can delay or block access to new televisions. Buyers who are unaware of their licence status often only discover outstanding issues at checkout.
In a province with high population density and shared households, mismatched licence details between family members can complicate purchases. The enforcement also affects students, renters and first-time buyers who may not realise a licence is required even if they do not watch broadcast TV.
Common Reasons TV Purchases Are Blocked
Retailers report several recurring issues that prevent TV purchases from being completed:
- Expired or unpaid TV licences
- Licence holder name not matching the buyer’s ID
- Incorrect ID number linked to the licence
- Attempting to use another person’s licence
Resolving these issues often requires updating licence records before retrying the purchase.
FAQ: Buying a TV on Takealot
Do I need a TV licence to buy a TV online?
Yes. A valid TV licence is legally required to purchase a television.
Can I use someone else’s TV licence?
Only if you are a dependent family member covered under a single domestic licence.
Do I need a licence for a computer monitor?
No, provided the monitor does not have a TV tuner.
What happens if my licence is unpaid?
The purchase will be blocked until the licence is brought up to date.
Is the licence required even if I don’t watch TV?
Yes. Possession of TV receiving equipment requires a licence, regardless of usage.
What Happens Next
TV licence enforcement at online retailers is expected to continue as part of broader compliance efforts under the Broadcasting Act. No changes to licence fees or retailer obligations have been announced.
Consumers planning to purchase televisions are advised to verify their licence status in advance to avoid delays at checkout, particularly during major online sales periods.
Any amendments to TV licence regulations would need to be announced through formal legislative or regulatory processes.
