Petition Launched Rejecting License Fees for Streaming Services in South Africa. Photo: DA
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched a petition to oppose the South African government’s plans to extend license fees to streaming services such as Netflix, Showmax, and others.
South Africa is proposing broadening the definition of a ‘broadcasting service’ to including
online broadcasting services. This means that South Africans will have to cough up more money for watching “broadcasting services”, regardless of whether it’s on a TV, a computer or a phone.
The law currently states that consumers must pay a TV licence fee for viewing “broadcasting services”, which includes subscription services like DSTV. When you buy a TV, regardless of whether you watch SABC content on it or not, you must pay a licence fee for any “broadcasting services.” In this sense, “broadcasting service” is limited to content viewed on a TV set.