A TV license in South Africa is required by law for anyone who owns or possesses a television set. The license fee is used to fund the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), which is responsible for providing public service broadcasting in the country.
There are a few different ways to check your TV license balance in South Africa:
Online
- Go to the SABC TV Licenses website and log in to your account.
- Once you are logged in, you will be able to see your current balance and payment history.
SMS
- Send an SMS to 44210 with your ID number or TV license number.
- You will receive an SMS reply with your current balance.
Phone
- Call the SABC TV Licenses customer service center on 011 330 9555.
- A customer service representative will be able to check your balance for you.
In person
- Visit any SABC regional office or pay point to check your balance.
Note: There is a small fee for checking your balance by SMS or phone.
Tips for managing your TV license account
- To avoid paying a late fee, make sure to renew your TV license before it expires. You can renew your license online, by phone, or in person.
- If you are struggling to afford to pay your TV license fee, you can apply for a payment plan.
- If you move house, be sure to update your TV license account with your new address.
Why is it important to have a TV license?
A TV license is important because it helps to fund the SABC, which provides public service broadcasting in South Africa. The SABC produces a variety of educational, informative, and entertaining content that is accessible to all South Africans.
In addition, having a TV license is required by law. If you are caught watching TV without a license, you could be fined.
How to apply for a TV license
To apply for a TV license, you can visit the SABC TV Licenses website or go to any SABC regional office or pay point. You will need to provide your name, address, and contact information.
Once you have applied for a TV license, you will receive a license number in the mail. You should keep your license number safe, as you will need it to renew your license and to make payments.
Checking your TV license balance is easy and can be done in a variety of ways. By keeping your balance up to date, you can avoid paying a late fee and ensure that you are complying with the law.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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