In November, the Daily Mail reported that one in eight households now claim they do not need a TV licence and refuse to pay, leading to losses estimated at up to £550million.

The SABC has intensified efforts to recover unpaid TV licence fees by sending debt collectors after households in arrears, as compliance levels remain below 20% nationwide.

The broadcaster’s aggressive debt recovery drive comes as non-compliance with TV licence payments continues to rise, placing growing financial strain on thew public broadcaster.