President Emmerson Mnangagwa has enacted a law requiring all motorists to purchase a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio licence before renewing their vehicle registration or obtaining insurance coverage. The legislation aims to bolster the state broadcaster’s revenue, potentially generating over US$140 million annually, based on current vehicle registration figures and licence fees .
Under the new mandate, personal vehicle owners must pay US$92 annually, while business vehicles are charged US$200. The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) will enforce compliance by withholding vehicle licences and insurance policies from motorists lacking a valid radio licence .
The law has faced significant opposition from citizens and lawmakers. Critics argue that the fees are exorbitant and that many motorists do not consume ZBC content, rendering the charge unjustifiable. Kadoma legislator Gift Mambipiri likened the fee to “donating a goat to the ZBC every term,” highlighting its financial burden on citizens .
Media watchdogs, including the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe, have condemned the legislation, asserting that it undermines press freedom and imposes undue financial strain on the public. They call for a reevaluation of the law to align with constitutional commitments to free speech and media independence .
Proponents of the law argue that it ensures sustainable funding for the national broadcaster, which plays a crucial role in disseminating information, especially in rural areas. However, opponents contend that the ZBC must first address concerns regarding content quality and impartiality to justify mandatory public funding.
