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The Independent
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Controversial car radio licence fee for motorists approved in Zimbabwe
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has approved a law in Zimbabwe mandating that motorists pay a radio levy before their vehicles can be licensed and insured, a move criticised by some as draconian. Under the amended Broadcasting Services Act, motorists must prove they have paid a fee to the state broadcaster, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corp. (ZBC), before they can obtain vehicle licenses or insurance. The annual license costs $92, with the revenue directed to ZBC, which has faced accusations of pro-government bias and declining advertising revenue. Exemptions are available for motorists without a radio receiver, provided they sign a form to that effect with the public broadcaster. With approximately 1.2 million vehicles in Zimbabwe, the levy is expected to generate millions of dollars for ZBC. "This is too much for the already overburdened tax payer," said Kudzai Kadzere, a lawyer in the capital, Harare. "After all, a lot of people rely on the independent press, WhatsApp and the internet for news, they don't even tune in to ZBC. Now we are being forced to pay for propaganda." Rashweat Mukundu, a media freedom activist, described the license fee as "daylight robbery." Responding to government spokesman Nick Mangwana, who defended the move on X, Mukundu wrote: "ZBC funding has tanked because audiences & advertisers see no value/relevance in its content." Opposition figure Nelson Chamisa said the new law was "too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless." Zimbabweans already pay for radio or television licenses if they own a set at home or at a business premise. In 2016, the country's Constitutional Court threw out a case brought by an opposition lawmaker who said the public broadcaster was biased towards the ruling ZANU-PF party and the fee should be scrapped. Nick Mangwana, a senior official in Zimbabwe's ministry of information, responded to criticism that the law is unfair on social media, writing: 'The law is necessary. The fees will be made reasonable. And yes the law is fair.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Anger as Zimbabwe leader okays new radio levy for motorists
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a contentious bill that requires all motorists to buy a radio licence before acquiring vehicle insurance. There has been an outcry from some motorists as they will now have to pay $92 (£68) annually in order to listen to the radio in their vehicles. The introduction of the measure is part of a plan to widen revenue sources for the state broadcaster but critics say the licence fee is too high, especially given the difficult economic situation. Leading opposition figure Nelson Chamisa said the new law was "too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless". Responding to motorists' concerns on social media, Nick Mangwana, a senior official in the ministry of information, said the new law was "necessary" and "fair". There are about 1.2 million registered cars in the country but only 800,000 of them pay insurance, according to local media. The loss-making Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) relies for income on the licence fee as well as government grants, It also generates some revenue through advertising. A man called Bombshell fires up Zimbabwe's succession battle The Zimbabwean agitator unfazed by serial arrests But the broadcaster is struggling to make people pay for their TV and radio licences. Critics have been calling for the scrapping of the fee, accusing ZBC of biased coverage in favour of the governing Zanu-PF. The opposition has complained of unfair coverage by the broadcaster, especially during elections. ZBC has denied the accusation. Under the new Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists must now pay the radio licence fee before they can renew their vehicle insurance or obtain a licence from the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara). The changes, which were recently approved by parliament, pegs the fee at $23 per quarter, amounting to $92 per year. However, ZBC can grant exemptions to those who qualify, including tourists visiting the country. But the new amendment aims to eliminate loopholes and boost compliance with the requirement to have a licence. It prohibits all motor insurance companies from selling their products to motorists who do not hold a valid ZBC radio licence, unless they have a ZBC exemption certificate or the vehicle being insured does not have a radio receiver. But the law has drawn sharp criticism from motorists and opposition groups, terming it a burden on taxpayers. "Citizens are being pauperized left, right and centre, why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring & heartless a leadership?" Chamisa posted on X. Another X user described the measure as an "unjust assault on motorists". Under-fire Zimbabwe president names new army chief The bones that haunt Zimbabwe Zimbabwe's 'crocodile' who wants another bite Is Zimbabwe extending an olive branch to its white farmers?
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Zimbabwe president approves radio licence fee for motorists
Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a contentious bill that requires all motorists to buy a radio licence before acquiring vehicle has been an outcry from some motorists as they will now have to pay $92 (£68) annually in order to listen to the radio in their introduction of the measure is part of a plan to widen revenue sources for the state broadcaster but critics say the licence fee is too high, especially given the difficult economic situation. Leading opposition figure Nelson Chamisa said the new law was "too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless". Responding to motorists' concerns on social media, Nick Mangwana, a senior official in the ministry of information, said the new law was "necessary" and "fair".There are about 1.2 million registered cars in the country but only 800,000 of them pay insurance, according to local media. The loss-making Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) relies for income on the licence fee as well as government grants, It also generates some revenue through advertising.A man called Bombshell fires up Zimbabwe's succession battleThe Zimbabwean agitator unfazed by serial arrestsBut the broadcaster is struggling to make people pay for their TV and radio licences. Critics have been calling for the scrapping of the fee, accusing ZBC of biased coverage in favour of the governing opposition has complained of unfair coverage by the broadcaster, especially during elections. ZBC has denied the the new Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists must now pay the radio licence fee before they can renew their vehicle insurance or obtain a licence from the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara).The changes, which were recently approved by parliament, pegs the fee at $23 per quarter, amounting to $92 per ZBC can grant exemptions to those who qualify, including tourists visiting the the new amendment aims to eliminate loopholes and boost compliance with the requirement to have a licence. It prohibits all motor insurance companies from selling their products to motorists who do not hold a valid ZBC radio licence, unless they have a ZBC exemption certificate or the vehicle being insured does not have a radio the law has drawn sharp criticism from motorists and opposition groups, terming it a burden on taxpayers."Citizens are being pauperized left, right and centre, why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring & heartless a leadership?" Chamisa posted on X. Another X user described the measure as an "unjust assault on motorists". More BBC stories on Zimbabwe: Under-fire Zimbabwe president names new army chiefThe bones that haunt ZimbabweZimbabwe's 'crocodile' who wants another biteIs Zimbabwe extending an olive branch to its white farmers?
