Latest news with #ZimLive
The South African
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- The South African
Radio tax adds pressure on Zimbabwe car owners
Owning a car in Zimbabwe just got more expensive. From now on, drivers will need to pay for a radio licence before they can renew their licence discs or even get insurance. This follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa's decision to sign the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025), which was gazetted on 23 May. This move is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars annually for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), according to Zim Live . The new licence will cost motorists US$92 (R1 680) a year, and will be a requirement for essential vehicle services unless they hold an exemption certificate. ZINARA data suggests that although Zimbabwe has 1.2 million registered vehicles, only 800 000 undergo licence renewal each year. This would generate an estimated US$73 million (R 1.3 billion) annually for the ZBC under the new licensing regime. However, the new law has sparked a backlash amongst some Zimbabweans. Motorists and opposition leaders have slammed the law, accusing ZBC of being nothing more than a propaganda machine for Zanu PF. They say the fees are unjustified and far too high. Here is how they reacted on social media: @DMubatsiri: 'Next thing they will require radio licenses for your cellphones.' @knowlekc: 'Zimbabweans will tweet, vent their anger and then just go on to pay as if nothing happened.' @TadiwaKaredza: 'In fact being a motorist in Zim is a curse. Everyone has a radio on their phones but only motorists are easy targets.' @tazmus982 : ' We don't really mind paying for the car radio licence. What's offensive is the terrible and partisan service we receive from ZBC. ' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Zimbabwean journalist granted bail after two months in detention
The Zimbabwean High Court has ended journalist Blessed Mhlanga's pre-trial detention, which lasted for more than two months. The court released Mhlanga on $500 (R9 130) bail. According to ZimLive , the magistrate and the High Court initially denied the Zimbabwean journalist bail two times. On Tuesday, High Court Judge Justice Gibson Mandaza rejected the prosecution's arguments that Mhlanga would run away once granted bail. The judge ruled that they could prevent him from leaving by setting conditions. 'After hearing submissions by both counsel, this court is of the view that the appellant is entitled to bail,' the judge said. 'The appellant is hereby granted bail. He is ordered to deposit US$500 (R9 130) bail, not US$200 (R3 650) as has been suggested by his counsel.' Mandaza ordered the journalist to avoid interfering with witnesses. He also instructed him to continue residing at the given address until the end of the matter. The judge further ordered the journalist to surrender his passport to the clerk of court and to report to the police once every Friday. Mhlanga, a journalist who works at Alpha Media Holdings, had spent 72 days in detention for interviewing a war veteran, Blessed Geza, who wants President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down. News of Mhlanga's arrest sparked widespread condemnation internationally. Adding to the pressure, activists in London, United Kingdom, had made it known they intended to confront the First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa, during her upcoming conference visit in June. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
