HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially enacted a contentious new law mandating that all motorists must possess a radio licence to renew their vehicle licences or purchase car insurance. This move is anticipated to generate tens of millions of dollars annually for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), which is currently grappling with financial difficulties.
The enactment of the Broadcasting Amendment Act (No 2 of 2025) by Mnangagwa was formally announced in a notice published in the Government Gazette on 23 May.
Under this new legislation, motorists will be required to pay $23 per quarter or $92 annually. The law has been met with considerable opposition from both motorists and opposition parties, who have criticised the ZBC for allegedly functioning as a propaganda instrument for the ruling Zanu PF party. Critics also argue that the fees being imposed are excessively high.
According to the new law, motorists must present a valid ZBC radio licence or an exemption certificate when applying for vehicle registration, insurance, or licence disc renewal.
Estimates provided by the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) indicate that Zimbabwe has approximately 1.2 million vehicles, with an average of 800,000 renewing their licences each year. This new law could guarantee ZBC just over $73 million annually.
Nelson Chamisa, the former leader of the main opposition CCC, has strongly condemned the new law, describing it as “too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless.”
In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Chamisa expressed his dismay, stating: “So a person who owns a car pays ZINARA, ZBC, insurance and toll fees, how are people supposed to survive? When shall all this end?”
He continued, “Citizens are being pauperized left, right and centre, why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring and heartless a leadership? What are people supposed to do with all this cruel taxation? Why must I pay for a service I don’t use? Why should I pay for partisan propaganda, where I am attacked in person and demonised from dawn to dusk?”
Vehicle owner Lazarus Bhebhe echoed these sentiments, calling the new requirement “an unreasonable burden on the average motorist.”
Bhebhe pointed out a common issue, stating, “My radio, like many in vehicles imported from Japan, can’t even receive a signal from local stations.”
Another motorist, Lucky Makomo, weighed in on the matter, stating, “It’s absurd to pay for a service we can’t use.”
The ZBC has a history of launching aggressive enforcement campaigns to collect licence fees, even from car owners whose radios are either non-functional or incompatible with local broadcasting frequencies. The broadcaster has long depended on licence fees and state bailouts due to its failure to successfully commercialise its monopoly.
The ZBC’s perceived bias in favour of Zanu PF has been a recurring concern, consistently cited by international observer missions monitoring Zimbabwe’s elections. These observations have fuelled numerous calls for reform within the organisation.
The new law has ignited a fierce debate about fairness, economic burden, and the role of state-owned media in Zimbabwe. As the implementation of the law moves forward, it is likely to continue to be a focal point of contention between the government, the opposition, and the general public.
The timing of this law has also raised eyebrows, given the already strained economic circumstances faced by many Zimbabweans. With rising costs of living and various other financial obligations, the additional burden of a radio licence fee has been perceived as insensitive and ill-timed.
Critics argue that the government should be focusing on policies that alleviate poverty and promote economic growth, rather than imposing additional taxes and fees on its citizens. The law has also been criticised for its potential impact on small businesses and transport operators, who rely on vehicles for their livelihoods.
The requirement to produce a radio licence for vehicle-related transactions could create additional bureaucratic hurdles and opportunities for corruption, further complicating the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.
In light of these concerns, there have been calls for the government to reconsider the law and engage in meaningful consultations with stakeholders to find a more equitable and sustainable solution for funding the ZBC. Some have suggested exploring alternative funding models, such as advertising revenue or a dedicated levy on specific goods or services, rather than imposing a blanket fee on all motorists.
The controversy surrounding the radio licence law underscores the broader challenges facing Zimbabwe’s media landscape, including issues of media freedom, impartiality, and financial sustainability. As the country moves forward, it is essential to foster a media environment that is independent, diverse, and accountable to the public.
The new law has undoubtedly added to the growing list of grievances among Zimbabwean citizens, who are already grappling with numerous economic and social challenges. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the widespread criticism and whether any amendments will be made to address the concerns raised by motorists and opposition groups.
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