Public hearings on Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill begin

Zvamaida Murwira

Senior Reporter

Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services today held a public hearing on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill that seeks to make it mandatory for motorists to buy radio licenses before buying vehicle licences and insurance cover, among other things.

Legislators are required to gather views from members of the public through public hearings.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere tabled the Bill in the National Assembly last Thursday where it was read for the first time.

The Bill was referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee whose mandate is to scrutinise all Bills and Statutory Instruments that come before Parliament to check their compliance with the national Constitution.

The committee, chaired by Marondera Central legislator Mr Caston Matewu will visit several places this week, including Marondera, Mutare, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Bubi and Kwekwe.

Minister Muswere, who is steering the Bill, is expected to deliver a comprehensive overview of the proposed law during its second reading stage.

The Bill provides that the requirement to buy a radio licence can only be waived through an exemption from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

Clause 15 of the Bill seeks to prohibit the sale of motor insurance cover and vehicle licence discs to persons who do not have ZBC radio licences.

“The Zimbabwe National Road Administration and every motor insurance company shall only issue a motor vehicle licence and motor insurance policy to individuals who either hold a current radio licence issued by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation or a valid exemption certificate from ZBC, unless if the vehicle to be insured is not equipped with a radio receiver,” reads the clause.