Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko-Fact Check Editor
THE Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) has started implementing the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act of 2025 that requires the authority to collect US$30 per term to access ZBC radio services from vehicle owners before they pay their road tax and insure their vehicles. The major aim of this new legislative requirement is to boost revenue collection for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation by linking insurance to radio licence compliance.
Is the ZBC radio licence now mandatory for motorists?
Yes, it is. Statutory Instrument 73 of 2025 on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (Chapter 12:06) (No.2 of 2025) fixed July 15, 2025, as the date of which the said Act shall come into operation.
What did the Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services say about the amendments to Cabinet?
“The additional amendments will, among other provisions, provide for the following . . . broadening and introducing new definitions under Section 38A and prohibition of the sale of motor vehicle registration licence or motor vehicle insurance cover or policy to a person without a current radio licence or an exemption from ZBC under Section 38B,” Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere told journalists at a Cabinet briefing in 2024.
Is there a waiver for this new requirement for a ZBC radio licence?
According to the Bill, the requirement to first buy a radio licence can only be waived if one gets an exemption from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation or unless the vehicle is not equipped with a radio receiver.
What does the new clause of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act of 2025 say about the issuance and sale of a motor insurance cover?
“The Zimbabwe National Road Administration and every motor insurance company shall only issue a motor vehicle licence and motor insurance policy respectively to individuals who either hold a current radio licence issued by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation or a valid exemption certificate from ZBC unless the vehicle to be insured is not equipped with a radio receiver,” reads part of the clause.
When was the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill passed?
The Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill sailed through the National Assembly in March this year.
How will the revenue generated from the radio licence fees help ZBC?
Information gleaned from debates on the Bill showed that the finance would support broader broadcasting sector reforms, including budgetary support for digitalisation of up to ZiG200 million. “These amendments will expand our revenue base, allowing us to invest in high-quality broadcasting infrastructure and content production,” ZBC board chairperson Ms Helliate Rushwaya said, welcoming the amendments and how it would enhance the national broadcaster’s financial stability.
How much are vehicle
owners required to pay?
The ZBC listener’s licence fee for a private vehicle is pegged at US$30 per term of 4 months or US$90 per annum.
Are pensioners aged over 65 exempted?
The listener’s licence concession for pensioners (+65) applies to radio and television for home use only, not for car radios.
What if the car radio is not working?
Whether or not the car radio is working, if a vehicle is fitted with a radio the owner is liable to pay the fee according to the new regulations.
Potential revenue from ZBC radio licences
The country has about 1,2 million registered vehicles but only 800 000 motorists pay their licences, according to the Zimbabwe National Roads Agency (ZINARA).
With vehicle radio licences pegged at US$30 per quarter and US$90 per year, this could generate some US$72 million in potential revenue for ZBC per year. And if all registered vehicles pay, this could generate close to US$110 million a year.
