Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter
The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) has begun enforcing the law requiring motorists to obtain a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio licence before they can renew their vehicle insurance or acquire a motor vehicle licence disc.
This follows the recent gazetting of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, which came into effect on May 23.
A key provision in the amended law requires all vehicle owners to present proof of a valid ZBC radio licence, or a ZBC-issued exemption certificate, in order to process their Zinara licence disc or vehicle insurance renewal.
In line with this development, Zinara yesterday issued an internal memorandum instructing all staff to begin implementing the changes with immediate effect.
“In line with the enacted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists are now required to obtain a ZBC radio licence before they can renew their vehicle insurance or acquire a Zinara motor vehicle licence disc,” reads the memorandum.
“For walk-in customers (with a radio): The process for customers who require a ZBC licence and a Zinara licence disc remains as per our standard procedure. Please guide them through the usual steps.
“For customers without a radio (requiring exemption): Customers whose vehicles are not equipped with a radio receiver are now required to obtain an exemption certificate from ZBC.
“They will need to personally visit any ZBC licencing office to complete the necessary declaration form and obtain this exemption. We cannot process their Zinara disc or insurance renewal until they present a valid exemption certificate.
“May all staff involved in the issuing of vehicle licences acquaint themselves with the new requirements to effectively assist our clients from July 15, 2025.”
ZBC currently operates six radio stations and three television channels, offering programming in all 16 official languages of Zimbabwe, covering news, current affairs, education, music and entertainment.
The Broadcasting Services Amendment Act introduces several other reforms intended to strengthen and modernise Zimbabwe’s broadcasting landscape.
The Act now allows for up to 40 percent foreign ownership of broadcasting licences, a move aimed at attracting investment into the capital-intensive sector while maintaining Zimbabwean control.
It repeals the requirement for all directors of licenced broadcasters to be Zimbabwean citizens, capping foreign representation on boards at 40 percent.
Additionally, the role of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has been redefined.
Rather than controlling access to broadcasting service bands, BAZ will now focus on regulating and managing them to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
The amended legislation is expected to encourage the development of a more inclusive and investor-friendly broadcasting industry, while supporting the Government’s drive to improve domestic resource mobilisation through licencing compliance.
The current car radio licence price IS SO PUNITIVE that one can buy 2 or 3 car radios in a year. I propose that the car licence be reduced to $10 per year, and no enforcement will be required as everyone will buy. It will be a big cost saving.