Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
All motorists are now with immediate effect, required to first obtain a ZBC radio licence before they can renew their vehicle insurance or acquire a Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) motor vehicle licence disc, following the recent gazetting of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025).
The Act, which was gazetted on May 23, 2025 modernises the Broadcasting Services Act of 2001 by incorporating digital broadcasting services and updating governance structures.
A key amendment requires motorists to obtain a ZBC radio licence or exemption before renewing vehicle insurance or obtaining a Zinara licence.
ZBC operates six radio stations and three television channels providing a mixture of news, current affairs, educational programming and music in Zimbabwe’s 16 official languages.
According to an internal memorandum, the administration has since started implementing the requirements of the Act with regards to vehicle licensing or obtaining a licence disc.
The memo has since instructed Zinara officials to guide all motorists through the usual steps.
“Important update: New ZBC Radio Licence Requirements 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.
“Key Process Changes: 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 the ZBC.
They will need to personally visit any ZBC Licensing 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 the 15th of July 2025,” reads the memorandum.
The Government gazetted the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act which will also, among other things, rationalise foreign ownership of a broadcasting licence up to 40 percent to allow growth and investment in the sector. The Act will also align the Broadcasting Services Act with the Constitution and also with the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act.
Clause Six amends the principal Act, which provides that licences must be issued to persons who are Zimbabweans, subject to exemption by the Minister.
“The amendment seeks to allow foreign control in a broadcasting licence up to 40 percent as a measure of encouraging the development of this sector considering that it is a high capital venture and ensure that Zimbabweans remain in control of broadcasting services.
“The amendment will mean that the Minister will no longer be required to approve the licensing of any person. The amendment also seeks to repeal the requirement for directors of licencees to be Zimbabwean citizens and places a limitation of 40 percent of the directors to be foreigners. Amendments to section 8(3) will allow any person other than a natural person to apply for licences such as community radios,” reads the Act.
