{"id":49436,"date":"2025-05-27T06:06:49","date_gmt":"2025-05-27T10:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/anger-as-zimbabwe-leader-okays-new-radio-levy-for-motorists\/27\/05\/2025\/"},"modified":"2025-05-27T06:06:49","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T10:06:49","slug":"anger-as-zimbabwe-leader-okays-new-radio-levy-for-motorists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newssprinters.com\/index.php\/world\/anger-as-zimbabwe-leader-okays-new-radio-levy-for-motorists\/27\/05\/2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Anger as Zimbabwe leader okays new radio levy for motorists"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a contentious bill that requires all motorists to buy a radio licence before acquiring vehicle insurance.<\/p>\n

There has been an outcry from some motorists as they will now have to pay $92 (\u00a368) annually in order to listen to the radio in their vehicles.<\/p>\n

The introduction of the measure is part of a plan to widen revenue sources for the state broadcaster but critics say the licence fee is too high, especially given the difficult economic situation.<\/p>\n

Leading opposition figure Nelson Chamisa said the new law was “too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless”.<\/a><\/p>\n

Responding to motorists’ concerns on social media, Nick Mangwana, a senior official in the ministry of information, said the new law was “necessary” and “fair”<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There are about 1.2 million registered cars in the country but only 800,000 of them pay insurance, according to local media.<\/p>\n

The loss-making Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) relies for income on the licence fee as well as government grants, It also generates some revenue through advertising.<\/p>\n

But the broadcaster is struggling to make people pay for their TV and radio licences.<\/p>\n

Critics have been calling for the scrapping of the fee, accusing ZBC of biased coverage in favour of the governing Zanu-PF.<\/p>\n

The opposition has complained of unfair coverage by the broadcaster, especially during elections. ZBC has denied the accusation.<\/p>\n

Under the new Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists must now pay the radio licence fee before they can renew their vehicle insurance or obtain a licence from the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara).<\/p>\n

The changes, which were recently approved by parliament, pegs the fee at $23 per quarter, amounting to $92 per year.<\/p>\n

However, ZBC can grant exemptions to those who qualify, including tourists visiting the country.<\/p>\n

But the new amendment aims to eliminate loopholes and boost compliance with the requirement to have a licence.<\/p>\n

It prohibits all motor insurance companies from selling their products to motorists who do not hold a valid ZBC radio licence, unless they have a ZBC exemption certificate or the vehicle being insured does not have a radio receiver.<\/p>\n

But the law has drawn sharp criticism from motorists and opposition groups, terming it a burden on taxpayers.<\/p>\n

“Citizens are being pauperized left, right and centre, why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring & heartless a leadership?” Chamisa posted on X.<\/p>\n

Another X user described the measure as an “unjust assault on motorists”.<\/p>\n

More BBC stories on Zimbabwe:<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a contentious bill that requires all motorists to buy a radio licence before acquiring