Harare – A controversial amendment to the Broadcasting Services Act, currently before Parliament, proposes making the acquisition of a car radio licence mandatory for motorists in Zimbabwe. This means motorists will be required to obtain a licence from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) before they can obtain vehicle insurance or renew their vehicle licence.
The Bill aims to significantly boost ZBC’s revenue streams by enforcing a previously unenforceable requirement. While the current law stipulates that all car radios must be licensed, it has been relatively easy for motorists to avoid compliance. This amendment seeks to eliminate that loophole.
Clause 15 of the Bill introduces a new provision that prohibits the sale of motor insurance to individuals without a valid ZBC radio licence or a valid exemption certificate. The clause explicitly states: “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.”
The Bill also outlines a process for motorists whose vehicles are not equipped with a radio receiver. These individuals will be required to sign a declaration form confirming the absence of a receiver to obtain an exemption. This measure aims to prevent any potential circumvention of the new regulations.
The proposed changes follow recent Cabinet approval and are intended to create a more supportive environment for the broadcasting sector in Zimbabwe. Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, explained the rationale behind the amendments following Cabinet’s approval: “In terms of the amended Act, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation revenue base will be broadened since it will be mandatory for all motorists to have a current radio licence before either disposing of their vehicles or purchasing motor vehicle cover or policy.”
Dr Muswere highlighted the importance of securing revenue for the national broadcaster, emphasizing its legal obligation to broadcast events of national and public interest. He differentiated ZBC’s mandate from that of commercial broadcasting stations, which are not legally bound to cover national events such as state funerals, pandemic awareness campaigns, and parliamentary proceedings.
“He said it was important for a national broadcaster to accrue revenue from licences, as it was mandated by the law to air national and events of public interest,” a statement clarified the minister’s position.
Dr Muswere also confirmed that ZBC will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the new regulations, indicating a proactive approach to enforcement. The government’s commitment to reforming the media landscape is evident in its support for this Bill. The Second Republic has actively pursued media reforms over the years, aiming to encourage media diversity and pluralism by introducing more broadcasters into the market.
The impact of this Bill will be significant, considering the number of registered vehicles in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe National Roads Administration reports 1.2 million registered cars, although an average of only 800,000 pay vehicle licences annually.
While many unlicensed vehicles are presumed to be off the road, the potential revenue increase for ZBC through this mandatory licensing could be substantial. The Bill’s passage through Parliament will determine whether this significant shift in broadcasting revenue collection will become a reality. Debate on the Bill is expected to generate considerable discussion and scrutiny.
