HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a contentious measure requiring motorists to purchase a radio licence before they can renew their vehicle licences, a move expected to generate tens of millions annually for the cash-strapped Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
The new law, published in General Notice 1034 of 2025 in the latest Government Gazette dated 23 May 2025, states:
“The following law, which was assented to by His Excellency the President, is published in terms of section 131(6)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe – Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025).”
Motorists must now present a valid ZBC radio licence or exemption certificate when applying for vehicle registration, insurance, or licence renewal.
With radio licences pegged at US$30 per quarter or US$120 per year, and around 800,000 vehicles renewing annually according to the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA), ZBC could collect at least US$96 million per year. If all 1.2 million registered vehicles complied, revenue could exceed US$144 million.
The amendment has drawn sharp criticism from motorists and opposition groups, who accuse ZBC of serving as a propaganda mouthpiece for Zanu PF.
Critics say the new law unfairly penalises ordinary citizens. “The amendment is an unreasonable burden on the average motorist,” said car owner Lazarus Bhebhe. “My radio, like many imported from Japan, can’t even receive local stations.”
Another motorist, Lucky Makomo, added: “It’s absurd to pay for a service we can’t use.”.
ZBC has previously launched aggressive enforcement campaigns demanding licence fees even from car owners whose radios are either non-functional or incompatible with local broadcasting standards. The broadcaster has long relied on licence fees and state bailouts amid its failure to commercialise its monopoly.
ZBC’s bias in favour of Zanu PF has been consistently cited by international observer missions monitoring Zimbabwe’s elections, fueling calls for reform.
