President Emmerson Mnangagwa has enacted the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, requiring Zimbabwe’s 1.2 million motorists to purchase a $92 annual ZBC radio license before obtaining car insurance.
The new law, which sets the fee at $23 quarterly, has sparked immediate backlash from citizens and opposition leaders who condemn it as draconian during the country’s economic crisis.
Nelson Chamisa, Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader, blasted the legislation as “anti-citizen” on social media platform X, while motorists flooded online forums calling it an “unjust assault.”
The mandate aims to bolster the financially troubled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), which currently sees only 800,000 vehicles complying with existing insurance requirements. Information Ministry Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana defended the policy as “necessary” for sustaining public broadcasting.
Under the amended law:
Zimbabwe’s National Road Administration (ZINARA) will deny license renewals without proof of radio payment. Insurers cannot cover vehicles lacking ZBC certificates and only tourists and radio-free vehicles qualify for exemptions
How ZBC’s Credibility Crisis is Fuelling Public Resistance
The state broadcaster faces mounting criticism over alleged pro-ZANU-PF bias, particularly during election coverage. Critics argue the forced subsidy rewards what they call “propaganda machinery” rather than serving public interest. With ZBC currently dependent on government bailouts and limited advertising revenue, authorities claim the measure will ensure sustainable funding.
At $92 annually—nearly 10% of Zimbabwe’s GDP per capita—the levy hits citizens already grappling with 200% inflation. Social media erupted with complaints about the policy’s timing, as many struggle with fuel shortages and currency instability. “This is daylight robbery disguised as regulation,” commented one Harare-based motorist awaiting insurance renewal.
Why It Matters
Political observers anticipate court battles over the law’s constitutionality, with civil society groups preparing petitions. The legislation represents Mnangagwa’s latest revenue-generation effort following last year’s failed attempt to tax WhatsApp calls. As Zimbabwe’s cash-strapped government seeks alternative funding streams, economic experts have warned that such measures risk further eroding public trust amid the country’s prolonged economic crisis.
