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Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a controversial bill requiring all vehicle owners to purchase a radio licence before they can obtain vehicle insurance, triggering widespread public backlash.
The new regulation mandates an annual payment of \$92 (£68) for anyone wishing to listen to the radio in their car. Motorists have expressed frustration at what they see as yet another financial burden, particularly amid ongoing economic hardship.
The measure, part of broader efforts to expand funding streams for the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), has drawn criticism for being costly and poorly timed. While the government argues that it is essential to support public broadcasting, many Zimbabweans view the fee as excessive.
Responding to growing anger on social media, Nick Mangwana, a senior official in the Ministry of Information, defended the move, calling it both “necessary” and “fair”.
According to local media reports, Zimbabwe has approximately 1.2 million registered vehicles, yet only 800,000 of them are insured. Under the new law, drivers must now show proof of a valid ZBC radio licence before they can renew insurance policies or secure a vehicle licence from the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara).
The Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, recently passed by Parliament, sets the licence fee at \$23 per quarter, adding up to \$92 annually. However, exemptions may be granted—for instance, to tourists or vehicle owners without radio receivers.
The ZBC, which has long been financially troubled, relies heavily on government subsidies, advertising, and licensing fees. Despite these revenue streams, the state broadcaster continues to struggle with compliance and fee collection.
Critics argue the broadcaster lacks credibility and fails to provide balanced coverage, with accusations of political bias favoring the ruling Zanu-PF. These claims have intensified around election periods, though the ZBC has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The new law also places strict conditions on motor insurance providers, forbidding them from issuing policies to drivers who lack a valid radio licence—unless the driver has an official exemption or their vehicle is not equipped with a radio.
Opposition leaders and advocacy groups have denounced the policy as punitive and unfair. On social media, Nelson Chamisa, a leading opposition figure, slammed the government, writing: “Citizens are being pauperised left, right, and centre. Why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring and heartless leadership?”
Another user on X described the policy as an “unjust assault on motorists,” echoing the growing frustration among Zimbabweans who see the licence fee as yet another burden in an already difficult economic climate.
