Zimbabwe: 'Pay to Listen' - Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa Signs Bizarre $92 Radio Tax Into Law
- On May 23, 2025, a new law came into effect in Zimbabwe requiring motorists to pay an annual $92 radio license fee to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation before they can obtain vehicle insurance or renew their vehicle registration.
- The law amends existing broadcasting legislation to address funding shortfalls at the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation by mandating this fee for all 1.2 million registered vehicles, despite disagreement about its fairness.
- The enforcement requires motorists to present valid ZBC licenses or exemptions to renew vehicle insurance or registration, while critics argue many do not listen to ZBC and describe the fee as punitive amid economic hardship.
- Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa called the law "too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless," while government spokesperson Nick Mangwana defended it as "necessary" and "fair," promising fee adjustments on social media.
- The law sparked nationwide protests and legal challenges as many view it as an excessive financial burden during rising inflation, with uncertain enforcement outcomes and potential impact on vehicle insurance compliance.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Zimbabwe: 'Pay to Listen' - Zimbabwe President Mnangagwa Signs Bizarre $92 Radio Tax Into Law
In a move that has stunned many Zimbabweans, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a controversial bill requiring motorists to pay a hefty $92 annual radio license fee--just to be eligible for vehicle insurance.
Why is the government hiding the exemption route from ZBC car radio licence fees? - Zimbabwe Situation
Source: Why is the government hiding the exemption route from ZBC car radio licence fees? The duplicity is staggering. Tendai Ruben Mbofana The recent enactment of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act in Zimbabwe has sparked justified outrage among motorists across the country. Among its most controversial provisions is the compulsory payment of a ZBC radio licence fee before a motorist can renew their ZINARA vehicle licence or acquire insu…
Why is the government hiding the exemption route from ZBC car radio licence fees?
Tendai Ruben Mbofana The recent enactment of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act in Zimbabwe has sparked justified outrage among motorists across the country. Among its most controversial provisions is the compulsory payment of a ZBC radio licence fee before a motorist can renew their ZINARA vehicle licence or acquire insurance. While the government claims this measure is necessary to fund public broadcasting, what is blatantly missing is an…
Mnangagwa warning to journalists: 'Harmful' content will be met with "a punch in the eye" – Nehanda Radio
HARARE - President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to Zimbabwean journalists on Wednesday, stating that content deemed harmful to the country or its citizens would not be tolerated and would be met with "a punch in the eye". The post Mnangagwa warning to journalists: ‘Harmful’ content will be met with “a punch in the eye” appeared first on Nehanda Radio.
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