Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a controversial bill mandating all motorists to purchase a radio licence before they can obtain vehicle insurance. This new law has triggered a wave of anger among drivers, who now have to pay an annual fee of $92 (£68) to listen to the radio in their vehicles.
The government says the measure aims to broaden revenue streams for the state-run Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), but many critics argue the fee is excessive, especially given the country’s ongoing economic challenges. Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa called the law “too draconian, anti-citizen and outrightly heartless.”
Nick Mangwana, a senior official in the Ministry of Information, defended the measure on social media, describing it as both “necessary” and “fair.”
Currently, Zimbabwe has about 1.2 million registered cars, but only around 800,000 of them carry valid insurance, according to local media. The ZBC, which depends on licence fees, government grants, and advertising revenue, has long struggled to get citizens to pay for TV and radio licences.
The new Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, recently approved by parliament, requires motorists to pay a $23 quarterly fee, totalling $92 annually. ZBC, however, can grant exemptions to certain groups, such as visiting tourists.
The law also tightens compliance measures by banning insurance companies from selling policies to motorists without a valid radio licence, unless the vehicle does not have a radio receiver or the motorist has a ZBC exemption certificate.
Critics, including opposition figures, have condemned the law as an unfair burden on taxpayers and a move to prop up a broadcaster accused of biased reporting in favour of the ruling Zanu-PF party. During elections, the opposition has repeatedly alleged that ZBC coverage is skewed and unfair, though ZBC denies these allegations.
Chamisa voiced his frustration on social media platform X, posting: “Citizens are being pauperized left, right and centre. Why does the citizenry of this country deserve such uncaring and heartless leadership?” Another user on X described the fee as an “unjust assault on motorists.”
