Harare, Zimbabwe – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law the amended Broadcasting Services Act that forces motorists to pay radio licence of US$92 per year before they subscribe their insurance.
”His Excellency the President, in terms of section 1 (2) of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (Chapter 12:06) (No. 2 of 2025) hereby fixes the 15th of July, 2025, as the date of which the said Act shall come into operation,” the government gazette reads.
The Zimbabwe National Roads Authority (ZINARA) in an internal memorandum advised it’s staff that all motorists are now required to obtain a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio licence before they acquire the mandatory road insurance.
”In line with the enacted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists are now required to obtain a ZBC radio licence before they can renew their vehicle insurance or acquire a Zinara motor vehicle licence disc,” reads the memorandum.
“For walk-in customers (with a radio): The process for customers who require a ZBC licence and a Zinara licence disc remains as per our standard procedure. Please guide them through the usual steps.”
For motorists that require exemptions ZINARA said motorists should follow set procedure.
“For customers without a radio (requiring exemption): Customers whose vehicles are not equipped with a radio receiver are now required to obtain an exemption certificate from ZBC,” the roads authority said.
“They will need to personally visit any ZBC licencing office to complete the necessary declaration form and obtain this exemption. We cannot process their Zinara disc or insurance renewal until they present a valid exemption certificate.
“May all staff involved in the issuing of vehicle licences acquaint themselves with the new requirements to effectively assist our clients from July 15, 2025.”
The new mandatory radio licence for motorists will overburden over taxed Zimbabweans.
A motorist pays for his personal car insurance with private companies, they also will pay the ZINARA licence and the recently introduced radio licence.
Ordinary Zimbabweans had opposed the amendment of the Broadcasting Services Act (BSA) but the ruling ZANU PF which commands the majority in Parliament passed the new law.