HARARE, Zimbabwe —A new law in Zimbabwe has triggered widespread public anger after President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed off on legislation forcing motorists to pay an annual fee to listen to the radio in their cars.
Under the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, drivers must now purchase a $92 (£68) yearly radio licence before they can insure their vehicles. Without it, they cannot legally obtain motor insurance or register with the national road authority.
The fee is set at $23 per quarter. Exceptions apply for tourists or drivers whose cars do not have a radio, but for the average Zimbabwean motorist, the law has landed like a blow.
“This is just cruel,” said Tafadzwa Moyo, a commuter in Harare. “It feels like every day there’s a new tax or fee. Listening to the radio shouldn’t cost a week’s salary.”
Online, the backlash was swift and sharp. “Citizens are being pauperised left, right and centre,” wrote opposition leader Nelson Chamisa on X (formerly Twitter). “Why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring and heartless a leadership?”
Another user called it “an unjust assault on motorists,” echoing the view that the measure unfairly targets struggling citizens in an already battered economy.
A Lifeline for a Struggling Broadcaster
The government says the move is part of a broader plan to rescue the financially ailing Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), the state-owned radio and television network. ZBC relies heavily on licence fees and government support, but has struggled to enforce collection.
According to local media, Zimbabwe has about 1.2 million registered vehicles but only two-thirds are currently insured. Authorities hope tying the radio license to insurance will close loopholes and improve compliance.
“It’s necessary and fair,” said Nick Mangwana, a senior official at the Ministry of Information, responding to the public outcry on social media. “Public broadcasting must be funded, and those using the service should contribute.”
But critics are unconvinced. Many accuse ZBC of offering politically slanted coverage, particularly during elections. The network has repeatedly denied those claims.
“They want us to pay for propaganda,” said Chenai Gondo, a university student. “ZBC is not neutral, and it doesn’t represent all Zimbabweans. Why should we fund it?”
Legal and Political Ramifications
The new law prohibits insurers from selling motor policies to anyone without a valid radio license unless the driver has a formal exemption or the vehicle lacks a receiver.
Parliament approved the changes earlier this year, with ruling Zanu-PF MPs backing the amendment in full. Opposition lawmakers walked out in protest, calling the move a “money grab” dressed up as policy.
Legal experts say the law could face challenges in court. “Linking radio access to motor insurance raises constitutional concerns,” said Tendai Murwira, a Harare-based human rights lawyer. “It penalises people for a service they may not even use.”
For now, though, the law stands and motorists must pay up before renewing their insurance or risk being grounded.
A Nation Under Pressure
Zimbabweans are already grappling with surging inflation, frequent power cuts, and a volatile currency. For many, the $92 annual charge is not just inconvenient it’s unaffordable.
“This is not about radios,” said Moyo, the commuter. “It’s about survival. And right now, the government seems out of touch with the people.”
Despite the storm of criticism, the government has given no sign of backing down. Whether this new fee will bolster the state broadcaster or deepen public resentment remains to be seen.
