Mnangagwa Regime in Embarrassing Climbdown on Radio, Television Licence Fees

Mnangagwa Regime in Embarrassing Climbdown on Radio, Television Licence Fees2 August 2025

Mnangagwa Regime in Embarrassing Climbdown on Radio, Television Licence Fees

By A Correspondent

The Mnangagwa administration has backtracked on its controversial vehicle radio licence fees following an avalanche of public outrage, marking yet another U-turn in policy under pressure from citizens and political stakeholders.

Information Minister Jenfan Muswere revealed in Parliament on Wednesday that the US$30 per term licence fee charged by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) is under immediate review.

He said proposals are now being considered to reduce the fee to a range between US$5 and US$15.

“On Tuesday, Cabinet resolved that all government levies and licence fees be reviewed. This includes the Broadcasting Services Act, under which ZBC—together with the Ministry—must reconsider the existing fee structures,” Muswere admitted.

The development follows years of criticism from citizens who have long questioned the legitimacy and fairness of ZBC’s compulsory licence charges, particularly in the face of poor programming quality and persistent complaints about lack of value for money.

Muswere told Parliament that the move comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa issued a directive pushing for the urgent reassessment of the unpopular fee regime.

Government and ZBC Left Red-Faced

The ZBC has come under sustained fire for enforcing the radio licence fee on motorists—often using police roadblocks—despite offering programming that many view as irrelevant and politically biased. The broadcaster’s aggressive revenue collection tactics have led to widespread resentment.

Critics have labelled the radio fee as an unjustified burden, especially on low-income earners.

Now, with growing backlash and political embarrassment, the government has conceded that the charges are excessive and in need of urgent revision.

Muswere confirmed that following consultations with ZBC, a Statutory Instrument will soon be gazetted to legalise the new, lower fees. He also indicated that the upcoming policy framework will include exemptions for senior citizens and vulnerable groups.

“The decision has already been made, and I expect the process to be completed without delay,” Muswere said. “The goal is to make sure all licence fees are affordable and aligned with the ease-of-doing-business agenda.”

Part of Wider Fee Overhaul

Source: ZimEye

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