Source: The Zimbabwean
ZBC licence fees to be reduced by January 2026.
The government will reduce Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) licence fees by January next year, Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has announced, following months of public outcry over the mandatory vehicle radio licence fees introduced earlier this year.
Speaking at the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) annual stakeholders’ conference in Harare recently, Minister Muswere said the “whole government” had taken an approach to bring down ZBC tariffs, an acknowledgment of the widespread concern from motorists and media stakeholders.
“We have a whole government approach to reduce prices, that is, the licence fees of ZBC,” Muswere said.
“The reduction will be coming by January, I am sure that’s when the reduction will be finalised.”.
His remarks follow intense backlash triggered on 23 May 2025, when the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025) came into force.
The new law made it compulsory for motorists to pay ZBC radio licence fees when renewing vehicle insurance or obtaining a ZINARA licence disc.
Under the current tariff structure, private vehicle owners pay US$23 per quarter or US$92 per year, while corporate-owned vehicles pay US$50 per quarter, amounting to US$200 per year.
The requirement applies even to motorists who do not receive ZBC radio signals, as long as they own a vehicle with a radio set.
Those without radios may apply for an exemption affidavit while motorists who do not pay the licence fee are barred from obtaining insurance or a licence disc.
The move triggered widespread criticism, especially from motorists who argued they were being forced to subsidise a public broadcaster they did not necessarily consume, while others questioned ZBC’s content quality and its reliance on compulsory fees.
Reports estimate that Zimbabwe has 1.2 million registered vehicles, but only around 800,000 have valid insurance, suggesting potential revenue gaps and compliance challenges.
ZBC currently survives on a combination of licence fees, limited advertising revenue and government grants.
However, Muswere defended the licensing framework, saying ZBC plays a constitutional public service role that requires predictable funding to sustain nationwide broadcasting.
“I want to assure you… you recall ZBC is a platform that serves as a national broadcaster,” he said.
