News / National
New bill makes car radio licences a must for drivers
3 hrs ago | Views
Motorists in Zimbabwe will soon be required to purchase car radio licences before renewing vehicle insurance or licence discs under proposed changes outlined in the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill.
The Bill, currently under parliamentary debate, aims to enforce compliance with existing laws that require car radios to be licensed. Motorists without a radio in their vehicles must secure an exemption from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
Key Provisions of the Bill
Clause 15 of the Bill explicitly prohibits the issuance of motor insurance or vehicle licence discs to individuals who lack a valid ZBC radio licence or an exemption certificate.
"The Zimbabwe National Road Administration and every motor insurance company shall only issue a motor vehicle licence and motor insurance policy respectively to individuals who either hold a current radio licence issued by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation or a valid exemption certificate from ZBC unless the vehicle to be insured is not equipped with a radio receiver," the clause states.
Motorists with vehicles not equipped with radio receivers will need to sign a declaration form to qualify for an exemption.
Boosting ZBC Revenue
The Bill, approved by Cabinet prior to its tabling in Parliament, seeks to enhance ZBC's revenue streams by making it mandatory for motorists to pay for radio licences whenever renewing their vehicle documentation.
Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, highlighted the importance of the reform, noting that it would create a more sustainable revenue base for the national broadcaster.
"ZBC's revenue base will be broadened since it will be mandatory for all motorists to have a current radio licence before either disposing of their vehicles or purchasing motor vehicle cover or policy," said Dr. Muswere.
The ZBC will also conduct inspections to ensure motorists comply with the new law.
Supporting Public Broadcasting
Dr. Muswere emphasized the critical role of ZBC in airing national events and public interest programming, a mandate not shared by commercial broadcasters.
"The national broadcaster is legally mandated to cover national events, such as the burial of heroes, awareness programmes during pandemics, and parliamentary sittings," he said, adding that such obligations justify the need for an expanded revenue model.
Vehicle Licensing Landscape
Zimbabwe has 1.2 million registered vehicles, though only 800,000 are actively paying vehicle licences, according to the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara). The gap suggests a significant number of vehicles may no longer be operational.
Media Reforms Under the Second Republic
The proposed amendment is part of broader reforms by the Second Republic aimed at diversifying and pluralizing the media landscape. The government has licensed new broadcasters in recent years, promoting a more inclusive and competitive media environment.
The Bill, if passed, is expected to align ZBC's funding model with its public service mandate, ensuring the broadcaster can continue to fulfill its obligations while adapting to evolving industry needs.
The Bill, currently under parliamentary debate, aims to enforce compliance with existing laws that require car radios to be licensed. Motorists without a radio in their vehicles must secure an exemption from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
Key Provisions of the Bill
Clause 15 of the Bill explicitly prohibits the issuance of motor insurance or vehicle licence discs to individuals who lack a valid ZBC radio licence or an exemption certificate.
"The Zimbabwe National Road Administration and every motor insurance company shall only issue a motor vehicle licence and motor insurance policy respectively to individuals who either hold a current radio licence issued by the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation or a valid exemption certificate from ZBC unless the vehicle to be insured is not equipped with a radio receiver," the clause states.
Motorists with vehicles not equipped with radio receivers will need to sign a declaration form to qualify for an exemption.
Boosting ZBC Revenue
The Bill, approved by Cabinet prior to its tabling in Parliament, seeks to enhance ZBC's revenue streams by making it mandatory for motorists to pay for radio licences whenever renewing their vehicle documentation.
Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, highlighted the importance of the reform, noting that it would create a more sustainable revenue base for the national broadcaster.
The ZBC will also conduct inspections to ensure motorists comply with the new law.
Supporting Public Broadcasting
Dr. Muswere emphasized the critical role of ZBC in airing national events and public interest programming, a mandate not shared by commercial broadcasters.
"The national broadcaster is legally mandated to cover national events, such as the burial of heroes, awareness programmes during pandemics, and parliamentary sittings," he said, adding that such obligations justify the need for an expanded revenue model.
Vehicle Licensing Landscape
Zimbabwe has 1.2 million registered vehicles, though only 800,000 are actively paying vehicle licences, according to the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (Zinara). The gap suggests a significant number of vehicles may no longer be operational.
Media Reforms Under the Second Republic
The proposed amendment is part of broader reforms by the Second Republic aimed at diversifying and pluralizing the media landscape. The government has licensed new broadcasters in recent years, promoting a more inclusive and competitive media environment.
The Bill, if passed, is expected to align ZBC's funding model with its public service mandate, ensuring the broadcaster can continue to fulfill its obligations while adapting to evolving industry needs.
Source - The Chronicle
