Chin'ono criticises Mnangagwa's new radio licence law

The Zimbabwean government has introduced a new regulation requiring all motorists to purchase a radio licence before renewing their vehicle road tax, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation from journalists, civil society groups, and members of the public.

The requirement is part of the recently enacted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025) and marks a significant shift from previous practice, where purchasing a car radio licence was rarely enforced and not mandatory for road tax renewal.

Prominent investigative journalist Hopewell Chin'ono has publicly denounced the regulation, branding it as a desperate attempt by the government to squeeze more revenue from citizens already burdened by economic hardships.

"It never rains but it pours for Zimbabweans," Chin'ono stated. "From today, every car in Zimbabwe will be required to have a car radio licence, even if it does not have a radio, as the corrupt government desperately seeks new ways to generate revenue through taxes."

Under the new law, motorists must obtain a car radio licence, priced at US$92 annually, before they can renew their vehicle road tax. In addition, households are required to pay a separate US$40 fee for home radio licences. Owners of multiple properties or radios in rural areas face additional fees for each location.

Commercial businesses face even higher costs, with companies now required to pay US$200 per company vehicle for radio licences.

Chin'ono warned that the fees are likely to bolster the ruling party's grip on the media landscape. "All radio stations in Zimbabwe are controlled, both directly and indirectly, by ZANU-PF. So, essentially, motorists are being forced to pay a fee to fund ZANU-PF's propaganda machinery," he said.

Civil society organisations have echoed concerns over the regulation, criticizing it as an unjust tax that disproportionately impacts ordinary Zimbabweans.

The government has yet to provide detailed explanations on how the funds collected will be allocated, but critics fear the move is designed more to consolidate political power than support public broadcasting.

As the new rules take effect immediately, many Zimbabweans face the difficult choice of compliance or risking penalties that could hinder their ability to legally use their vehicles.

Chin'ono concluded: "But because Zimbabweans will pay, ZANU-PF will keep pushing them. Zimbabweans will just watch and comply, so more taxes will come!"