ZHRC flags ZBC radio licensing

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has sounded the alarm over the compulsory collection of ZBC radio listeners' licences, warning that the practice infringes on citizens' constitutional rights.

In its 2025 Human Rights Situation Report, the commission criticised the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) for its perceived editorial bias and questioned the legality of linking the mandatory licence to essential public services. Under section 38B of the Broadcasting Services Act, motorists must present a valid radio licence—or an exemption certificate—when registering or insuring their vehicles, effectively making payment of the licence unavoidable.

ZHRC said this requirement undermines freedom of choice in accessing information and violates the constitutional guarantee of media independence and impartiality under section 61(4). "Linking vehicle licensing and insurance to a ZBC radio listener's licence raises concerns, apart from the licence's significant cost, about freedom of choice in information sources," the commission noted.

The body argued that citizens are being forced to financially support a State broadcaster it views as partisan, which, it said, erodes the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and consumer protection. The commission also highlighted that the licensing fees are considered prohibitively expensive by many Zimbabweans.

ZHRC called on authorities to urgently review the radio licence framework, ensuring it aligns with constitutional standards on public media and the protection of fundamental human rights.