Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a bill requiring all motorists to purchase a radio license before acquiring vehicle insurance, sparking widespread criticism. Motorists will now have to pay $92 annually to listen to the radio in their vehicles.
The measure aims to boost revenue for the state broadcaster, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), but critics argue the license fee is too high, especially given the country’s difficult economic situation.
Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has described the law as “draconian, anti-citizens, and heartless.” A senior official in the Ministry of Information, Nick Mangwana, defended the law, saying it is “necessary” and “fair.” The ZBC relies on license fees, government grants, and advertising revenue, but critics accuse the broadcaster of biased coverage in favor of the ruling party, Zanu-PF.
The law has drawn sharp criticism from motorists and opposition groups, who term it a burden on taxpayers.
