The Broadcasting Services Act has required drivers to purchase radio licenses for their vehicles since 2001, though people rarely followed this rule. Yesterday, members from two Parliamentary committees met to discuss changes to the law. These committees focus on broadcasting and transportation issues. They examined amendments that would force car owners to buy radio licenses before they can purchase insurance or vehicle registration through the Zimbabwe National Road Administration.
ZBC licensing manager Wisdom Samanyai explained to the committees that the proposed changes simply strengthen existing laws. Many drivers claim they removed their radios to avoid paying fees. Others just ignore the requirement completely, either deliberately or without thinking about it. This pushed officials to find better ways for agencies to enforce the legal requirement. The amendment clarifies that nobody can buy insurance or road licenses without first paying for their radio license.
Zinara CEO Nkosinathi Ncube stated his organization stands ready to implement these changes once lawmakers approve them. As government representatives, they fully support decisions made by Parliament and will carry out whatever benefits the country. Officials want to ensure the new requirements do not hurt Zinara's main job of collecting funds for road construction and maintenance. They have suggested some improvements to make the process work smoothly rather than create obstacles.
Ncube mentioned that approximately seventy percent of vehicles currently using Zimbabwean roads comply with license and insurance requirements. This represents just over 800,000 cars and trucks. The joint committee meeting continues to evaluate how these changes might affect both broadcasters and motorists. The proposed amendment aims to increase compliance with existing broadcasting laws by connecting radio license payments directly to other required vehicle documentation that most drivers already purchase regularly.
ZBC licensing manager Wisdom Samanyai explained to the committees that the proposed changes simply strengthen existing laws. Many drivers claim they removed their radios to avoid paying fees. Others just ignore the requirement completely, either deliberately or without thinking about it. This pushed officials to find better ways for agencies to enforce the legal requirement. The amendment clarifies that nobody can buy insurance or road licenses without first paying for their radio license.
Zinara CEO Nkosinathi Ncube stated his organization stands ready to implement these changes once lawmakers approve them. As government representatives, they fully support decisions made by Parliament and will carry out whatever benefits the country. Officials want to ensure the new requirements do not hurt Zinara's main job of collecting funds for road construction and maintenance. They have suggested some improvements to make the process work smoothly rather than create obstacles.
Ncube mentioned that approximately seventy percent of vehicles currently using Zimbabwean roads comply with license and insurance requirements. This represents just over 800,000 cars and trucks. The joint committee meeting continues to evaluate how these changes might affect both broadcasters and motorists. The proposed amendment aims to increase compliance with existing broadcasting laws by connecting radio license payments directly to other required vehicle documentation that most drivers already purchase regularly.
