Former information minister Jonathan Moyo wants Zimbabwe to end its radio license law. He helped create this law back in 2001. Moyo says digital technology makes the old rules useless. The government just passed new rules that force drivers to buy radio licenses before they can renew their car registration. Zimbabwe remains the only nation that makes drivers pay for radio licenses.
Moyo thinks the government should pause these new collection methods. He believes officials need time to create better ways to fund public broadcasting. The former minister says smartphones and computers have changed how people use media. Modern devices let users create and share content instead of just listening. This breaks the old system that made radio licenses necessary.
Government officials plan to start collecting fees right away. They want to raise money to help the broadcasting industry grow. Information secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana says the current minister will look at reducing the fees. Officials expect to collect over 73 million dollars each year from about 800,000 drivers. Moyo warns that people should demand the money goes toward making content rather than paying for buildings and salaries.
Moyo thinks the government should pause these new collection methods. He believes officials need time to create better ways to fund public broadcasting. The former minister says smartphones and computers have changed how people use media. Modern devices let users create and share content instead of just listening. This breaks the old system that made radio licenses necessary.
Government officials plan to start collecting fees right away. They want to raise money to help the broadcasting industry grow. Information secretary Ndavaningi Mangwana says the current minister will look at reducing the fees. Officials expect to collect over 73 million dollars each year from about 800,000 drivers. Moyo warns that people should demand the money goes toward making content rather than paying for buildings and salaries.
