ZBC makes a whopping 80% of its money from car radio license fees across Zimbabwe. About 7 out of every 10 drivers pay these controversial fees when they register their vehicles. ZINARA boss Nkosinathi Ncube told lawmakers that December figures showed 70% of vehicle owners followed the rules. The compliance rate represents over 800,000 cars - exactly 823,000 vehicles paid up through ZINARA or various agents by year's end.
Wisdom Samanyawu from ZBC admitted the heavy reliance on vehicle radio licenses creates problems. He explained the current laws for property TV and radio licenses became outdated years ago. His team actively searches for better ways to collect payments from people who should pay for home entertainment devices. The broadcaster hopes new models will improve compliance with existing regulations.
Some members of parliament questioned whether these fees make sense anymore. Chinhoyi representative Leslie Mhangwa asked directly if motorists should carry this burden, suggesting lawmakers could remove the requirement. He specifically mentioned that ZBC "lost its relevance decades ago" during discussions about potential changes to the system.
Samanyawu strongly defended the broadcaster. He claimed ZBC remains relevant throughout the country with a massive audience both inside cities and rural areas. The public station focuses on creating programs viewers actually request. Parliament committees met with ZINARA and ZBC officials before Tuesday's debate on the Broadcasting Services Bill, which would force drivers to pay radio fees before purchasing vehicle licenses. The amendment currently sits at the committee stage, awaiting further action.
Wisdom Samanyawu from ZBC admitted the heavy reliance on vehicle radio licenses creates problems. He explained the current laws for property TV and radio licenses became outdated years ago. His team actively searches for better ways to collect payments from people who should pay for home entertainment devices. The broadcaster hopes new models will improve compliance with existing regulations.
Some members of parliament questioned whether these fees make sense anymore. Chinhoyi representative Leslie Mhangwa asked directly if motorists should carry this burden, suggesting lawmakers could remove the requirement. He specifically mentioned that ZBC "lost its relevance decades ago" during discussions about potential changes to the system.
Samanyawu strongly defended the broadcaster. He claimed ZBC remains relevant throughout the country with a massive audience both inside cities and rural areas. The public station focuses on creating programs viewers actually request. Parliament committees met with ZINARA and ZBC officials before Tuesday's debate on the Broadcasting Services Bill, which would force drivers to pay radio fees before purchasing vehicle licenses. The amendment currently sits at the committee stage, awaiting further action.
