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| Zimbabwe president approves radio licence fee for motorists | Zimbabwe president approves radio licence fee for motorists |
| (1 day later) | |
| The move is aimed at boosting revenue for the state broadcaster, the authorities say | The move is aimed at boosting revenue for the state broadcaster, the authorities say |
| Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a contentious bill that requires all motorists to buy a radio licence before acquiring vehicle insurance. | Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has signed into law a contentious bill that requires all motorists to buy a radio licence before acquiring vehicle insurance. |
| There has been an outcry from some motorists as they will now have to pay $92 (£68) annually in order to listen to the radio in their vehicles. | There has been an outcry from some motorists as they will now have to pay $92 (£68) annually in order to listen to the radio in their vehicles. |
| The introduction of the measure is part of a plan to widen revenue sources for the state broadcaster but critics say the licence fee is too high, especially given the difficult economic situation. | The introduction of the measure is part of a plan to widen revenue sources for the state broadcaster but critics say the licence fee is too high, especially given the difficult economic situation. |
| Leading opposition figure Nelson Chamisa said the new law was "too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless". | Leading opposition figure Nelson Chamisa said the new law was "too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless". |
| Responding to motorists' concerns on social media, Nick Mangwana, a senior official in the ministry of information, said the new law was "necessary" and "fair". | Responding to motorists' concerns on social media, Nick Mangwana, a senior official in the ministry of information, said the new law was "necessary" and "fair". |
| There are about 1.2 million registered cars in the country but only 800,000 of them pay insurance, according to local media. | There are about 1.2 million registered cars in the country but only 800,000 of them pay insurance, according to local media. |
| The loss-making Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) relies for income on the licence fee as well as government grants, it also generates some revenue through advertising. | The loss-making Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) relies for income on the licence fee as well as government grants, it also generates some revenue through advertising. |
| A man called Bombshell fires up Zimbabwe's succession battle | A man called Bombshell fires up Zimbabwe's succession battle |
| The Zimbabwean agitator unfazed by serial arrests | The Zimbabwean agitator unfazed by serial arrests |
| But the broadcaster is struggling to make people pay for their TV and radio licences. | But the broadcaster is struggling to make people pay for their TV and radio licences. |
| Critics have been calling for the scrapping of the fee, accusing ZBC of biased coverage in favour of the governing Zanu-PF. | Critics have been calling for the scrapping of the fee, accusing ZBC of biased coverage in favour of the governing Zanu-PF. |
| The opposition has complained of unfair coverage by the broadcaster, especially during elections. ZBC has denied the accusation. | The opposition has complained of unfair coverage by the broadcaster, especially during elections. ZBC has denied the accusation. |
| Under the new Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists must now pay the radio licence fee before they can renew their vehicle insurance or obtain a licence from the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara). | Under the new Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists must now pay the radio licence fee before they can renew their vehicle insurance or obtain a licence from the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara). |
| The changes, which were recently approved by parliament, pegs the fee at $23 per quarter, amounting to $92 per year. | The changes, which were recently approved by parliament, pegs the fee at $23 per quarter, amounting to $92 per year. |
| However, ZBC can grant exemptions to those who qualify, including tourists visiting the country. | However, ZBC can grant exemptions to those who qualify, including tourists visiting the country. |
| But the new amendment aims to eliminate loopholes and boost compliance with the requirement to have a licence. | But the new amendment aims to eliminate loopholes and boost compliance with the requirement to have a licence. |
| It prohibits all motor insurance companies from selling their products to motorists who do not hold a valid ZBC radio licence, unless they have a ZBC exemption certificate or the vehicle being insured does not have a radio receiver. | It prohibits all motor insurance companies from selling their products to motorists who do not hold a valid ZBC radio licence, unless they have a ZBC exemption certificate or the vehicle being insured does not have a radio receiver. |
| But the law has drawn sharp criticism from motorists and opposition groups, terming it a burden on taxpayers. | But the law has drawn sharp criticism from motorists and opposition groups, terming it a burden on taxpayers. |
| "Citizens are being pauperized left, right and centre, why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring & heartless a leadership?" Chamisa posted on X. | "Citizens are being pauperized left, right and centre, why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring & heartless a leadership?" Chamisa posted on X. |
| Another X user described the measure as an "unjust assault on motorists". | Another X user described the measure as an "unjust assault on motorists". |
| More BBC stories on Zimbabwe: | More BBC stories on Zimbabwe: |
| Under-fire Zimbabwe president names new army chief | Under-fire Zimbabwe president names new army chief |
| The bones that haunt Zimbabwe | The bones that haunt Zimbabwe |
| Zimbabwe's 'crocodile' who wants another bite | Zimbabwe's 'crocodile' who wants another bite |
| Is Zimbabwe extending an olive branch to its white farmers? | Is Zimbabwe extending an olive branch to its white farmers? |
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