Licence Fees- After months of growing discontent from citizens and legislators, the Zimbabwean government has confirmed plans to significantly reduce Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio and television licence fees. The decision comes amid widespread criticism that the current charges are outdated, unaffordable, and disproportionately affect working-class citizens.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere announced that a comprehensive review of the licence fee structure is now officially underway. At the heart of the review is the US$30 per term radio licence for vehicles — a fee that has long been a source of public frustration.
“There is a collective push to revise the fees,” Minister Muswere said in a recent statement. “The recommendation on the table is to reduce the radio licence to something more reasonable, somewhere between US$5 and US$15.”
He added that the review process, which will also look at other state-imposed levies, is expected to be completed within the next six months.
The current licence model mandates that every vehicle on the road must pay for a ZBC radio licence, regardless of whether the radio is functional or not. Motorists have consistently protested the policy, arguing that it is both arbitrary and unfair. Many question the rationale of paying for a service they neither use nor benefit from, especially amid Zimbabwe’s harsh economic conditions.
“I only use my car on weekends, and the radio hasn’t worked in years, yet I’m still expected to pay,” said one Harare motorist. “It’s just not fair.”
Parliamentarians from across the political divide have also weighed in, describing the fees as “out of touch” and lacking justification in a country where inflation continues to erode disposable incomes. Several MPs recently called for an overhaul of the ZBC’s funding model, urging the government to align fees with the public’s ability to pay.
Beyond the ZBC charges, the fee review is likely to extend to other government services. According to sources close to the process, authorities are also examining the cost of passport applications, learner’s licences, import permits, and entry fees to national parks — all of which have faced similar backlash for being prohibitively expensive.
Public transport operators have welcomed the proposed changes, noting that the radio licence fees have contributed to high operating costs in an already challenging economic environment.
Zimbabwe Government to Slash ZBC Licence Fees Following Public Pressure
“This is long overdue,” said Tafadzwa Goliati, president of the Zimbabwe Union of Drivers and Conductors. “US$30 every term is too much, especially for those of us who are struggling just to keep our vehicles on the road. A fee between US$5 and US$15 would be more reasonable and manageable.”
Consumer rights groups have also thrown their weight behind the review, but warned that more needs to be done to ensure that the process is transparent and responsive to the needs of ordinary Zimbabweans.
“The current fee structure is anti-poor and unaccountable,” said a representative from the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe. “We need a fair system that considers income levels and service delivery. People are not just refusing to pay because they don’t want to — they simply cannot afford to.”
Critics have long questioned the quality and relevance of ZBC’s programming, arguing that the broadcaster offers little value to justify mandatory payments. Calls for reform have also included demands for greater editorial independence, improved signal coverage, and modernization of content to reflect the country’s diverse population.
In response, the Ministry of Information has acknowledged the need for broader reforms within the state broadcaster, including technical upgrades, better programming, and stronger oversight.
“We are aware of the concerns raised about ZBC,” said Muswere. “The licence fee review is just one part of a wider reform agenda aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and service delivery within the national broadcaster.”
For many Zimbabweans, however, the immediate concern remains financial relief. With the country grappling with rising costs of living, stagnant wages, and high unemployment, even modest reductions in state fees could provide some respite.
The next few months will be critical as the government works to finalise the review and announce the new fees. Analysts say the success of the exercise will depend on how swiftly and effectively the government acts — and whether the reductions will make a meaningful difference in the lives of ordinary citizens.
Until then, all eyes remain on the Ministry of Information and its promise to deliver a more equitable, affordable, and people-centered licensing system.
Source- Bulawayo24
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