Wisdom Samanyai, the head of licensing at Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), said there was nothing wrong with the proposed changes to the Broadcasting Services Act, reported <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/nothing-amiss-in-compulsory-car-radio-licences/">The Herald</a>.
These changes would require motorists to buy car radio licences before they can purchase vehicle insurance and registration. 
He explained that the amendments aim to strengthen the enforcement of the law.
Samanyai said this in a presentation at a joint meeting of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committees on Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, and Transport and Infrastructural Development on Monday, February 3.
The meeting was held to discuss the changes to Clause 15 of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, which is currently being debated in the National Assembly.
The new rule would require motorists to buy car radio licences before they can obtain vehicle insurance and registration.
The money will be collected by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA). Said Samanyai:
<blockquote>
So, we have a good number that would avoid and say they are removing the radio altogether. I don’t want to be found wanting, but there are also those who just choose to say we are evading, probably consciously or subconsciously.
They will just decide they are not going to comply with this very same Act, which then pushed us to then find a way. First and foremost, we wanted to help our agencies to enforce this legal requirement.
Hence, we had to be explicit in as far as this Bill is concerned, to say nobody is allowed to either go on to purchase their insurance or road licence before first complying with the Broadcasting Services Act requirement, which is making sure that your radio licence is paid for.
</blockquote>
ZINARA CEO Nkosinathi Ncube said that his organisation is prepared to implement the law once it is enacted. He said:
<blockquote>
We need to underline that we support Government decisions, parliamentary decisions, and the progress that it brings to the nation. So, we’re always there to support.
And as Government agents, we make sure that we fully implement that which the Government will then put through and which is good for the country.
</blockquote>
Ncube emphasized the need to ensure that, once passed, the new requirement would not interfere with ZINARA’s mandate to collect funds for road construction and maintenance.
He also revealed that 70 per cent of vehicles on the country’s roads, or just over 800,000 cars, are compliant with license and insurance payments.

Pindula News

The head of ZBC said it's okay to need a car radio license before getting insurance and registration. This rule will help enforce the law. The ZINARA will collect the money. ZINARA's CEO agreed to implement this law. They want to support the government's decisions to improve the country. They will make sure this new rule doesn't affect their work of collecting money for roads. Most cars in Zimbabwe already follow the rules by paying for licenses and insurance.

ZBC Head Defends Proposal For Car Radio Licences Before Vehicle Registration

An opposition Member of Parliament (MP) says the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) licence fees should be scrapped because the broadcaster is biased in favour of ZANU PF.
Speaking at a media policy dialogue hosted by the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) in Harare, Binga North MP Prince Dubeko Sibanda (CCC), said:
<blockquote>
The ZBC licence fees are no longer fit for purpose. Citizens cannot continue to fund ZANU PF propaganda.
I would rather have the ZBC privatised and join other parastatals in the Mutapa (Investment) Fund or be funded directly at ‘Shake Shake’ building (ZANU PF headquarters).
</blockquote>
However, speaking at the same event, the Director at Gender and Media Connect (GMC), Patience Zirima, said while ZBC needs to be reformed, scrapping licence fees is not the solution. She said:
<blockquote>
Let us be careful not to throw away the baby with the bath water. We must consider that ZBC covers all languages, which is a positive thing outside politics.
</blockquote>
MAZ convened the policy dialogue to consider priority issues for the 10th Parliament and to try to influence the policy agenda for the recently appointed Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services minister Jenfan Muswere.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

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