The Zimbabwean government has enacted a controversial regulation requiring all motorists to purchase a radio licence before they can renew their vehicle road tax.
The move has sparked widespread criticism from journalists, civil society organisations, and members of the public.
The requirement falls under the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025).
Prominent investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has condemned the measure, describing it as yet another example of what he calls the government’s “desperate” attempt to extract revenue from already overburdened citizens. Said Chin’ono:
It never rains but it pours for Zimbabweans. From today, every car in Zimbabwe will be required to have a car radio licence, even if it does not have a radio, as the corrupt government desperately seeks new ways to generate revenue through taxes.
Previously, purchasing a car radio licence was rarely enforced was not mandatory during the renewal of vehicle road tax and insurance.
However, under the new law, motorists will now be required to obtain a radio licence before they can renew their road tax.
Chin’ono has raised concerns that the revenue collected from these fees will be used to strengthen the ruling party’s control over the media. He said:
All radio stations in Zimbabwe are controlled, both directly and indirectly, by ZANUPF. So, essentially, motorists are being forced to pay a fee to fund ZANU PF’s propaganda machinery.
The annual fee for a car radio licence has been set at US$92, while households are also required to pay US$40 for a separate home radio licence.
Those with multiple properties or radios at rural homes are expected to pay additional fees for each location.
In the commercial sector, the costs are significantly higher. Businesses must now pay US$200 per company vehicle. Said Chin’ono:
But because Zimbabweans will pay, ZANU PF will keep pushing them. Zimbabweans will just watch and comply, so more taxes will come!
This story is totally incorrect. If you do not have a radio in your vehicle then all you have to do is get the guy behind the counter to come to your vehicle and show him that you have no radio in the vehicle or you can produce a letter from the radio licensing office saying you do not have a radio in your vehicle.
Where do you get time to do all this?
Absolute ROBBERY !!!! I removed my radio from my car years ago for this very reason. People must simply park their cars from 1st June !!! SHUT DOWN.