Former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has launched a scathing attack on the newly enacted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025), describing the law as “draconian, anti-citizen, and outrightly heartless.”
The law, recently gazetted following approval by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, introduces a controversial provision requiring motorists to purchase a radio licence before they can renew their vehicle licences, a move that has sparked widespread public outcry.
Chamisa, the former leader of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), criticised the new regulation as yet another burden on already struggling Zimbabweans, who are also required to pay the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) fees, toll gate charges, and mandatory vehicle insurance. Wrote Chamisa on X:
So, a person who owns a car pays ZINARA, ZBC, insurance and toll gate, how are people supposed to survive? When shall all this end?
He accused the government of deliberately impoverishing the population through excessive taxation and questioned the rationale behind paying for services that many citizens neither use nor benefit from. Said Chamisa:
Why must I pay for a service I don’t use? Why should I pay for partisan propaganda, where I am attacked in person and demonized from dawn to dusk?
Chamisa also raised concerns about democratic oversight, questioning the role of Zimbabwe’s Parliament in approving legislation that he believes undermines the interests of ordinary citizens. He said:
Do we have a parliament in Zimbabwe? Which other country does this to her citizens? Is this not naked provocation? Is Zimbabwe not a crime scene?
The cost of a private car radio licence is US$23 per quarter or US$92 per year. If the vehicle belongs to a company, the fee is US$50 per quarter or US$200 per year.
If your vehicle does not have a radio installed, then you do not have to buy a radio licence for the car.
Please save s our data . Why do you interview this coward Chamisa ? He failed to run a small party and thinks he can run a country . All he knows is opposing . He has nothing to offer except opposing . Chamisa , stop talking about Zanu PF and tell us about your own party and how you intend to do things if ever you could be voted in .