“Be Patient”: Mthuli Ncube Says Licence Fee Cuts Cannot Take Effect Immediately Without Legal Processes

Ncube Urges Patience As Residents Slam Delay In Licence Fee Cuts

Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube says Zimbabweans must be patient as the government works to implement licence fee cuts, warning that the changes cannot take effect immediately without following legal processes.

The remarks come amid growing frustration from citizens who expected instant relief following the announcement of reduced fees across several sectors.

Govt Calls For Patience

ZiFm NeSpeaking on 21 March 2026, Professor Ncube explained that while Cabinet had approved the reductions, the process of aligning laws with the new policy takes time.

“Citizens expect immediate implementation, but the necessary legal processes must be completed first,” he said.

He added that authorities are working to ensure that the changes are properly gazetted and legally sound before enforcement begins.

“We are aligning existing laws with the new policy decisions. This cannot happen overnight,” Professor Ncube said.

The Government has positioned the reforms as part of broader efforts to reduce the cost of doing business and ease the financial burden on citizens.

Parking Fee Confusion Sparks Debate

The delay has already caused confusion on the ground, particularly in Harare, where motorists are still being charged US$1 (approximately R18.50) per hour for parking despite a directive to reduce the fee to US$0.50 (approximately R9.25).

Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume addressed the issue earlier in March 2026, stating that implementation depends on legal adjustments.

“The law is being reviewed and will be implemented once the technical issues around it are dealt with,” Mafume said.

The reduction is contained in Statutory Instrument 41 of 2026, which was gazetted on 2 March 2026 and forms part of wider economic reforms.

Residents Cry Foul Over ‘Double Standards’

The delay has triggered a strong reaction from residents, many of whom say there appears to be a double standard in how policy changes are implemented.

Several citizens pointed out that when fees or prices are increased, changes are often effected immediately, without the same delays being cited.

One resident said:

“If it was an increase, it would have been implemented immediately.”

Another added:

“When prices go up, there are no technical issues. It starts the same day.”

Others questioned why legal and technical processes seem to slow down reductions but not increases.

“Why is it that decreases take time, but increases happen instantly?” one motorist asked.

Some residents have also raised concerns about whether they will be refunded for payments made above the new prescribed rate since the statutory instrument took effect.

The government has maintained that the reforms are aimed at improving business conditions, reducing compliance costs, and supporting economic growth.

For now, authorities insist that implementation will proceed once all legal processes are complete.