Chamisa Reacts to New Law Forcing Motorists to Buy Radio Licences Before Renewing Car Discs or Insurance
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has come out strongly against a new law that forces motorists to pay for a ZBC radio licence before they can renew their vehicle licences, insurance, or register their cars.
The controversial measure, introduced through the Broadcasting Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2025) and signed into law by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was gazetted on May 23. It now requires drivers to fork out US$23 every three months — or US$92 a year — for a ZBC licence, whether they tune in or not. A valid licence or exemption certificate is now mandatory for essential vehicle services.
Chamisa expressed his anger on social media, calling the new law “draconian, anti-citizens, and outrightly heartless.”
He argued that Zimbabweans are already under immense financial pressure and that this added cost is simply cruel. Chamisa said:
“A NEW LAW requiring motorists to buy radio licence before renewing their vehicle licences that has been signed into law is too draconian, anti-citizens and outrightly heartless. 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? Citizens are being pauperized left, right and centre, why does the citizenry of this country deserve so uncaring & heartless a leadership? What are people supposed to do with all this cruel taxation?”
He also questioned the fairness of being forced to fund a broadcaster that he believes spreads propaganda and targets him personally.
“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?” he asked.
Chamisa went further, casting doubt on whether Zimbabwe’s Parliament is still acting in the public’s interest. He suggested that such laws show a lack of democratic accountability.
“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?” Chamisa questioned.
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The post Chamisa Reacts to New Law Forcing Motorists to Buy Radio Licences Before Renewing Car Discs or Insurance appeared first on iHarare News.
