Zinara to stop processing licence discs for motorists without radios
From 15 July 2025, motorists who do not have a radio in their vehicle will no longer be able to obtain a ZINARA motor vehicle licence disc or renew their vehicle insurance—unless they produce an official exemption certificate from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
This follows an internal memorandum issued by ZINARA’s Revenue Operations Director, P.M. Shuro, referencing changes brought about by the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act. The memo was addressed to all staff and outlines strict new procedures for motor vehicle licensing across the country.
“In line with the enacted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, all motorists are now required to obtain a ZBC radio licence before they can renew their vehicle insurance or acquire a ZINARA motor vehicle licence disc,” reads part of the memorandum dated 15 July 2025.
The directive applies to all motorists, regardless of whether the vehicle is fitted with a radio receiver.
No disc without proof of radio licence or exemption
For drivers with a radio in their car, the process remains unchanged—they must present a valid ZBC radio licence when applying for a disc. However, for those without a radio, the process now includes an additional step.
“Customers whose vehicles are not equipped with a radio receiver are now required to obtain an exemption certificate from the ZBC,” the memo explains.
This exemption certificate will only be issued after a physical visit to a ZBC Licensing Office, where the motorist must complete a declaration form confirming the absence of a radio in their vehicle.
“They will need to personally visit any ZBC Licensing Office to complete the necessary declaration form and obtain this exemption. We cannot process their ZINARA disc or insurance renewal until they present a valid exemption certificate,” ZINARA stated.
There is no option to apply for this exemption online or by proxy, which has raised serious concerns among motorists, especially those in rural areas or those with mobility issues.
Public backlash: “It’s a punishment for not having a radio”
The policy has triggered widespread debate, with many Zimbabweans accusing authorities of introducing yet another bureaucratic hurdle in the name of compliance.
Zimbabweans have taken to X to vent their frustration, with many labelling the move as “pointless bureaucracy” and “another cash grab”.
A user wrote:
“Wait… I have to drive to ZBC offices just to tell them I don’t have a radio?
#ZimbabweLogic”
Another complained:
“I get stopped for not having a licence disc. But I can’t get a disc because I don’t have a radio. This country will finish me. #zinara #zbc”
Others questioned the relevance of the ZBC licence in the digital age, with one comment reading:
“We’re in 2025. People stream everything. Who listens to ZBC on car radios anymore?? #ZBClicence”
Another social media user wrote:
“I removed my car radio years ago. Now I’m being told I have to travel across town and waste fuel to get an exemption. It’s not fair.”
The current ZBC radio licence fee stands at US$92. Many drivers argue that with skyrocketing fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures, the fee is unaffordable for the average Zimbabwean.
ZINARA staff ordered to enforce the new system
ZINARA staff have been instructed to not process any motor vehicle licence disc or insurance renewal application if the applicant has not met the radio compliance requirements.
“All staff involved in the issuing of vehicle licences [must] acquaint themselves with the new requirements to effectively assist our clients from the 15th of July 2025,” the memo warned.
“Please guide walk-in customers through the usual steps,” it said. But it stressed that for those without radios, “we cannot proceed without the ZBC exemption certificate.”
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The post No Radio, No Licence: ZINARA To Stop Processing Licence Discs For Motorists Without Radios appeared first on iHarare News.
