Taxation Without Representation, Zimbabweans Slam Radio License Fee

By Shingirai Vambe

The Zimbabwean government’s efforts to amend the Broadcasting Services Act have sparked widespread discontent among citizens. Despite the country’s economic struggles, the government is pushing forward with a bill that will require vehicle owners to purchase a radio license from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) before they can pay their road tax and insure their vehicles.

This move is expected to raise around $74 million annually for ZBC, but citizens are unhappy about the additional financial burden. The country’s road network is in a deplorable state, causing vehicle servicing costs to skyrocket. Many Zimbabweans feel that the government is more interested in taxing them further than in addressing the country’s pressing issues.

The proposed bill has been met with fierce resistance from citizens, who argue that ZBC has failed to provide quality services. They believe that the new bill is simply a way for the government to generate revenue without holding ZBC accountable for its performance. Media rights activist Rashweat Mukundu pointed out that there’s no corresponding service charter for ZBC, which would outline its responsibilities and allow citizens to hold it accountable.

Furthermore, the bill mandates ZBC to broadcast 75% local content, which has raised concerns about the potential for propaganda and biased reporting. With the country already struggling economically, many Zimbabweans feel that this bill is just another example of the government’s misplaced priorities.

Citizens are also frustrated with Parliament’s handling of the bill. They feel that their representatives are not fighting in their corner, but instead are supporting the government’s efforts to tax them further. The cost of vehicle licensing has already gone up, and many Zimbabweans are struggling to make ends meet.

The government’s decision to push forward with the bill has sparked widespread outrage. Citizens are taking to social media to express their discontent, using hashtags such as #NoToRadioLicense and #FixTheRoadsFirst. Many are calling for the government to prioritize the country’s pressing issues, such as the poor state of the road network and the struggling economy.

As the debate over the bill continues, one thing is clear; Zimbabweans are fed up with being taxed further without seeing any tangible benefits. They are demanding that their government prioritize their needs and address the country’s pressing issues. The proposed bill is just another example of the government’s misplaced priorities, and citizens are determined to make their voices heard.

Commenting on X following the post by ZBC at the Parliament of Zimbabwe, interviewing committee members from the media and broadcasting committee, citizens aired different view, such as: “Have you taken into account the current cost of living? Vanhu varikutambura imi makuwedzera ma unnecessary expenses pamusoro. You guys @cmatewu  muchazonzwawo pain yazvo mabuda mu parliament. Garai maziva kuti this will be your last time in that August House.”

“The price of the problem , why is it so expensive? At the same time ZBC is totally irrelevant in terms of quality broadcasting. ZBC deserves 5 Mari nothing more.”

“The worst thing ever said by some regarding this issues! Don’t force ZBC on people. ZBC should encrypt their signal for none payers not to have receive it! Those that want ZBC will then subscribe!”

“You guys do realize, you will be forcing someone with a vehicle without a radio to pay you for not having a radio? Or is it now mandatory to have a radio in a car.”

These are few among 212 comments coming from the citizens on this particular Bill. in light of the issue, citizens have been placing their vehicles on exemption so that it does not accrue penalties until the next licensing and or waiting for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) or the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) where the Zimbabwe National Roads Authority will be giving discounts.

ZINARA issued a statement with a plethora of requirements which include, garage tax clearance, report and an affidavit by an authorized company or garage representative  for cooperates and for individuals to provide the vehicle registration book, and certified written letter with reasons why the vehicle is applied for exemption.