Under a new directive, drivers will now be required to produce an official exemption certificate from the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) if their vehicle is not equipped with a radio.

The new policy, outlined in an internal memorandum issued by ZINARA’s Revenue Operations Director, P.M. Shuro, references changes introduced by the Broadcasting Services Amendment Act. 

The memo, dated July 15, 2025, details strict new procedures for motor vehicle licensing across the country and is addressed to all ZINARA staff.

Mandatory ZBC Compliance for All Motorists

The core of the new directive states: "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."

No Car Radio, No Licence Disc Without ZBC Exemption

Crucially, this regulation applies universally to all motorists, irrespective of whether their vehicle actually has a functioning radio receiver installed.

New Process for Vehicles Without Radios: Physical ZBC Visit Required

For drivers whose vehicles are not fitted with a radio, the process has become more complex. Instead of simply not having to pay for a radio licence, they are now mandated to obtain an official exemption certificate directly from the ZBC.

The memorandum explicitly details the steps: "Customers whose vehicles are not equipped with a radio receiver are now required to obtain an exemption certificate from the ZBC." This certificate can only be acquired after a physical visit to a ZBC Licensing Office, where the motorist must personally complete a declaration form affirming the absence of a radio in their vehicle.

ZINARA has confirmed that without this valid exemption certificate, they "cannot process their ZINARA disc or insurance renewal." The memo notably states that there is no provision for applying for this exemption online or through a proxy, requiring a personal visit to ZBC offices.

Public Outcry: "Pointless Bureaucracy" and "Cash Grab"

The announcement of this new policy has already triggered widespread debate and frustration among Zimbabwean motorists. Many have taken to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to express their discontent, accusing authorities of introducing yet another layer of bureaucratic hurdles under the guise of compliance.

Common sentiments online include accusations of "pointless bureaucracy" and "another cash grab." Users have highlighted the logistical challenges, with one user tweeting, "Wait… I have to drive to ZBC offices just to tell them I don’t have a radio? 🤦🏽 #ZimbabweLogic."

Another frustrated motorist lamented the Catch-22 situation: "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."

The relevance of ZBC licences in the digital age, where streaming services are prevalent, has also been questioned. "We’re in 2025. People stream everything. Who listens to ZBC on car radios anymore?? #ZBClicence," read one comment. Another voiced the practical burden: "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 car radio licence fee stands at US$92, which many drivers argue is unaffordable given the prevailing skyrocketing fuel prices and cost-of-living pressures in Zimbabwe.

Strict Enforcement Mandated for ZINARA Staff

ZINARA has issued clear instructions to its staff to rigorously enforce the new system. The internal memo warns that "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."

While staff are advised to guide walk-in customers through the usual steps, the memo emphatically stresses that for those without radios, "we cannot proceed without the ZBC exemption certificate." This indicates a strict implementation policy, placing the onus on the motorist to secure the necessary ZBC documentation before completing their ZINARA and insurance renewals.