By Fanuel Chinowaita
Harare, Zimbabwe, June 12, 2025 – A heated debate erupted in Zimbabwe’s Parliament yesterday as legislators clashed over the controversial mandatory radio licence fee, with opposition MPs demanding revisions to the policy amid widespread public dissatisfaction.
Hon Lynnette Karenyi Chikanga Constituency
The issue was thrust into the spotlight when Hon Lynnette Karenyi of Chikanga Constituency in Mutare questioned the Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Jenfan Muswere on the rationale behind enforcing the fee in an era dominated by digital platforms and diverse media consumption habits .
Hon. Karenyi argued that the fee recently extended to motorists under the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill is outdated given the rise of social media and streaming services. “Citizens are complaining. Why must they pay for a service they no longer rely on?” she pressed, urging the Ministry to review the policy to reflect modern media trends .
In a sharp rebuttal, Justice Minister Hon. Ziyambi dismissed the query as irrelevant, noting that Parliament had already debated and passed the Bill. “If the Hon. Member was new, I’d forgive her. But this House passed the Act,” he retorted, prompting Speaker Mudenda to advise Hon. Karenyi to “refresh her memory” by revisiting the Bill .
Undeterred, Hon. Karenyi countered: “I represent citizens who are crying out. The Ministry must consider their grievances.” Her stance echoed public sentiment, where critics label the fee, $92 annually for insured motorists as “nonsensical” and regressive, especially for those who rarely use traditional radio .
The fee has sparked national backlash, with critics accusing the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) of failing to deliver impartial or quality content. Analysts note that ZBC’s reputation as a state-aligned broadcaster undermines public trust, with many questioning why taxpayers should fund a service perceived as politically biased .
Comparisons have been drawn to international models like the UK’s BBC, which faces similar scrutiny over its licence fee but maintains broader public support due to its perceived independence and diverse output .
Proponents argue the fee is vital to sustain public service broadcasting (PSB) and fund critical sectors like news and cultural programming. Similar debates have arisen globally, with countries like South Africa and Germany grappling with PSB funding amid declining traditional viewership .
However, opponents demand reforms, including decentralizing ZBC’s operations or tying fees to actual usage, as seen in proposals for BBC subscription models .