HARARE – At least 80 percent of ZBC’s total revenue comes from motor vehicle licence fees with 7 out of 10 cars driven on Zimbabwe’s roads said to be compliant with the controversial vehicle licencing requirement.

Zimbabwe National Road Authority (ZINARA) chief executive Nkosinathi Ncube told the parliamentary committees of Information and Transport, that as of December last year, 70 percent of vehicle owners were paying for listener’s licences.

“From a ZINARA point of view, we have got a compliance rate of 70 percent, meaning that of the cars that are on the road, about 70 percent are compliant.

“That takes us to a figure which is above 800,000. So, currently they come to ZINARA or through various agents and they pay for their vehicle licence; 823 000 that’s the figure that we had in December,” he said.

ZBC head of licensing Wisdom Samanyawu said 80 percent of the national broadcaster’s revenue was coming from vehicle radio licences.

“I would say 80 percent of our licensing revenue is coming from the vehicle radio licences. And definitely and evidently there is a problem there. We can all agree that there is a problem.

“The reason why it is so is because even the laws governing the connection of the property TV and radio license themselves are also even outdated to an extent that if you ask us, strategically we are actually looking at ways that we can actually come up with models that also make sure that those who should pay for property TV and radio licenses also comply with the act,” he said.

Some legislators questioned if paying for licences was even necessary since “ZBC lost its relevance decades ago”.

“Is it necessary to burden motorists through this? If we have an amendment, is it not an opportunity to take away that clause,” asked Leslie Mhangwa, the MP for Chinhoyi.

But in defence, Samanyawu said ZBC’s content has improved.

“I must say that the public broadcaster ZBC is still relevant and is working through all means possible to remain relevant.

“We still command a very huge audience not only in the towns but we are spread across the whole country.

“We are at the moment focusing on programming that the audience is indicating ‘that we want this’ and we are fine tuning the content so that we provide,” he said.

With the National Assembly set to debate the Broadcasting Services Bill on Tuesday, the transport and media committees met with ZINARA and ZBC to discuss details pertaining a new clause on the Bill which mandates motorists to pay for radio licences before buying a vehicle licenxe.

The amendment is at the committee stage in parliament.