KEY POINTS
- Media groups urge Mnangagwa to reject the broadcasting bill.
- The bill would force motorists to pay for a ZBC radio license.
- Critics argue it discourages foreign investment and media independence.
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zimbabwe and the Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) are calling on President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Senate to reject the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, which recently passed through the National Assembly.
According to New Zimbabwe, the media groups argue that the bill threatens press freedom, restricts independent journalism, and was passed without properly addressing public concerns.
In a joint statement released on Wednesday, both organizations urged lawmakers to return the bill to the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services for revisions that align with the interests of media stakeholders and the public.
They warn that if the bill is enacted in its current form, Zimbabwe will regress into an era of tight government control over the press, contradicting the administration’s promises of democratic reforms.
Minister Muswere accused of ignoring public concerns
MISA and MAZ specifically criticized Information Minister Jenfan Muswere, accusing him of dishonesty and disregarding public input.
The groups argue that the Parliament dismissed the concerns, which were formally recorded by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services during public hearings.
One of the bill’s most controversial provisions, Clause 15, would require motorists to obtain a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) radio license before renewing their Zimbabwe National Road Authority (ZINARA) vehicle license.
This provision has faced extensive criticism due to its disproportional treatment of vehicle owners since free access to ZBC content remains available through mobile devices, radio and television viewers.
MISA Zimbabwe and MAZ expressed their disappointment, saying that Muswere overlooked the opinions of both the public and legislators from across the political spectrum who had raised objections.
The media bodies believe that the bill, in its current state, does not reflect the country’s constitutional commitments to free speech and press freedom.
Concerns over foreign investment and regulatory independence
Another major concern is the bill’s reversal of the 40 percent foreign shareholding allowance in Zimbabwe’s broadcasting sector.
Originally introduced to attract foreign direct investment into the country’s capital-intensive media industry, this reversal is seen as a setback to Zimbabwe’s “open for business” policy.
MISA and MAZ assert that the bill overlooks three essential matters:
- The independence of the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ)
- Public participation in the broadcasting licensing process
- Parliamentary oversight to ensure fair and transparent regulations
The bill also ignores recommendations for refining the definition of “political content” for community broadcasters, incorporating transitional clauses for future digital transformation, and considering Artificial Intelligence in broadcast regulation.
Despite strong opposition from media watchdogs, the bill is expected to pass through the Senate and be signed into law by Mnangagwa, further solidifying state control over Zimbabwe’s media landscape.
