ZBC’s Right to Demand License Fees Challenged in Supreme Court
Tatenda Gumbo
21.08.2012
The case of a Harare businessman Bernard Wekare, who is challenging the
constitutionality of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s licensing fees,
has been referred to the Supreme Court.
Harare magistrate Don Ndirowei referred Wakare to the Supreme Court after
the businessman filed an application late July challenging radio and
television license fees required by the state broadcaster.
Wakare was summoned to court for his failure to pay the fees and in his
application claimed that the ZBC violated his constitutional rights.
Under the Broadcasting Services Act and the Criminal Procedure and Evidence
Act, ZBC is authorized to report to the police anyone without valid
licenses.
Zimbabweans who fail to appear in court can be arrested or have their
television sets and radio receivers impounded by the state.
Some end up paying fines to avoid being dragged to court for failing to pay
licenses.
Wakare’s lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa told VOA reporter Tatenda Gumbo the case has
raised a number of constitutional issues.
“We have raised a number of constitutional issues including a violation of
his religious rights because we are saying ZBC does not offer a wide varity
of stations,” said Mtetwa.
Under the Broadcasting Services Act, the ZBC has the authority to demand
license fees from owners of radio and television sets regardless of access
to its channels.
Radio licenses cost more than $20 while television licenses are pegged at
$50.