Story by Peter Chivhima
THE Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill has sailed through the National Assembly after the last round of debates this Tuesday.
After an intense debate on the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill, the proposed legislation stood the test of parliamentary scrutiny after it was passed by the National Assembly this Tuesday.
In passing the bill, parliamentarians unanimously supported Clause 15 of the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill which prohibits the sale of motor insurance cover and vehicle license discs to individuals who do not hold valid ZBC radio licenses.
“For me, the two entities should be regulated, and I think there is nothing wrong with this proposal. I believe the majority of people in Zimbabwe listen to ZBC, and I want to thank the Minister for proposing this,” a Member of Parliament said.
During the debate, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere and the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi clarified some clauses in the bill.
“The collaboration between ZBC and ZINARA is in full compliance with the Constitution. I want to emphasise the distinction between a radio license and a radio receiver, as the latter is capable of receiving broadcasts,” Dr Muswere said.
“The Second Republic has prioritised alignment with constitutional requirements and good governance practices,” Honourable Ziyambi stated.
The Bill will now go to the Parliamentary Legal Committee for cleaning before it is taken to the Senate for further debate.
The legislation seeks to align the current Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06] with the Constitution and the Public Entities Corporate Governance Act [Chapter 10:31].
For full Post-Cabinet Briefing, click https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/full-fourth-post-cabinet-briefing-4-march-2025/
