Story Peter Chivhima
THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) and the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA) have demonstrated their capacity to implement an integrated disc for vehicle licencing, in line with the provisions of the Constitution.
A high-level presentation to the Joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committees on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services, and Transport and Infrastructural Development at the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden this Monday saw ZBC and ZINARA proving their technical capacity to deliver solutions that enhance efficiency.
Ten Ten Technologies’ CEO Mr Charles Wekete said, “Indeed, as we demonstrated in our presentation, we confirmed that it’s technically feasible. The question we were asked to address was whether it’s possible to have a single licensed disc that covers vehicle licensing, insurance, and radio licensing. Our answer was unequivocally yes; it’s entirely possible from a technical standpoint.
“We also discussed the importance of security features. Regarding the concern about individuals printing licensed discs at home, we clarified that the display of licensed discs on vehicle windshields is regulated by existing laws. As technical partners, it’s not our role to advocate for changes to these regulations. Instead, it’s up to the relevant authorities, including government agencies, to determine whether they wish to revise or repeal these laws and permit individuals to print their licensed discs at home.”
“When we come together and integrate our systems, it will also be less costly in terms of the administration of things, because we will be having a lot of automation taking place in the background, saving us from printing a lot of discs and all the other expenses associated with the operations in silos. So we are breaking the silo mentality and cooperating, which is something that we have shown through the meeting that it’s possible to work together,” ZBC’s Acting CEO Engineer Tapiwa Mudzamba said.
ZBC Head of Licensing Mr Wisdom Samanyai and Chairpersons of both Parliamentary Portfolio Committees threw their full support behind the vision, emphasising the importance of enhancing efficiency for motorists.
“We are pleased that all three parties, including our vendor, are on the same page. We have even outlined the timelines involved. The question was if this proposal is approved tomorrow, when can we expect implementation to begin? We were able to provide a detailed explanation of the technical arrangements and other behind-the-scenes efforts already underway to ensure a smooth rollout,” Mr Samanyai said.
“We had a joint meeting today where officials from the ZBC and ZINARA attended and they showcased that it’s feasible for them to come up with an integrated disc. Yes, we are in support of that and what we are waiting for is for them to come together,” Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Honourable Caston Matewu said.
“Today we were discussing if the ZBC and ZINARA can work together and come up with an integrated disc. So we are now waiting for these two entities to come up with a road map,” added the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructural Development Honourable Tawanda Karikoga.
The presentation comes at a time when the Broadcasting Services Amendment Bill has reached the committee stage, with the bill anticipated to broaden revenue collection for ZBC by making it mandatory for motorists to first buy a radio licence before acquiring insurance cover.
