Information Ministry Rejects US$52m ZBC Licence Fee Claim

ZBC HEADQUARTERS

The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services has strongly rejected allegations published in the Zimbabwe Independent claiming that US$52 million collected from Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) licence fees is unaccounted for.

In a sharply worded statement, the Ministry said it noted “with serious concern and utter disdain” what it described as unfounded allegations, falsehoods, and malicious insinuations aimed at discrediting His Excellency, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as well as the Board and management of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation.

Government Rejects US$52 Million Figure

The Ministry categorically dismissed the reported US$52 million figure, labelling it an exaggeration and a “complete fabrication.” Officials stated that the actual revenue collected from licence fees is “nowhere near the thumb-sucked figure” cited in the publication.

According to the Ministry, there has been no Government audit or forensic investigation into licence fee collections because no evidence of malpractice has been presented to warrant such action. It further noted that ZBC’s internal auditors have not flagged any irregularities.

Authorities emphasised that ZBC is scheduled to undergo its routine audit in March, with findings expected to be tabled before Parliament in line with established legislative oversight processes.

Reassignment Narrative Rejected

The statement also rejected what it termed a “highly insulting narrative,” suggesting that the President reassigned a Minister as punishment for raising governance concerns. The Ministry described this claim as a deliberate distortion designed to undermine the integrity and constitutional authority of the Head of State.

Officials stressed that the reassignment of Ministers is a constitutional prerogative exercised in the national interest. Suggesting punitive motives, the Ministry said, amounts to reckless speculation intended to create a false perception of discord within government.

Criticism of Independent Media Reporting

Beyond addressing the financial allegations, it is worth noting that there is a sustained onslaught by segments of the mainstream independent media against government institutions.

It can be argued that some publications have increasingly relied on anonymous sources, speculative figures, and unverified claims in their coverage of state entities. In this instance, the Ministry noted that the reporter allegedly failed to seek comment from the ZBC Chief Executive Officer before publication, a move it described as a breach of basic journalistic ethics and protocol.

Officials further stated that no evidence had been produced to substantiate claims that ZBC exceeded its approved expenditure limits.

Commitment to Transparency

As the supervisory authority over ZBC, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity. It maintained that financial oversight mechanisms remain in place and that Parliament will scrutinise the broadcaster’s audit results in due course.

The government’s response signals growing tension between state institutions and sections of the independent press, with authorities warning against what they view as malicious narratives that risk eroding public trust without substantiated proof.

AMH response is below;

ZBC licence fee US$52 million claim