By Kwedu News
Harare, Zimbabwe – The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Authority (ZBA) has issued a stern reminder to all broadcasters to cease airing advertising content from churches, traditional healers, and unverified traditional herbs and medicines.
This directive comes as these have been flooding airwaves soliciting customers and congregants but with unverified calims.
ZBA said the aim is to protect consumers from misleading information.
ZBA Chief Executive Officer, Pr. Eng. Tendai Kapumha, said part of their mandate is to protect consumers.
“The Authority’s mandate is to safeguard the interests of consumers, and we cannot allow unauthenticated advertisements to mislead the public,” he said.
Eng. Kapumha emphasized that the directive is grounded in the laws of the land.
“In terms of Section 23 (a) & (b) of the Broadcasting Services (Code of Conduct for Broadcasters) Regulations, 2023, and section 27(4)(e) of the Broadcasting Services (Licensing and Content) Regulations, 2004, all broadcasters must discontinue such content,” he said.
ZBA, however said the directive does not prohibit discussion programs or debates on these issues, provided they do not contain advertising content.
“We are not stifling freedom of expression, but rather ensuring that consumers are not exposed to potentially harmful or misleading information.” He said.
Kapumha warned broadcasters to comply with the directive, saying they will be monitored and those found contravening the regulations will face consequences.
