Mitchell Dzoro
The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has issued a reminder for all broadcasters to cease the airing of advertisements from churches and traditional healers, as well as content related to unverified traditional herbs and medicines.
BAZ noted that if the medicine is not authenticated, it may mislead the public.
In a letter issued to broadcasters, BAZ emphasized its responsibility in safeguarding the public, referencing regulations in Section 23 of the Broadcasting Services Regulations.
“Considering the Authority’s mandate to protect the interests of consumers, account being taken of the prohibition of such advertisements and infomercials in terms of Section 23(a) & (b) of the Broadcasting Services (Code of Conduct for Broadcasters) Regulations, 2023, as read with Section 27(4)(e) of the Broadcasting Services (Licensing and Content) Regulations, 2004, all broadcasters are directed to discontinue the broadcasting of such content,” reads the letter.
Section 23 of the Code of Conduct on (a), states that no broadcasting service license shall broadcast any advertisement or infomercial that claims to or predicts the future, or pertaining to matters of health, cures, curing, or healing powers unless if the text of the advertisement has been approved by the Ministry of Health for medicines.
Section 23(b) goes on to state that no broadcasting service licensee shall broadcast any advertisement or infomercial that promotes or shows powers of faith and traditional healers and the use of scientifically untested methods of treatment and/or healing through the use of herbs or other objects by individuals, churches, or organizations.
However, BAZ clarified that this directive does not extend to discussion programs or debates on these topics, as long as they do not include advertising content, allowing for continued dialogue surrounding religious practices and traditional medicine without the risk of misleading advertisements to the public.