Zimbabwe bans radio and TV advertising of faith healing powers

The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe has banned all radio and television advertising of faith healing powers and the use of scientifically untested methods of treatment by healing by individuals and churches.

The BAZ said it was stepping in to protect members of the public who are likely to believe that whatever comes on radio and television.

In a statement BAZ said it had observed with concern the use of broadcast stations as platforms for advertising faith and traditional healing powers and the use of scientifically untested methods of treatment and healing by certain individuals and churches to the public, including the use of unverifiable testimonies.

“This observation by the Authority is supported by numerous complaints by members of the public to the Radio and Television Stations as revealed by the Stations’ complaints registers and social media.

“Needless to point out that for some stations, these broadcasts have impacted the expected wider focus of the stations to inform, educate and entertain the public, and, rather, emerged priority programming to the disappointment of viewers and listeners.”

It said the directive does not stop the broadcasting of social discussion programmes or debates on these issues.

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