THE Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) yesterday banned broadcasting of advertisements of prophets and traditional healers in a move it said was meant to protect the general public.
BAZ chief executive, Tandai Kapumha, also banned the broadcasting of advertising content which includes traditional herbs and medicines.
“This letter serves to remind you of the authority’s directive to all broadcasters to stop the broadcasting of advertising content from churches and traditional healers and of traditional herbs and medicines which cannot be authenticated, since they tend to mislead the public,” Kapumha said.
“Considering the authority’s mandate to protect the interests of consumers, account being taken of prohibition of such advertisements and infomercials in terms of section 23(a) and (b) of the Broadcasting and 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.”
Self-styled prophets and traditional healers have been flocking to radio and television stations to advertise their claimed prowess to either perform miracles or cure people of various ailments including chronic diseases.
Some were promising quick riches. There have been reports of patients dying after being told to stop taking modern medicine by self-styled prophets and traditional healers.
