Kuda Pembere
The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) has raised alarm over the spread of explicit digital content on social media platforms, warning that creators whose material is accessible in Zimbabwe remain subject to national broadcasting and censorship laws.
In a press statement, the Authority said it was acting after noting with “serious concern” the proliferation of sexually explicit content by some online content creators, including material that can be accessed by children.
The warning comes amid the rapid rise in popularity of a social media personality operating under the handle Queen Nadia TV, whose content has gone viral across platforms and attracted a large following.
BAZ said that while some creators may operate online and outside traditional broadcasting structures, all content accessible within Zimbabwe falls under the country’s legal framework.
“Broadcasters and content creators must therefore uphold public morality and national values as entrenched in the laws of Zimbabwe,” the Authority said.
In its statement, BAZ cited provisions of the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06], which guarantees children protection from material that may be harmful to their moral and psychological development.
“The Authority reiterates that all broadcasting and digital content consumed within Zimbabwe is subject to the country’s legal and constitutional framework, irrespective of the platform through which such content is distributed.
“Inasmuch as the freedom of expression is available for enjoyment by all Zimbabweans in terms of Section 61 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, such enjoyment must be responsible, and with due regard to the rights of others as stated under Section 86 of the Constitution,” BAZ said.
BAZ also referenced the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act [Chapter 10:04], which prohibits the production and dissemination of indecent, obscene or offensive material.
The Authority noted that explicit digital content circulating on social media platforms poses risks to young audiences, particularly in the absence of effective age restrictions.
“In terms of the Broadcasting Services Act [Chapter 12:06], children have a right to protection from exposure to content that is harmful to their moral and psychological development, with the best interests of the child being paramount.
“Moreover, the Censorship and Entertainment Control Act [Chapter 10:04] prohibits the dissemination of content that is indecent or obscene or is offensive or harmful to public morals. Broadcasters and content creators must therefore uphold public morality and national values as entrenched in the laws of Zimbabwe,” the Authority said.
Queen Nadia TV’s social media page currently shows more than three million followers. Publicly visible analytics on the account indicate extensive reach, including figures suggesting close to one billion views and engagement exceeding 29 million interactions over a 28-day period.
The content frequently features sexually suggestive imagery, including revealing attire and provocative poses, which has sparked widespread public debate and drawn the attention of regulators.
Critics have argued that the content crosses ethical and cultural lines, particularly in a context where children and teenagers are active online.
Some have questioned why such material remains accessible on a mainstream platform such as Facebook, accusing Meta of failing to adequately protect younger users.
BAZ said it would not tolerate the misuse of digital platforms to undermine constitutional values or collective moral standards.
“The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe will not permit the misuse of digital platforms in a manner that violates the Constitution, national laws, or the collective moral standards of the nation. Content creators are reminded of their legal and ethical responsibility to ensure that their material complies with Zimbabwean laws and respects the rights and dignity of all citizens, especially children.
