Zimbabwe Urged to Empower Traditional Leaders to Issue Identification Documents

Calls are growing for the Zimbabwean government to enhance traditional leaders’ roles in issuing essential identification documents, such as birth and death certificates, to streamline access for rural communities.

A recent report from the Portfolio Committee on Defense, Home Affairs, Security Services, and War Veterans Affairs underscored the barriers faced by undocumented citizens, particularly in rural areas.

The absence of nearby registry offices often results in high transport costs, compounded by bureaucratic challenges requiring witnesses for document verification, leaving many citizens without crucial identification.

The government has initiated a pilot program in Manicaland and Matabeleland North. Village heads are being trained to issue birth and death confirmation records for individuals born or deceased outside healthcare facilities.

Traditional beliefs and religious practices delaying child naming ceremonies further exacerbate low registration rates, excluding many children from education, healthcare, and social services, according to the report.

The Committee observed that stateless individuals face significant challenges, from school dropouts due to lack of birth certificates to being barred from employment, banking, or even obtaining mobile phone lines.

In the education sector, undocumented children often cannot sit for crucial examinations. The Committee noted how this prematurely ends their academic potential and opportunities for advancement.

Talented athletes are similarly affected, unable to compete internationally or represent Zimbabwe without the necessary identification documents, limiting their careers and national representation.

Security concerns were highlighted as well, with undocumented individuals creating risks of heightened criminal activity and human trafficking, as their identities remain untraceable.

Undocumented populations also distort census data, hinder effective resource allocation, and disrupt poverty alleviation strategies, the report warned. They are often excluded from voting and customary law benefits.

The Portfolio Committee noted reluctance by some Registrar General’s Office staff to assist those with complex cases, often turning applicants away without clear instructions on required documents.

The financial burden of finding witnesses adds another layer of discouragement, pushing more people into undocumented status. The report recommended targeted efforts to address these systemic flaws.

The Committee suggested the government allocate resources for comprehensive research to identify people at risk of statelessness, setting a December 2025 deadline for this study.

Public awareness campaigns by the Registrar General’s Office are also necessary, it stated, to educate citizens on the importance of obtaining documents and simplify procedures, particularly in mining areas.

The Civil Registry Department was urged to conduct ongoing refresher courses in customer care to improve service quality. The deadline for implementing these improvements was set for July 2025.

Clear minimum requirements for acquiring identification documents should be advertised to prevent unnecessary turnaways, ensuring smoother application processes for all citizens.

The Committee also proposed special exemptions for victims of natural disasters, such as floods and fires, to obtain documentation without cumbersome bureaucratic hurdles by July 2025.

Treasury was urged to allocate more funding to the Civil Registry Department for nationwide verification exercises to document and provide identification for those currently excluded.

The Portfolio Committee emphasized that addressing these issues would allow Zimbabweans to fully participate in society, boosting access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.