Online Reporter
Andile Tshuma in Nkayi District
GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s social protection systems through the rollout of the Zimbabwe Social Registry Survey (ZISO), a nationwide exercise aimed at building a comprehensive database of households.
The survey, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, is expected to transform how vulnerable populations are identified and assisted.
ZimStat Director General Tafadzwa Bandama said the initiative comes at a critical time as the country grapples with economic pressures and climate-induced shocks.
“The Zimbabwe Social Registry Survey is a critical tool that will allow us to collect detailed household-level data across the country. This will strengthen our social protection systems and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most,” she said.
Mrs Bandama said the agency is committed to maintaining the highest standards of data integrity and confidentiality.
“All information collected during the survey is strictly confidential and protected under the Census and Statistics Act. The data is used solely for statistical purposes, and no personal information will be shared with unauthorised parties,” she said.
She added that the social registry will serve as a centralised database to enhance coordination between Government and development partners.
“This will reduce duplication of efforts and ensure that resources are directed efficiently to those who need them most. A unified, verified dataset is key to effective planning and service delivery,” she said.
The ZISO initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s development blueprint, Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the country into an upper middle-income economy.
Speaking during a field tour in Nkayi District, Matabeleland North Provincial Director in the ministry Sicelo Nyathi said the registry will improve targeting of vulnerable groups and enable quicker responses in times of distress.
“This exercise ensures that no one is left behind. With accurate and up-to-date data, Government will be better positioned to design and implement programmes that uplift livelihoods and build resilience in communities,” he said.
The survey is being rolled out in phases across all provinces, covering both rural and urban areas. So far, Mangwe District has been completed, with enumerators currently operating in Nkayi District. The exercise is set to move to Mudzi District next before expanding nationwide.
Officials said special attention is being given to remote and hard-to-reach areas to ensure inclusivity.
“Using detailed mapping systems similar to those used during national censuses, enumerators are being deployed to every enumeration area, including remote locations,” said Mr Nyathi.
Enumerators involved in the exercise are trained personnel equipped with skills in data collection, ethics and community engagement to ensure accuracy and professionalism.
Government has urged households in Nkayi and across the country to cooperate with enumerators.
“This survey is for the benefit of every Zimbabwean. We encourage all households to provide accurate information and verify the identity of enumerators. Your participation will help shape programmes that improve livelihoods and strengthen communities,” said Mr Nyathi.
