tawandamusarurwa
Online Reporter
THERE is a significant discrepancy between the number of registered births and deaths in Zimbabwe, raising concerns about the under-reporting of deaths and potential consequences.
Data from the Civil Registry Department shows that while over 2,9 million births have been registered since 2020, only 201 366 deaths have been recorded in the same period.
The gap suggests that a substantial number of deaths have remained unreported.
Registrar-General Mr Henry Machiri said: “148 500 people got birth certificates in 2020, while 188 051 births were registered in 2021. The following year, 1 673 529 births were registered, before an additional 943 740 birth registrations were made last year.
“Over that period, the department managed to register a total of 201 366 deaths.
“However, the figures are not compiled by provinces, making it impossible to determine which province had the highest number of registrants.”
Registration of births was significantly lower in 2020 and 2021 on account of restrictions imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19.
New registrations, however, picked up over the next two years, as the authorities undertook nationwide civil registration campaigns ahead of the delimitation exercise and subsequent harmonised elections.
Mr Machiri said the authorities were concerned about the subdued registration of deaths.
“It is so worrying why there is a low turnout in taking death certificates . . . especially in rural communities,” he said.
“Notification of a birth must be done within seven days of birth of the child, while notification of death must be done within a day.
“Parents should then take the notification of birth to the Civil Registry within 42 days from the date of the birth to obtain the child’s birth certificate.
“Notification in the case of a stillbirth or death must be done as soon as possible but, in any case, within 30 days of the stillbirth or natural death to obtain a death certificate.”
RG Machiri also said birth certificates provide proof of identity for the child, as well as citizenship.
“This is necessary for purposes such as applying for a passport, as well as a national identity card.
“It can be used in important cases of child custody and inheritance.
“It is also useful in obtaining Government benefits or services, education and healthcare.”
Similarly, a death certificate provides proof of a person’s death, which is necessary for legal and financial purposes such as settling the deceased person’s estate, claiming life insurance and access to pension benefits.
According to the 2022 census, Zimbabwe’s population stood at 15 178 979, up from 13 061 239 in 2012.
Bongani Ndlovu