Binga community empowered by ZIMACE birth certificate project

Ibin Munsaka

Several communities across four wards in Binga District have benefited from acquiring birth certificates through an initiative implemented by Basilwizi Trust, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Accountability Citizenship Engagement (ZIMACE). The benefitting community members were from Chunga/Lunga, Nabusenga, Kalungwizi, and Sinampande/Sinansengwe wards.

In an interview with the Basiliwizi Trust Project Officer, Danisa Mudimba, she emphasized the significant impact the program has had on the Binga community’s understanding of the importance of birth certificates.

Since October of last year, approximately 1,200 beneficiaries have successfully acquired their birth certificates with the assistance of Basilwizi. Additionally, advocacy groups have been established in the seven operational wards to educate residents about the importance of obtaining these documents. Three additional wards have also been included in the program, bringing the total to seven, including, Tinde, Ndakaluba, and Zyakamana.

Mrs. Masuku, the village head and kraal head of Gwanya 3 in Tinde Ward 18, expressed her gratitude for the program. She noted that it has particularly benefited young people who previously lacked knowledge of how to access essential national documents.

“Many individuals struggle to secure employment due to the absence of necessary documents, such as national identification,” she stated. Mrs. Masuku further highlighted that acquiring a birth certificate is a prerequisite for obtaining any national documentation.

Andson Muleya, the chairperson of the advocacy group in Tinde Ward 18, also praised the initiative introduced by Basilwizi Trust. He shared how the program has educated community members about the importance of national documentation.

“Before Basilwizi’s involvement, we lacked knowledge on how to proceed if individuals did not possess documents like birth certificates,” Muleya explained. He noted that many young people missed out on sporting opportunities due to the lack of proper documentation, despite having talent.

Muleya also urged the government to consider increasing the number of registration offices in the district in the upcoming budget. With only five registration offices available to serve all 25 wards of Binga, he stressed that this is inadequate for the growing population.

The ZIMACE project, implemented by Basilwizi Trust, has played a crucial role in empowering the Binga community by facilitating the acquisition of birth certificates. Through education and advocacy, the initiative has addressed a significant barrier that many residents face in accessing essential national documents.

Community members have highlighted that with population growth, it is imperative for the government to respond to such basic needs by expanding registration facilities. The efforts of community leaders and organizations like Basilwizi Trust have been highlighted as vital in creating a more informed and empowered community that can access the rights and opportunities afforded by proper documentation.