
In Zimbabwe, cultural norms and a lack of awareness often complicate birth registration for children, particularly after the death of one or both parents. While birth registration is a child's legal right, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and inheritance, various social dynamics create significant barriers. These include paternal families asserting authority over children, the deliberate withholding of deceased parents' death certificates as leverage in family disputes, and the demand for lobola bride price or mombe yechiredzwa from children before their identities are recognized. Additionally, demands for compensation kuripwa for perceived wrongs by the deceased parent can prevent cooperation from extended family members. These practices, rooted in cultural frameworks, often undermine children's rights by making them legally invisible. The article highlights the need for flexible civil registration systems, clear protocols for orphaned children, and stronger enforcement of birth registration laws to overcome these challenges and ensure every child's right to identity.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by NewsDay Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe is seeking US$9 billion for energy expansion, with new regulations expected to accelerate grid expansion, improve electricity access, and attract fresh capital into the energy sector. This comes as the country also faces climate and food security risks, leading to proposed new grain levies. Other developments include Zimbabwe's expansion of development finance options with BRICS New Development Bank membership, and the commissioning of a specialized honey testing laboratory to boost export competitiveness. Meanwhile, ART operations have been affected by power outages and raw material shortages, with exports and paper division volumes declining by 6% and 26% respectively in the third quarter to June 2022. The Zimbabwe Property Excellence Awards highlighted government infrastructure projects and sports facilities. In sports news, the PSL postponed the Highlanders-Chicken Inn derby following the tragic death of Bosso officials and a supporter. Political tensions at grasslands plots have led to violent attacks and forced evictions.
Must ReadZimbabwe is broadening its development finance avenues by joining the BRICS New Development Bank. This move is expected to accelerate grid expansion, enhance electricity access, and attract new capital into the country's energy sector. Other news includes the postponement of a football derby due to a tragic accident, the suspension of top aides by Tsvangirai, and calls for stronger regional health partnerships. The country is also addressing climate and food security risks with proposed new grain levies and is seeking US$9 billion for energy expansion. Additionally, Zimbabwe has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to boost export competitiveness.
Must ReadThe Zimbabwe Property Excellence Awards recently focused on government infrastructure projects and sports facilities. Other news from Zimbabwe includes China's commitment to supporting Vision 2030, Zimbabwe's expansion of development finance options with BRICS New Development Bank membership, and ARDA delivering 120,000MT as the country prepares for El Niño. There are also proposals for new grain levies to address climate and food security risks, and a call to address the silent dementia crisis. ART operations have been affected by power outages and raw material shortages, with exports and paper divisions seeing volume declines of 6% and 26% respectively in the third quarter to June 2022. Additionally, Zimbabwe is seeking US$9bn for energy expansion and has commissioned a specialized honey testing laboratory to boost export competitiveness. Political tensions at grasslands plots have led to violent attacks and forced evictions.