AN estimated 21.1 percent ,which translates to 951,994.653 of youths aged 16 to 34 from the 4,511,823 that were recorded during the 2022 population and housing census in Zimbabwe, do not have National Identity Documents (IDs),
By Michael Gwarisa
This data emerged from findings presented during the launch of the latest Vital Statics report Volume 1 by the Zimbabwe Statistical Agency (Zimstat). The report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the civil registration and vital statistics situation in Zimbabwe based on available data from the 2022 Population and Housing Census.
Presenting the findings, Zimstat Director General, Mr Taguma Mahonde said the proportion of youths without IDs was higher in rural areas compared to urban areas.
Of the 8,721,947 persons aged 16 and above, 87.9 percent were ever issued with IDs. The proportion of population aged 16 and above ever issued with IDs was 92.0 percent for urban areas compared to 84.9 percent for rural areas.
“In urban areas, the proportion was 91.1 percent for females compared to 93.1 percent for males. The total number of youths aged 16 to 34 was 4,511,823. Of these, 21.1 percent did not have IDs,” said Mr Mahonde.
In terms of deaths, a total of 439,458 live births were recorded during 12 months preceding the census night, of which 27.6 percent (120,542) were by women aged 20 to 24. A total of 69,335 adolescent females aged 10 to 19 had live births 12 months preceding the census night.
The national sex ratio at birth was 103 males per 100 females.
“A total of 442,659 children were under one year on the census night. At national level, 20.5 percent of children under one year had registered births. In rural areas, 15 percent of children under one year had registered births. In urban areas, 30 percent of children under one year had registered birth.”
A total of 1,308,157 persons aged 5 to 24 had not acquired a birth certificate. Of these, 78 percent did not have a birth confirmation record. 22 percent were in possession of a birth confirmation record.
Meanwhile, a total of 120,070 deaths were recorded during the Census. Male deaths constituted 53.6 percent of the total deaths recorded during the census. Throughout all age-groups, males had higher mortality rates compared to females.
