Story by Providence Maraneli
THE introduction of a biometric e-passport system at the Gwanda Civil Registry has significantly improved service delivery, easing congestion, reducing processing times and improving convenience for both local applicants and Zimbabweans living in the diaspora.
The system forms part of Government’s broader public sector modernisation drive initiated under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritised efficiency and digitisation across key service departments.
In previous years, passport applicants, particularly diasporans returning home during peak periods were often forced to sleep outside registry offices due to long queues and slow processing.
He added that the streamlined process was a marked improvement from past years, when applicants endured prolonged waiting periods.
The biometric e-passport system integrates photography, fingerprint capture and document verification within the registry offices, eliminating the need for applicants to seek services elsewhere.
Diasporans also welcomed the move, saying it has reduced exposure to unofficial money changers.
“It did not take me an hour from the back to here. I think the major masterstroke is the fact that they now accept rands because sometimes we get vexed by the exchange rates outside, but with the money we are used to, we can work. In summary, I can say this is better now than what it used to be,” a passport applicant, Enoch Ncube said.
The acceptance of foreign currency, particularly the rand, has further eased transactions for Zimbabweans travelling from neighbouring countries.
“It has cut everything, everything is found inside the passport office, the photos and photocopies, we are happy that it does not take too long, back in the day we used to sleep here. Now they accept rands, it is a plus, in no time I will be back to South Africa,” beneficiaries said.
Officials say the improved efficiency aligns with Government’s transition into NDS2, which seeks to consolidate gains made under NDS1 while strengthening public service delivery.
The modernisation of passport services is expected to support mobility, trade and investment, contributing towards Zimbabwe’s goal of attaining upper-middle-income economy status by 2030.
