The Member of Parliament for Gokwe-Kabuyuni, Spencer Tshuma, has proposed that all newborns undergo mandatory DNA testing before being issued birth certificates.
Speaking in the National Assembly last week, Tshuma said the move would help resolve paternity disputes, ensure children inherit from their rightful fathers, and prevent men from being forced to support children who are not biologically theirs.
He suggested that DNA results be attached to the birth certificate as proof of parentage.
Tshuma also called on the Government to make DNA testing affordable and widely available in hospitals by supplying the necessary testing machines.
The MP for Southerton, Bridget Nyandoro (CCC), said in August 2025 that she plans to table a motion in Parliament for compulsory DNA testing for all children at birth. Speaking at the Action Indaba on GBV symposium in Harare, Nyandoro said:
“I am going to move a motion in Parliament to have mandatory DNA testing at birth. I know it is not going to be a favourable one, but I believe it will go a long way in mitigating the effects of gender-based violence.
“Many times, we have seen women being killed after 22 years when someone discovers they have been taking care of a child who is not theirs.”
Global DNA Zimbabwe recently revealed that 72% of the paternity tests it has carried out returned negative results, showing that in most cases, presumed fathers are not biologically related to the children they are raising.
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