Harare, Zimbabwe – In a move likely to spark nationwide debate, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Bridget Nyandoro has proposed a new law mandating DNA testing at birth, arguing that the measure would protect women and children from violence and long-term trauma. The legislator, who represents the Southerton Constituency, announced her plans at a gender-based violence symposium in Harare on August 27, 2025, signalling her intention to bring a formal motion before parliament in the coming months.
Nyandoro acknowledged that her proposal is likely to be contentious, but she defended it as a crucial step toward addressing Zimbabwe’s escalating femicide crisis. Speaking at the symposium, she highlighted cases in which women were killed after decades of raising children they later discovered were not biologically theirs.
“I am going to move a motion in Parliament to have mandatory DNA testing at birth,” Nyandoro said. “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.”
The MP also emphasized the psychological impact on children who learn later in life that the man they believed to be their father is not biologically related to them. According to Nyandoro, mandatory testing at birth would shield children from future emotional trauma and prevent mental health challenges associated with discovering hidden paternity.
Nyandoro’s motion draws support from new data released by Global DNA Zimbabwe, a local paternity testing firm. According to company partner Chiriseri, a majority of paternity tests conducted in the country yield negative results, indicating that many Zimbabwean men are unknowingly raising children who are not biologically theirs.
“The current statistics for people who have undergone testing are both shocking and interesting,” Chiriseri told HealthTimes. “Most clients come for paternity tests, and currently, 72% of the results issued are negative, while only 28% are positive. Paternity tests offer absolute certainty, showing either a 0% or a 99.99% probability of paternity. These numbers suggest a significant number of Zimbabwean men are raising children they mistakenly believe are their own.”
The figures have provided Nyandoro with empirical support for her argument, reinforcing her position that legislative intervention is necessary to prevent harm to women and children alike.
Zimbabwean MP Advocates Mandatory DNA Testing at Birth to Curb Gender-Based Violence
Nyandoro is not the first prominent female politician to call for mandatory paternity testing. Opposition leader and former presidential candidate Linda Masarira voiced a similar stance just weeks earlier, describing paternity deception as a form of manipulation that unfairly burdens men and contributes to societal mistrust.
“This might be an unpopular opinion with many of my sisters, but it must be said,” Masarira remarked. “Far too often, we see situations where women are forcing, manipulating, or even blackmailing men into taking care of children from previous relationships or marriages—children who are not biologically theirs. This is unfair. It places a heavy and unnecessary burden on men, both financially and emotionally. It is also a form of deception that erodes trust, dignity, and mental health.”
The shared positions of Nyandoro and Masarira indicate a growing momentum among female legislators and activists to address the social and familial consequences of paternity fraud. The issue has sparked conversations in both political and public spheres, reflecting concerns about the safety and well-being of women as well as the psychological welfare of children.
Nyandoro’s motion is expected to be formally presented in parliament in the coming weeks, where it is likely to provoke lively debate. Supporters argue that it represents a practical step toward preventing gender-based violence, protecting women, and safeguarding children from emotional distress. Critics, however, may raise concerns over privacy, consent, and cultural sensitivities surrounding mandatory DNA testing.
As Zimbabwe grapples with rising cases of femicide and domestic violence, the debate over Nyandoro’s proposal underscores the intersection of social justice, family law, and public health. Whether parliament will approve the motion remains to be seen, but the discussion has already brought attention to a controversial yet pressing issue affecting families across the country.
By framing mandatory DNA testing at birth as both a protective and preventative measure, Nyandoro and her supporters aim to foster a legal framework that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and mental well-being of women and children, while addressing the broader societal challenge of paternity-related violence.
Source- Bulawayo24
